1st of Decembary, 5501
Morning
Sis came to me with something unexpected.
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She had been rummaging through the belongings in one of the vacant bedrooms and found references to an old compound nearby. It appears to hold information about an ancient and powerful relic called 'Hormass'.
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The compound is less than half a day's journey down the southern road.
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We can't leave Stalwart Haven just yet. Not until either Coleman returns to his senses, or Lover decides to join our ranks.
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Night
A harsh chill has crept into the colony. We haven't yet constructed heaters for the expanded sections of the colony. We have hot water, but neither Sis nor I possess the construction skills necessary to build radiators.
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To stave off the biting cold, I built a campfire in the entryway. It's a crude solution, but the warmth it provides is enough to keep the worst of the hypothermia at bay.
2nd of Decembary, 5501
The routine of life in Stalwart Haven has settled into a predictable rhythm.
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I wake up late. My first task is to tend to the prisoners, ensuring they're fed and their quarters are clean.
Then, I move on to care for the goats. I do not care for the goats.
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The rest of my night is spent in research.
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Before retiring at dawn, I make another round to the prisoners, ensuring they're set for the day.
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Sis, on the other hand, rises with the sun. Her mornings are dedicated to sewing, preparing warm clothes for the winter ahead.
Afternoon
A slaver caravan – from the League of Butpaen.
Among their stock was Wolfgang, a man skilled with animals. For 200 gold, half of our colony's stash, we secured Wolfgang's freedom.
Wolfgang joined us as a free man. His skills with animals could be the key to reaching Coleman, to bring back a part of my son that seems so far lost.
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Perhaps, with Wolfgang's help, we can start to mend the broken pieces of our lives.
3rd of Decembary, 5501
Morning
An unexpected turn of events in the prison…
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Coleman has somehow formed a bond with Lover, despite his feral state.
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Wolfgang was advised to wear plate armor for safety while attempting to tame Coleman. The risks of wild men attacking during taming attempts are well-known, and we couldn't afford any more injuries.
His efforts with Coleman were met with resistance, leaving us no closer to bringing my son back to his senses.
5th of Decembary, 5501
Night
Wolfgang has done it. Coleman has returned to us. He speaks again, and I can see life in his eyes.
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I cannot express the joy in my heart tonight.
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With Coleman returned, our slated construction projects may finally resume.
12th of Decembary, 5501
Morning
Disturbing events today.
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Gray Cliff Bandits have gathered in the north, waiting to strike. Among them, Sam.
My mother.
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I could not bear to ask the boys and Sis to turn their guns on their own family. I sent out a distress call, hoping an incoming caravan may scare them off.
Afternoon
The slavers who once traded Wolfgang to us answered our call, alongside a royal tribute collector from The Broken Empire.
The traders gathered at the north gate, and the bandits attacked anyway, despite their now paltry numbers.
Every raider fell, save for Sam, struck down by a longbowman's aim. I tended to her wounds. The prison shall be her quarters for now, shared with Lover and McMillion.
Tended to one of the Imperials, Vicky. I thanked her for their protection today. We owe The Empire more than they know.
14th of Decembary, 5501
Evening
Transport pod crashed to the south. Three survivors. Celia, Shigeko, and Jessie.
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I don’t care much for Jessie.
Night
Lover was recruited while I tended to the recent guests. She must be impressed by my medical acumen. I wish I had seen the joy in Coleman's eyes as the two reunited.
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Afterwards, Wolfgang and I continued our work with researching turrets. The promise of automated defenses in the kill box drove us late into the night.
Septober 5501...|...Chapter_9
