The relative security afforded by their completed shelters and the Tusker deterrence line allowed the Crimson Kindred to transition to more specialized developmental tasks. The 'Leatherworking Station' was already seeing use, with Seraphina and Elara periodically crafting or reinforcing gear. Now, the plans Adrian and Seraphina had laid for the third and final 'Specialized Crafting Station'—the alchemy and herbalism workshop—became the focus of construction.
"This station requires precision, Silas," Seraphina emphasized, reviewing her sketches with him. "The work surfaces must be non-reactive; some of the local mineral powders I've tested show unusual properties when heated. And Adrian will need a stable, controllable heat source for his sanguine alchemy." Silas, ever the pragmatist, nodded. "Fungal-stone, heavily compressed, should resist heat well for the hearth. For the surfaces, perhaps those smooth, slate-like river stones we found, carefully fitted." His 'Deft Hands (Minor)' were already envisioning the intricate work. Garrick, meanwhile, began hauling the selected materials.
[System Notification: Objective (Specialized Crafting Stations) – Construction of 'Alchemy & Herbalism Station' initiated. Materials: Compressed Fungal-Stone, River Slate, Treated Ironwood (for frame). Progress 70% -> 75%.]
While this new construction began, Silas presented the exploration team—Adrian, Marcus, and Elara—with the specialized gear he had been diligently crafting. There were two sturdy Ironwood-handled obsidian picks, their edges honed to a surprising sharpness on the new shaping station. Several torches had been modified with reinforced sconces and a denser packing of resinous material for longer, brighter burns. He had also fashioned a set of prybars from treated Ironwood, tipped with broad obsidian blades. "These are excellent, Silas," Adrian commended, testing the weight and balance of a pick. "Far superior to what we could have made before." Marcus examined a prybar. "This might actually make a difference if we need to dislodge some of that Umbral Iron Ore for samples." Elara, handling a new, more compact hide satchel Seraphina had made, which featured numerous small compartments, added, "And these will be much better for collecting delicate samples or crystals without damage."
[System Notification: Specialized Exploration Equipment (Obsidian Picks x2, Reinforced Torches x4, Ironwood Prybars x2, Multi-Compartment Satchels x3) crafted successfully.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +40 (Advanced Tool Crafting)]
Adrian assisted with the more challenging aspects of the alchemy station's frame, particularly treating the dense Ironwood supports with his 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' to allow Silas to shape them. During a pause, he retreated to his shelter to continue his 'Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy'. He took out his small stock of 'Infused Sanguine Salve (Grade E+)' and a few 'Resonant Crystal' fragments. He didn't attempt a new concoction yet, but instead focused on using a crystal to try and amplify his 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)' when examining the salve itself, hoping to understand its energetic structure more deeply.
[System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)' applied through 'Resonant Crystal' to analyze 'Infused Sanguine Salve'. Minor amplification of sensory input noted. Deeper understanding of salve's energetic matrix gained. Comprehension +1%.]
The crystal acted like a lens, sharpening his perception of the salve's subtle energies. This hinted at future applications for the crystals in both analysis and perhaps even in the alchemical process itself.
Marcus returned from his daily perimeter check. "The valley remains quiet, Adrian. Tuskers are still gone. The Stone-Grain Grass is about ready for another, slightly larger harvest. The first planting seems to have taken well."
[System Notification: Objective (Resource Diversification) – 'Stone-Grain Grass' cultivation progressing. Yield potential increasing. Progress +80% -> +85%.]
By the end of several more cycles, the 'Alchemy & Herbalism Station' was taking shape. A compact, stone-lined hearth was built into one side, with a cleverly designed flue Silas managed to create. Smooth slate slabs formed the main work surface. The new exploration gear was bundled and ready. The Kindred felt a growing sense of preparedness. The upcoming delve into the Echoing Caves would be their most significant venture into the unknown since arriving in the valley. Their expanded crafting capabilities and Adrian's slowly advancing sanguine arts were key to this newfound readiness. Discussions about the precise route and objectives for the cave expedition were now the main topic during their brief evening rests.