Day I

My dearest Jarl Black-Briar,

When I accepted your offer to come to the Rift, I had half-expected a representative to greet me at the border and guide me through this strange land. However, when I crossed the border, I received representatives of the Empire, who clapped me in irons with a bunch of foul-smelling Stormcloaks.

I was taken to the village of Helgen were I was to be executed, even though I was not on their execution list. Just after they man-handled me down to the chopping block, a very peculiar site flew over the mountains.

A dragon is now on the loose, and nearly killed me on more than one occasion while in the town. Thankfully an Imperial soldier whom had shown sympathy for me, aided me in my escape.

Taking me miles from my designated route, and having no road for me to follow, I was forced to climb across a dreadful mountain range, and try and find my way to Ivarstead with a rough map of the land.

However, the trek across the foothills did not prove a complete loss, for many new herbs were presented to me. Below I have compiled a small catalog of eight herbs and ingredients which have been organized alphabetically. All of them can be discovered within the Rift.

• Bear Claws
  I took the claws off of a dead bear which I found in the passage out of Helgen, which was a blighter to kill if I do say so myself. I have discovered that the claws hold the power to restore stamina, which could possibly be compatible with the Purple or Blue mountain flowers, a possible spouse for an Alchemy concoction, then again, it may not. I received them at 1:30 PM, Sundas, the 17^th of Last seed.
• Blue Mountain Flowers
  This was my first discovery, of which I maid just outside of the escape tunnel I used to get away from the dragon. The time was 2:26 PM, Sundas, the 17^th of Last Seed. As far as I know the Blue Mountain Flower has the ability to restore health, which will be very useful in the making of a health potion.
• Bone Meal
  Bone Meal can be salvaged off of almost every skeleton (note: ALMOST! Some skeletons do not yield the ingredient). This particular ingredient is the first to have a negative affect on the user. It is capable of damaging stamina, which will be used for a poison. I warn that you should avoid putting it with an ingredient that restores stamina, as it will most likely be a waste of ingredients. Discovered at the time of 7:43 PM, 17^th of Last Seed.
• Purple Mountain Flowers
  I believe that the Purple Mountain Flower is a close relative to the Blue Mountain Flower, and it has the ability to restore stamina, fortify sneak, and resist frost. The Purple Mountain Flower fascinates me because of it's vast range of abilities. I can not even number the amount of possibilities this little flower could hold within. It was discovered at the time of 5:14 PM, 17^th of Last Seed along the road to Ivarstead.
• Red Mountain Flower
  Alas! I have discovered a new type of mountain flowers, which are very bountiful around Ivarstead, and in many other regions of the province. The Red Mountain Flower has the ability to restore magicka. I have become enthralled with the diversity of your land's botanical life forms. I have taken a peculiar liking to these small red flowers which litter the lands surrounding Ivarstead, mainly because it is very difficult to see them around Ivarstead, due to the bounty of red leaves that cover the ground. From a distance they look like nothing more than grass with aspen leave on them, unless you look very close at them, and realize they have the small pedals. I found the first Red Mountain Flowers at about 9:46 PM, 17^th of Last Seed.
• Salt Piles
  Salt Piles can be found in many different places all across the Province. It can be found in large quantities in sacks and barrels, though it is rare. Can also be found on the tops of tables and inside some chests. It has the ability to weaken Magicka, which will work for a good poison. Discovered at 8:43 PM, 17^th of Last Seed, inside abandoned shack.
• Snow Berries
  I have heard of these small red berries, though have never seen one in the wild. So far it has the ability to Resist Fire, which will be useful in an anti-magicka potion. The snow berries were discovered somewhere in between Helgen and Ivarstead, though I could not tell, as the night sky was masked with clouds. The time was around 5:00 PM on the 17^th of Last Seed.
• Spider Eggs
  A little odd-feeling on the way down, though a fairly good tasting ingredient. These can be found mainly in the large egg sacks of spider dens, which are found in many caves and anceint ruins across Skyrim. This small egg has the ability to Damage Stamina, which will be compatible with most poisonous ingredients. Found underneath Helgen at 1:15 PM 17^th of Last Seed.

As you can see, you made the right decision, asking me here. I believe I shall enjoy life outside of Hammerfell, If I can find suitable shelter. Azura willing, I shall find a place to live, without having to build my own house out of branches and moss. I hope that you are pleased with my findings and will report back soon with my latest results.

You faithful servant,

Kaari Al Hamwi.

Hello, and may your road lead you to warm sands.

          My name is Kaari... Kaari Al Hamwi, a humble Redgaurd woman from Hammer fell. I have come to this dreadfully cold land in search of new herbs, recipes, and to create a complete guide of the herbs and ingredients of Skyrim. My home is located outside of Ivarstead, though I travel all about in search of weary travelers in need of healing and food.
          I will be reporting my findings to you, Jarl Black-Briar, and to all of the citizens within the Rift, when ever I can. I hope you will be pleased with my reports, which will include all of the herbs and ingredients I find, all discovered recipes of the week, and a description of each plant I find.

          Thank you my Jarl, and may your hold prosper.