Rag Maggot

The Rag Maggot is the first enemy Richie Cheasedust will encounter on Garbage Island, being an orange-haired man using a sleeping bag as a faux-maggot body. The encounter itself is unavoidable but can be addressed in two different ways, either by defeating or pacifying the Maggot.

Strategy
To defeat the Rag Maggot, attacking repeatedly with the pickaxe is the best strategy. The Rag Maggot has more agility than Richie, even unarmed, and will always have the first turn, which it will use to bite. Richie will sustain a portion of damage after the fight, but also gain EXP*.

To pacify the Maggot, do not start the fight before obtaining the Purple Flower, which can be found by climbing above the cave Richie exits at the start. After obtaining the flower, initiate the fight with the Rag Maggot once more, going into your items and using the purple flower on the maggot. This will end the fight, although the Maggot will still get an attack on Richie. Although this solution forsakes the EXP gained, it will open a new area, where many Purple Flowers can be found*.

* along with at least one other item. Will try and clarify ASAP.