The following cycles in the Sheltered Valley were marked by diligent, focused labor as the Crimson Kindred threw their efforts into the Phase Two objectives of 'Kindred Fortification'. The 'Tusker Deterrence Line' to the north held, Marcus and Elara reporting that the formidable boars, while occasionally testing its boundary with wary sniffs and aggressive displays towards the empowered marker posts, had not yet dared to cross it. This fragile peace allowed the others to concentrate on construction.
Work on the first 'Permanent Shelter' became the central activity. Following Seraphina's drafted designs, the 'Type 1 Fortified Shelter' began to rise against the sheer cliff face, promising a level of security and permanence their previous lean-tos could not offer. Garrick's 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' was instrumental in hauling and setting the heavy, local rock-like fungal sections that formed the main walls. Silas, his 'Deft Hands (Minor)' guiding his obsidian tools with unerring precision, shaped the interlocking segments, ensuring a tight, defensible fit. Ridgeback Vines, strong and resilient, were used to lash supporting fungal beams and to reinforce joints. [System Notification: Objective (Permanent Shelters) – 'Type 1 Fortified Shelter' walls reaching waist height. Structural integrity assessed as Good. Progress +25% -> +45%.]
[System Notification: Objective (Defensive Enhancements) – Main perimeter wall incorporating shelter's outer wall, extended and reinforced. Progress +15% -> +30%.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +60 (Sustained Construction Effort)]
During the construction, Adrian found opportunities to apply his developing 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)'. Rather than pure experimentation, he focused on practical application. On several key foundation 'stones' of the rock-like fungus, before they were fully set, he carefully directed his unique energies, as he had with the fungal wood previously. His aim was to instill that temporary increase in structural integrity, hoping to make the foundations of their first true building more resistant to stress and the alien elements. The process was still draining, but he felt his control becoming more intuitive.
[System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' – Applied to Shelter Foundation Segments (x3). Temporary Property: Minor Resilience Increase. Understanding of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' +10%. Practical application proficiency growing.]
Meanwhile, Seraphina, assisted at times by Elara when she wasn't on watch, continued to advance their 'Advanced Resource Processing' capabilities. Having established a system for drying Glowcaps and Sunless Berries, she turned her attention to the Crevice Stalker hides. "These hides are tough, but inflexible," she observed, using her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)'. "If we could treat them somehow, they might serve for more than just basic ground coverings. Perhaps a waterproofing agent or a method to make them more pliable for armor components." She began experimenting with various local plant saps and mineral powders found near the stream, looking for a reaction.
[System Notification: Seraphina using 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' to research hide treatment methods with local reagents. Initial tests underway.]
[System Notification: Objective (Advanced Resource Processing) – Experimentation with Stalker Hide Treatment initiated. Progress +35% -> +40%.]
The objective for 'Resource Diversification' also saw minor progress. Marcus, during a brief patrol along the southern edge of the valley, identified a patch of sturdy, tall grasses with seed heads. [System Notification: New Flora Identified: 'Stone-Grain Grass'. Properties: Seeds edible when ground (coarse flour), stalks highly fibrous (potential for weaving/thatching). Requires cultivation for significant yield.] He brought back samples, and Seraphina confirmed its potential, though noted that relying on it would require learning to cultivate it – a task for another time.
[System Notification: Objective (Resource Diversification) – Potential grain source 'Stone-Grain Grass' identified. Progress +60% -> +65%.]
Adrian, during a brief respite from the construction, contemplated his 'Progenitor Development'. The System had hinted that 'Sanguine Alchemy (Basic)' required "further dedicated research, specific catalysts, or potent blood sources." The Armored Grazer blood had been potent for leveling, but was it a 'potent blood source' for alchemy? Or were catalysts something they needed to find or create? The path was unclear, but his ability to subtly empower objects was a tangible first step. He resolved to dedicate more focused time to pure research once their primary shelter was complete and their defenses more robust.
As the cycle concluded, their main shelter stood with walls at a greater height than before. Modifications had also been made to the camp's protective arrangements. The organization of their food provisions was also subject to ongoing adjustments. The group's presence in the Sheltered Valley was accompanied by some alterations in their direct vicinity. Work continued on various tasks, including material upkeep and supply management.