The first light of the new cycle in the Sheltered Valley found the Crimson Kindred already active, the previous day's intelligence on the Tusker Boars shaping their immediate priorities. "Our immediate priority is to make our current camp more secure and to learn more about the Tuskers' usual behavior," Adrian stated, his gaze sweeping over their rudimentary camp. "The goal is to avoid conflict through awareness and clear boundaries if feasible. Should that prove insufficient, we will need to consider other measures in the future."
Accordingly, the 'Tusker Boar Study' proceeded with an adjusted focus. Marcus and Elara were tasked with observing the herd's reaction to their distant presence and identifying the precise boundaries of what the Tuskers considered their core territory. They were to create subtle disturbances at the periphery, like a displaced rock or an unusual scent (perhaps from a strongly aromatic local plant), to gauge the Boars' sensitivity and response patterns without provoking a charge. [System Notification: Objective (Tusker Boar Study) – Parameter updated: Focus on territorial delineation and reaction to indirect stimuli. Progress 60% -> 65%]
Meanwhile, Adrian, Seraphina, Silas, and Garrick concentrated on enhancing their 'Initial Encampment'. Silas, his 'Deft Hands (Minor)' proving invaluable, directed the construction of a low but sturdy barricade on the more exposed sides of their camp, using interlocked sections of the dense, local rock-like fungi and reinforcing them with sharpened obsidian stakes angled outwards. Garrick's 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' made short work of moving the heavy fungal 'stones' into place. Seraphina, applying her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)', identified harder, more resilient types of the local fungal wood suitable for reinforcing their lean-to shelters, making them more resistant to whatever alien weather this world might produce. [System Notification: Campsite Defenses (Tier 0) – Basic Fungal-Stone Barricade initiated. Shelter Integrity improved.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +40 (Collaborative Fortification Efforts)]
The 'Valley Resource Collection' also continued. While some gathered more Glowcaps, others, under Seraphina's guidance, began to explore other fungi and hardy shrubs in the immediate vicinity of the camp, cautiously testing for edibility or other uses. [System Notification: Seraphina using 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' to assess new flora samples...] One particular discovery was a tough, fibrous vine, different from the Bloodvines of their old forest, but still strong. [System Notification: Resource Identified: Ridgeback Vine.][Properties: High durability, moderate flexibility, slightly abrasive texture. Difficult to ignite.][Use: Heavy-duty binding, reinforcing structural joints, crafting crude nets or barriers.] Silas immediately saw its potential for strengthening their barricades and for creating more robust snares.
During a lull in the construction, Adrian found a moment for his 'Progenitor Development'. He took a small, smooth river stone and a single, sharp obsidian flake. Drawing a drop of his own blood onto the stone, he then pressed the obsidian flake against it, focusing his will, his 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)', attempting to infuse the point of contact with a temporary adhesive property, to make the flake stick to the stone without any other binding. The concentration required was immense. The obsidian flake trembled, then adhered to the bloodied stone for a fleeting second before falling away. [System Notification: Skill 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' applied to externalized blood – Attempting temporary material adhesion. Partial Success (Ephemeral bond created). Significant mental strain. Understanding of Progenitor Blood Composition +0.5%. Insight towards 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' gained – potential to temporarily imbue inert objects with minor blood-aspected properties.] Though brief, the success was exhilarating. It was another step, however small, on the path to 'Sanguine Alchemy (Basic)' and creating unique applications for his blood.
Later that cycle, Marcus and Elara returned. "The Tuskers are highly reactive to direct incursions into the northern third of the valley, especially near the stream's source," Marcus reported. "They aggressively charged a large boulder we dislodged near that area. However, they seem to largely ignore the southern two-thirds, where we are camped, provided we make no overt displays towards their territory." Elara added, "We also found signs that they migrate out of the valley for short periods, perhaps to forage for specific minerals or roots not available here. Their trails lead over the western hills." [System Notification: Objective (Tusker Boar Study) – Territorial boundaries and reactivity levels further clarified. Migration patterns noted. Progress 65% -> 85%]
This was valuable intelligence. It suggested that with careful management and by respecting their core territory for now, direct conflict might be avoidable while the Kindred established themselves. "Excellent work," Adrian acknowledged. "We will fortify our current position, establish clear boundaries with scent markers or subtle barricades on the northern approach, and continue to observe. For now, the valley is large enough for us all, if we are wise."
The camp was more secure, their understanding of their formidable neighbors was growing, and Adrian's unique powers were slowly, painstakingly, beginning to unfold. The Sheltered Valley was beginning to feel less like an alien landscape and more like a territory to be claimed and mastered. [System Notification: Objective (Valley Resource Collection) – Ridgeback Vine identified and samples collected. Progress +70% -> 80%]