I have found the path. I have hunted in Permafrost for a while, of
and on. When I get lucky I can follow some higher level hunters
seeking particular drops. I get the left-overs. I have netted some hq
ore this way. Lots of other good stuff, as well. Gotten a bit of
money for permafrost crystals. Sold lots of armor bagged there.

The profits have been invested in buying fs weapons in SK. I pay a
fair price of 5pp each, and take the items home to Rivervale.

One fs weapon plus one flask of water in the forge nets a small block
of ore.

Small block of ore plus a smithing chisel nets two pieces of hq ore.

Two pieces of hq ore plus one flask of water nets a bit of hq metal.
Or was it two bits? Can't remember right now.

Anyway, the a bit of hq metal, plus a thimble mold, needle mold, and
a flask of water in the Vale Forge gets me... smithing experience. I
have not yet succeeded in making my Vale Sewing Kit, but I am closing
on the prize. After that, those nice 100% weight reduction bags.

Oh, the wealth this Halfling shall find after that.

Strange, I am not an optimist in real life.

Hmph.

Barto Proudfoot