First I had to forge a rather feisty river and lost my footing, falling straight into the arms of its resident naiad. So embarrassing. She was one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid eyes on, although she seemed flustered by my lack of coordination. I introduced myself and apologised profusely as she helped me back to shore. She told me her name is Nelofar, but that I could call her Nel if I liked. She was keen on conversation, and we spoke for a little while, but in time I had to explain my search to her and say my goodbyes. She seemed shy, but almost flirtatious? I don’t want to assume, but I think we hit it off. It’s really a shame that I had to move on in such a hurry. I wonder if I’ll see her again.

Soon after, I was fortunate to find what I was looking for - and yet, not so fortunate, as the mushrooms I was picking were probably growing in a fairy ring that I was too occupied to notice. I say this because halfway through my harvest I fell into a familiar fever and lost my footing again, blacking out to the sound of whispers in the strange and beautiful language I’ve only heard once before. I awoke just outside of town in another fairy ring - although, thankfully, still holding onto my Coffee Caps.

I was able to serve Yolanda her Come-To Brew in good time, despite everything, and she perked right out of her fixation. She even complimented me on the taste. She suggested I could start selling this concoction for purely recreational purposes as well, but I don’t think it would work out. It’s far too expensive to make.

Paid: 28 silver

My next destination was Hero’s Hollow to replenish the ingredients for Muffins’ remedy (I have them in the storeroom but it’s always good to keep stocked). Again, my trip was full of mixed luck. The very first thing I did was step into an acid trap and get badly burned, and I had to go right home again to heal myself. Of course then it felt like a challenge, and my stubbornness compelled me to return and try again.

This time I found the Coldrust I needed on a suit of armor in the old ruined library, and was able to gather Hermit Snail shells along the path outside of Rufus’ little dungeon shop. He asked if I was there to buy today, but I told him I’d better not. I wanted to see if I could gather a little more Vampire Venom on my way out. Sadly, all I did next was fall into yet another trap. I had to go home with a good deal less blood and no painkillers at all, neither for me or for Bàs Bàta.

I don’t know what I’ve done to bring this upon myself. Maybe that weird “Orendal” box I found in the lake was cursed.

“Chillixir Mix”

Crush Hermit Snail shells into a fine powder

Crush Coldrust & mix together with the shell dust

Dissolve powder into any beverage

End result will be cold & refreshing without the need for ice

Paid: 60 silver When my raven returned I saw that Nana Dorea passed along double payment as compensation for the burden of extra duties, which I’m certainly not going to refuse, especially if this is going to be the norm. I was already nearly regretting the new arrangement, after everything, but this might make just it all worth it.

Additional Notes:

I bought a sickle in town for 70 silver in hopes of improving my foraging a bit on bad-luck days. I also went and paid a visit to the Lunar Tower, in case the problem was that my equipment needed purification. After that I felt a little bit better, and I eventually managed to get up the gumption to head out to Hero’s Hollow again.

Already my luck was much better this time around, as I was able to get a good dose of Vamp Venom within the first few hours or so of the expedition. I was also startled by the sight of a wooden chest walking around and sniffing things as I rounded the corner. It seems to be a mimic, I assume - I know of them but this is the first time I’ve ever seen one in person - and it was very friendly. It shuffled right up to me and allowed me to give it a few pats. It seemed hungry, but when I offered some of my trail rations it was utterly disinterested, and it eventually wandered off. I wish I’d had something else to give it.

Further down the corridor I accidentally stepped on a skeleton again - why do they insist on sleeping in the middle of the floor? - and as his loud, droning complaints filled my ears I recognized the voice as the same one I’d stepped on last time. I called him out and asked where the helmet was that I’d given him, and his whining quieted instantly into a mutter as he told me he’d lost it. I asked his name (it’s Paul), then explained to him at length why it was a bad idea for him to sleep sprawled across the middle of a corridor if he didn’t want to get stepped on, and this time I think I might have gotten through to him. At least he was tired enough of my lecturing to agree and move along somewhere else.

When I accidentally entered the puzzle room, it was filled with mirrors, and it waylaid me for a long while as I tried to find my way out. The upside is that I discovered a vampire taking a nap in one corner - it seems it was lying in wait for a victim and dozed off. Taking my chance, I extracted a second dose of venom before taking my leave and heading back home.

OOC: Rep – 14 [Intermediate] Silver – 54 Tools – basics / coracle / sickle (+2 foraging points) Familiar skill – Hunter (-3 Animal reagent rarity) Golem Helper: getting settled

Upgrades: – Garden plot (x1; Surgeon Sap) – Raven Loft (take 2 jobs; if both on time, x2 pay for second draw)