Puddy

In terms of using the gears, the power they generate as mentioned above is probably the key factor. Probably would pair well with different gear sizes and building translations/transmission where said gear is but a small piece to a bigger picture. I'd see it more for potential to become great than being OP from the start, if done right. Maybe treat it like a little reward to those that manage to engineer good transmissions or chains to automated machinery. Once again would only work if we'd have various sizes to manage speeds and rpm. (And could alleviate using brakes, for example.) Heh. A "currency" for transolcator detection. Kinda funny but cool. I like that.

I think that could expand on what cellars already are doing, but maybe with other size/insulation methods. Though how how much further would that decrease the factors of spoilage and does that only apply for certain temp thresholds? This could work for any climate that's in the positives of temp, I feel. The implementation probably (I don't do any modding or coding so don't fully take my word on that) isn't too complex considering that it'd be an extension to cellar possibilities. Probably.

Granite deserts really are one of the best places to start in, I also think it's one of the best looking stones overall. I think Vintage Story's gameplay thrives off of the fact that you sometimes will have to venture out, or even fully move to settle with resources that you will need. At least I personally think that it's a lot of fun to realize that an adventure is in order for certain items. Though I feel the same often about Halite. I have VERY BAD luck with salt, it seems.