Hello melparrishjr,
Thanks for testing Windstone. I'm sorry you had such a hard time with all the dying. Once you learn the mechanics of the game it becomes much easier and living indefinitely in relative safety is possible. That is the current end goal and objective, to figure out how to not die, much like sandbox mode in the game The Long Dark, which is permadeath in comparison (in Windstone you can at least load your last save).
If you eat blue cap mushrooms, your arrows will glow brightly when you fire them making it much easier to judge their trajectory.
Eating most of the mushrooms will cure the "muddled state" and add to your mental fortitude. Make sure to tend to whatever is causing the muddled state (sleeping if you're tired, eating when your hungry etc)
The hide poncho slows the rate at which you get cold but is not supposed to keep you completely warm forever. You will still need a fire or at least a lit torch most nights but will not become cold as fast while wearing the poncho. The portable shelter also helps keep you warm.
If the dragon hatchling dies you have to reload a previous save to get it back as it is the last dragon on the island. This may change in the future. He will only eat meat as he is a carnivore like dragons in real life :D
The game is supposed to be very hard and I am inspired much by the mechanics and game play of The Long Dark (sandbox mode) with aspects of Ark but leaning more towards the former.
Windstone is in its early infancy in a free to play alpha state only recently released to the public. Much has changed based on feedback since release and much more will change before I set a price to it.
Thanks again for your feedback and I will definitely take it all into consideration.