The immediate task for the Crimson Kindred was the completion of the 'Leatherworking Station'. Silas, with Garrick's continued assistance for the heavier fungal wood components, put the finishing touches on the sturdy workbench and its associated stretching frames and cutting surfaces. Seraphina's design was practical, allowing for efficient workflow.
[System Notification: Objective (Specialized Crafting Stations) – 'Leatherworking Station' construction complete. Station is operational. (2 of 3 Stations Built). Overall Objective Progress now 66%.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +100 (Major Crafting Infrastructure Milestone)]
No sooner was the station declared operational than Seraphina and Elara put it to use. With the supply of treated Crevice Stalker hides and the superior obsidian cutting tools from Silas's new station, they began crafting more robust gear. Their initial focus was on items needed for the planned deeper exploration of the 'Echoing Cave System': sturdy backpacks with reinforced straps, durable pouches for carrying samples or tools, and even attempts at basic protective armguards from the thickest parts of the hide.
[System Notification: Crafting Success: Sturdy Hide Backpack (x2), Reinforced Gear Pouch (x4), Basic Hide Armguard (x2 pair) produced using 'Leatherworking Station'.]
Concurrent with this, Silas turned his attention to crafting the specialized exploration equipment Adrian had requested. Using the 'Advanced Obsidian Shaping Station', he began to meticulously knap larger, more durable obsidian heads for potential digging tools or pry bars. He also selected some of the dense Ironwood beams, which Adrian then carefully treated with his 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' to make them temporarily workable. From these, Silas aimed to fashion resilient handles for the new tools and reinforced sconces for longer-burning torches.
[System Notification: Silas utilizing 'Advanced Obsidian Shaping Station' and empowered Ironwood to craft Specialized Exploration Tools. Progress ongoing.]
[System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' – Applied to Ironwood sections for tool crafting. Understanding of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' +5%. Efficiency in repeated application on difficult materials improving.]
While these practical tasks were underway, Adrian and Seraphina began planning the third and final 'Specialized Crafting Station': the alchemy and herbalism workshop. "This station will need more than just a workbench," Seraphina mused, sketching preliminary designs. "It will require a controlled heat source, resistant surfaces for handling potentially reactive substances, secure storage for reagents—like your Sanguine Salve, Adrian, or the Resonant Crystal powder—and perhaps even a small, contained water source for rinsing and mixing." Adrian nodded. "It must be suitable for my continued sanguine alchemy research and for your analysis of local flora and minerals, Seraphina, including any potential herbal remedies or poisons we might discover or need to create." The thought of refining his 'Infused Sanguine Salve (Grade E+)' further, or developing entirely new concoctions, was a driving force for his 'Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy' objective.
[System Notification: Objective (Specialized Crafting Stations) – Design phase for 'Alchemy & Herbalism Station' initiated. Requirements: Heat source, non-reactive surfaces, reagent storage. Progress 66% -> 70%.]
Marcus, returning from a perimeter sweep of the valley, reported that the 'Tusker Deterrence Line' remained undisturbed and there were still no signs of the Boar herd's return. "The valley remains quiet for now," he stated. "The smaller creatures seem to be adjusting to our presence and the boundary line. The Stone-Grain Grass patch is also showing more vigorous growth in the last cycle."
[System Notification: Objective (Resource Diversification) – 'Stone-Grain Grass' cultivation plot exhibiting healthy development. Progress +75% -> +80%.]
By the end of several more cycles, a small collection of improved exploration gear was taking shape under Silas's diligent hands: a pair of sturdy Ironwood-handled obsidian picks, several long-burning torches with reinforced sconces, and a set of tough hide satchels made by Seraphina and Elara. The leatherworking station was functional. Planning for the alchemy station was also an ongoing task. The group engaged in various activities which involved their skills, alongside thoughts about future cave examinations and local resource assessments.