The focus of the Crimson Kindred in the subsequent cycle was the completion of their initial objectives within the Sheltered Valley. Marcus and Elara embarked on what they hoped would be their final intensive observation for the 'Tusker Boar Study'. Their goal was to confirm the herd's migratory patterns and to test the absolute limits of their perceived territory without direct confrontation.
At the same time, other members of the group focused on the 'Valley Resource Collection'. Garrick and Silas went to the locations of the rock-like fungi and Ridgeback Vines, where the use of their improved obsidian implements aided in a more productive gathering of these materials. Seraphina persisted with her careful study of the area's plant life, employing her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' to evaluate what could be useful. [System Notification: Seraphina using 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)'. New Edible Plant Identified: 'Sunless Berry'. Properties: Tart, high in mineral content, safe for consumption by most humanoid physiologies (non-vampiric), can be dried for preservation. Minor digestive aid.] "Another find," Seraphina announced later, presenting a handful of dull purple berries. "Sunless Berries. Edible, and they preserve well when dried. This will further supplement the Glowcaps for any future… diversification needs."
[System Notification: Objective (Resource Diversification) – Progress +40% -> +60% (Edible Berry Identified and Processable).]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +25]
Adrian, while overseeing the camp's gradual improvements—better organization of supplies, reinforcement of the lean-to shelters using Ridgeback Vines by Silas—dedicated a significant portion of his time to his 'Progenitor Development'. He focused on the insight towards 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)'. Taking a freshly knapped obsidian arrowhead Silas had crafted, Adrian carefully let a single drop of his blood fall onto its razor edge. He then concentrated intensely, not just on his blood, but on willing a specific property into the obsidian itself, using his blood as a conduit, a catalyst. He pictured the edge becoming subtly more resilient, holding its sharpness longer, imbued with a faint trace of his vampiric essence that might prove unsettling to mundane creatures. The arrowhead seemed to absorb the blood drop completely, and for a moment, Adrian thought he perceived a faint, almost invisible crimson aura flicker along its edge. [System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' – First Application Attempt: Imbue Obsidian Arrowhead (Temporary Property: Minor Edge Retention & Unsettling Aura). Partial Success. Duration: Extremely short (minutes). Cost: Moderate mental strain, minimal blood expenditure. Understanding of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' +10%.] It was a fleeting effect, the aura vanishing quickly, but the arrowhead felt subtly different to his senses for a few minutes after. This was it—the true beginning of his unique path of blood alchemy, the ability to alter and empower objects.
By the end of the cycle, Marcus and Elara returned. "The Tuskers are confirmed to leave the valley entirely for approximately one full cycle out of every five, heading west over the hills," Marcus reported. "During this time, the northern part of the valley, including the stream's source, is largely uncontested by them. Their territorial markings are dense around the northern thicket they use for resting." Elara added, "We pushed closer to their resting area while they were present, using extreme caution. They become highly agitated if any scent or sound directly approaches the thicket, but their patrol range seems confined to the immediate vicinity of that area and their primary grazing grounds."
[System Notification: Objective (Tusker Boar Study) – Comprehensive behavioral data, migration patterns, and territorial limits established. Objective Complete!]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +100 (Strategic Objective Met)]
Soon after, the final loads of rock-fungi and Ridgeback Vines were brought into the camp, fulfilling their initial stockpile needs.
[System Notification: Objective (Valley Resource Collection) – Initial stockpile targets for construction materials and edible Glowcaps met. Objective Complete!]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +75 (Strategic Objective Met)]
With all four Phase 1 objectives for 'Kindred Fortification' now complete, Adrian gathered the Kindred. "Phase one is accomplished. We have a foothold, water, resources, and a clear understanding of the Tuskers." He paused, then continued, "Our long-term strategy for the Tuskers needs to be decided. Given their migratory pattern and clearly defined core territory, I propose we focus on establishing a more permanent and visible boundary between our intended settlement area and their northern grounds. We will use Ridgeback Vines, perhaps incorporating obsidian shards as a deterrent, and scent markers. We will observe if they respect this more formal demarcation. Direct culling will be a last resort, only if they prove an active threat to our expansion or safety after such measures." The others nodded in agreement. It was a cautious but proactive approach.
As if acknowledging their progress and new resolve, the System updated. [System Notification: 'Kindred Fortification - Phase 1' Complete. New Objectives Issued.][System Objectives (Kindred Fortification - Phase 2):1. Permanent Shelters: Construct at least three durable, weather-resistant shelters using local and gathered materials (Upgrade from Tier 0 Lean-tos). (0/3)2. Defensive Enhancements: Erect a reinforced perimeter wall or palisade around the core settlement area (Upgrade from basic barricade). (0/1)3. Advanced Resource Processing: Develop a dedicated area and basic tools for processing obsidian, hides, and preserving foodstuffs more efficiently. (0/1)4. Tusker Deterrence Line: Establish a clear, non-lethal deterrent line between the settlement and the Tusker Boars' primary territory. Monitor Tusker reaction. (0/1)]
The path was clear. Their fledgling settlement, currently named only by the System as a 'Tier 0 - Den Site', was ready to evolve. The Sheltered Valley would soon bear the first true marks of the Crimson Kindred's dominion.