Diary of Pip Rippon

Too out of it to go far today, simply went out to clear my head and pop into the local for an early NYE pint. Didn't recognise anyone, as is the usual at this time of year, bunch of strangers and random "go out a few times a year" types from Hellsborough and further abroad. Never mind. That's me done for today then.

The festivities are rolling on and on, they climax tomorrow, but today I had to get out for a bit to clear my head. As usual Shad accompanied me, trailing behind at his regular distance. Headed out for Ughill Heights and the Edgefield Obelisk, an impressive structure erected to mark the site of a stream where a local child was drowned. Nothing much other of interest other than the murk was lazy, soaking me through and spotted a dead Dyapnid in the ditch near the part of the Wisewood called Storrs Wood. A few paces further along there was the carcass of a pied grizzler, presumably it and the dyapnid (or maybe a pack of them) had been fighting and these two had succumbed to their wounds. I noted that Shad gave the latter a wide berth as he passed it, nothing is interested in a dead grizzler; I bet its body is still laid there a month from now.

Took it easy yesterday with the celebrations, so was able to get out early today. Headed out (with my guardian barker, as always) North West along the River Dun, and then, for a change, cut back North East after the Outibridge into the Greater Grenowood, right on the border of crosslander territory; not something I do often, but I feel safe with Shad's protection, and these people -- these Nether humans, I've met a few and they're fine -- despite what some would have you believe in Hellsborough, but what do they know, they never go anywhere. So I expected to see a few Leys or Moors, but no one about at all, clearly they are enjoying their own celebrations. I will be doing the same tonight, invited by Van over to his place, so maybe won't be doing alot tomorrow.

The first day of festivities, so wanted to get some time in The Dark Peak, but stayed local due to other commitments. Highlight was Boggard lane shrouded by the murk, very spooky, but unfortunately, no actual Syncarid sightings, which is a shame.

The murk was heavier than usual, with visibility down to a few paces as we -- me, with Shad, my guardian, trailing a short distance behind -- clambered up above the Wise Wood tree line, following Ben Lane to the summit of Knowle Hill. Shad went off after a scrufftail after we had descended back down to the banks of the River Loxley, I expect he was keeping an eye on me from a distance, but I didn't actually see him again today.