Snowrunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Driver Log One: It Begins With a Scout

My SnowRunner permadeath journey begins with a scout vehicle, a few tutorial missions, and one very heavy curtain trailer. Day One sets the tone: slow, strategic, and a little bit chaotic.

📜 Series Hub: SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries Main Hub

🛠 Rules: SnowRunner Permagear Rules

💡 Why Permagear Works: Read the reasoning behind the challenge

🛻 It Begins With a Scout

My journey starts in a Chevrolet scout, an eager little vehicle that handles like a nervous goat but gets the job done.
Mission One: Find the Watchtower.
Easy enough—until I hit mud.

Lesson learned:

Use low gear in sticky terrain.
Turn on AWD whenever possible.
Fuel up when the game offers. (Not optional. A warning.)

Watchtower found. Map revealed. Let the chaos begin.

🛠 A Truck, a Bridge, and a Hopeful Start

Next up: Find the truck.
It’s nearby. It doesn’t have AWD. I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

Mission: Repair the bridge.
Step 1: Deliver metal beams. The truck barely handles the terrain, but low gear carries me through.
Cue a satisfying cutscene where the bridge assembles itself like IKEA furniture—only sturdier.

Step 2: Fetch timber from the lumber mill and complete the job.
Done and done.

🏚 Finding the Garage (And Dragging a Dead Truck)

Mission: Find the garage.
I switch back to my scout—it’s lighter, faster, and slightly less grumpy than the truck.

On the way, I:
• Discover another Watchtower
• Spot a broken-down truck near the garage
• Stumble upon a raised suspension upgrade for the scout—a very tempting find

Instead of turning round after I find the upgrade, I decided to do this…

The catch? I can’t install it until the vehicle is safely in the garage.

So I finish the trip, reach the garage, and then use the scout to tow the dead truck across the yard like I’m dragging a fridge with a rope belt.

Once everything’s safe and parked, raised suspension installed. My little scout has grown up.

🧊 An Invitation to Alaska (Declined)

The game suggested I check out Alaska.
I suggested it wait its turn.
We’re sticking to Michigan for now—it’s got enough ways to kill me already.

📦 The Curtain Call

With the tutorial chain complete, I take on my first real contract:
Deliver a curtain trailer to the farm.

The trailer’s right by the garage, so I:
• Switch to the same truck that repaired the bridge
• Unlock a raised suspension upgrade for it too (thanks, Michigan)
• Install the upgrade in the garage
• Attach the trailer and hit the road

It wasn’t fast. The trailer was heavy, the truck groaned, and I crept toward the farm like someone afraid of commitment.

But I made it. Trailer delivered. First contract—and Day One of this adventure—is complete.

Want more SnowRunner? Day Two can be found here.

18th Jul 2025 1

Sneak, Snipe, Repeat: Skyrim Survival Day Twelve

The Dragon at Kynesgrove

Day 12 of the Skyrim Survival Mode playthrough. A desperate march through a blizzard leads to a deadly encounter with Sahloknir at Kynesgrove.

Missed the previous day? Find it here: Skyrim Survival Day Eleven

[Interlude Recap – The Road to Riverwood]

Because I forgot to make a note of what happened

After surviving a High Elf ambush near Honningbrew and realizing I’d accidentally sold my only torch (a true survival pro, clearly), I made the chilly trek from Morthal to Riverwood. My goal? Track down whoever had politely stolen Jurgen Windcaller’s horn and left a cryptic note about it.

Upon arrival, I met the mysterious individual behind the theft — who, thankfully, turned out to be more “cryptic guide” than “bandit with a flair for calligraphy.” They handed over the horn without a fuss, which was nice… right up until they asked me to go kill a dragon at Kynesgrove.

Because obviously, if I can survive wolves, hypothermia, and poor decision-making, dragon-slaying is the next logical step.

Chasing the Dragon (Literally)

There are days in Skyrim where you feel like destiny is calling. Today was one of those days. I could have taken a brief detour to drop off the horn with the Greybeards, but when you know there’s a dragon waiting to be resurrected, priorities tend to realign.

Vampires, bandits, assassins, wild animals—they all tried their best to slow me down along the way. But I was focused. The true fight lay ahead.

A Grim March Toward Kynesgrove

The journey itself was tense. The air grew colder with each step closer to Kynesgrove. Was it the dragon’s presence? Was it simply the Skyrim weather being its usual cruel self? Hard to say. I stopped several times to check my bearings and steal a few glances at Loki. It crossed my mind more than once that this might be our last trek together.

As I neared Kynesgrove, the weather fully descended into a blizzard. Visibility was almost nonexistent. I encountered a lone villager who confirmed the obvious: a dragon was circling above. No kidding.

A Brief Respite Before the Storm

I found the local inn, empty. Either everyone had fled or were smart enough to avoid the place entirely. With no one around and no real chance for rest, I left Loki safely behind and pressed on alone. Loki didn’t need to be part of this.

The Resurrection of Sahloknir

At the burial mound, Alduin made his grand appearance, resurrecting Sahloknir right before my eyes. The cold gnawed at me, my health bar already looking dangerously low before the real fight even began.

And then the battle was on.

The Fight for Survival

Sahloknir wasted no time unleashing his icy breath, shredding what little health I had left. I knew I couldn’t survive many hits. Then Delphine arrived, drawing the dragon’s attention long enough for me to slip back and start unloading arrows.

When Sahloknir refocused on me, one more breath could have ended everything. But I kept firing. One arrow after another. Finally, the beast collapsed.

Victory, Barely

With Sahloknir slain, I spoke with Delphine. A Blade in the Dark was complete; Diplomatic Immunity had now begun. I staggered back into Kynesgrove, found the first available bed, and collapsed into it.

I live to fight another day.

17th Jul 2025 1

Customloper Diaries Day Four: Locked Trunks, Blizzards, and Pancake Promises

Customloper Diaries – Day 4: Prybars, Pancake Plans, and the Blizzard Lock-In

Weather: Clear morning, moose-level tension, full blizzard finale
Loot Highlights: Prybar, Storm Lantern, memento cache hint, acorns
Mood: Energised → cautious → “nope, not stepping outside”

Missed Day 3? Read it here. |
What is Customloper?

Moose Tracks and Memory Trunks

Morning at Paradise Meadows Farm is deceptively calm—blue skies, crisp air, and the kind of silence that makes you think “safe.” Which, as I’ve learned, is usually the universe setting you up for trouble. My goal is simple: get back to Grey Mother’s without freezing, starving, or becoming wildlife entertainment.

Before I even make it to the main road, I spot circling birds. If you’ve read my blog before, you know this usually means a corpse. And corpses mean loot. Sure enough, today’s offering is a prybar lying beside the unlucky owner. I take a respectful moment—then take the prybar. Survival first, sentiment later.

Milton’s Got Loot

With my new tool in hand, I march into Milton like a one-person locksmith service. Every locked trunk and locker I’d previously ignored is now fair game. The results? A couple of sodas, some gloves, and various odds and ends. Not exactly jackpot material, but the sense of clearing my “to-open” list is its own reward.

My real prize comes at Orca Gas Station. Perched on top of a ladder, basking in the weak winter sunlight, is a Storm Lantern. I’d have climbed Mount Timberwolf itself for this. It’s not just light—it’s morale. No more groping around in the dark like an amateur escape artist.

Signs in the Snow

Lantern in my pack, I head toward Milton Park. That’s when I see it—moose rubbings etched into a tree. My mood shifts instantly from “pleasant stroll” to “scan every shadow for large, angry silhouettes.” I haven’t actually seen a moose yet this run, but I’m not eager to test my odds.

Nearby, I gather acorns. They’re a small thing, but they bring me one step closer to Lily’s Pancakes—my long-term culinary goal. The catch? I still need Cooking Level 4. Which means at least seventy cups of tea, or possibly cooking every edible thing on the island. Twice.

Before heading out, I also find a memento cache hint. A promise of future loot, assuming I make it that far. If past runs are anything to go by, the odds are… let’s call them “variable.”

Blizzard Becomes the Boss Fight

By the time I start for my shelter, the snow is falling thicker. A few minutes later, I’m in the middle of a full blizzard. Visibility drops to “couldn’t find your own footprints,” and the wind is howling like it’s trying to blow the entire town off the map. Somewhere out there, I think I hear movement—could be a wolf, could be my imagination. Either way, the door stays closed.

Inside, I get a fire going, boil water, and cook whatever’s left in my pack. The mattress here is old, musty, and about as supportive as a wet paper bag, but compared to freezing to death, it’s luxury. Outside, the storm rages. Inside, I’m dry, warm, and in possession of a prybar, a storm lantern, and a future pancake dream. Could be worse.

Day 4 Summary

Location: Milton Region
Finds: Prybar, Storm Lantern, memento cache hint, acorns
Wildlife Watch: Potential moose spawn
Conditions: Blizzard-bound
Status: Warm, fed, slightly paranoid—but alive

Continue the Journey

◀ Customloper Diaries – Day 3: Charcoal Maps, Rabbit Stew, and a Surprise Wolf Hug
Customloper Diaries – Day 5 ▶

Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – The Final Days

In today’s entry of my Dredge permadeath run, I dredge up mysterious junk, mistake a deadly Angler for a friendly boat, earn my second Madness Strike, and finally sink myself by sailing straight into rocks. A fitting end for the S.S. Bad Decisions.

Missed the previous entry? Find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Six

Day 7 in Dredge: The Key to My Demise

Well, it’s been a while since I last braved these haunted waters, but after reacquainting myself with what needed doing, I set out to sea. I found my first spot to dredge the depths—and promptly learned I am terrible at it. I’m so used to fishing and avoiding the holes that trying to aim for them scrambled my poor sailor brain. After some flailing, I eventually nailed it and dredged up… a roll of paper. Followed by another one. I briefly wondered if I could flog them to the Trader as antique toilet paper.

Onwards I went, and at my next dredging spot, success! I fished up a key. The Collector wants this, so off I went, aiming for what I thought was Blackstone Isle. I saw a red X on my map and figured that had to be the place.

Dear reader, I was sorely mistaken.

Instead of heading south, I went north, homing in on that red X like a determined—but geographically challenged—pigeon. As I pondered my navigation skills, night fell. And boy, did it fall hard. It got so dark that when I spotted another ship’s lights, I felt a flicker of excitement; finally, another vessel! Except… it wasn’t a friendly ship. It was the glowing lure of what I assume was a giant Angler fish. It rammed me, leaving me with two points of hull damage. Lovely. I also earned my second Madness Strike for my troubles.

Eventually, I docked, only to discover I wasn’t at Blackstone Isle at all—I’d landed at Steel Point. I decided that was enough excitement for one day and called it a night.

Day 8 (aka The Final Voyage)

Normally, this is where I’d sign off, but I decided to roll right into what turned out to be my final day. What brought about my watery end, you ask? My own steering.

I undocked, ready to head for Greater Marrow, only to immediately slam into some rocks. That final scrape took out the last of my hull integrity, and my ship went down. Madness didn’t get me. A sea monster didn’t get me. My own driving did me in.

Really didn’t think I’d end the run due to my driving. Guess I’ll stick to Mario Kart

RIP, S.S. Bad Decisions. You will not be missed.

Lesson learned: In Dredge, the real horror isn’t what lurks beneath the waves—it’s what happens when I’m behind the wheel. Stay tuned; maybe next time I’ll master basic navigation… or at least buy a map that doesn’t betray me.

15th Jul 2025 0

Here’s What You Missed at Survivor Incognito

Another week, another set of chaotic survival tales. If you blinked, here’s what went live on the blog:

Tuesday: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Six
Wednesday: The Cold Chronicles – Day Eight
Thursday: Sneak, Snipe, Repeat – Day Eleven
Friday: The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Final Entry

One story wraps up, others carry on. Thanks for tagging along—more survival chaos ahead next week.

13th Jul 2025 0

Eulogy: The Backyard Wins This Round!

She never asked for this.
She never wanted to be shrunk down and tossed into a backyard where everything — ants, mites, bees, spiders, the wind — wanted her dead.
She just wanted to craft a lean-to, maybe roast some gnat meat, and figure out why the grass was taller than a skyscraper.

But she was brave.
She fixed lasers. She investigated an oak tree that promptly exploded.
She learned to fear the sounds of tiny feet in the grass.
She fought valiantly with spears, fists, and panic as her most reliable tools.

In the end, it was the bugs that got her. As they always do.
Not the spiders, no — that would’ve at least made sense.
No, her end came via something smaller. Meaner. Possibly several somethings.
The logs are unclear. The screaming was not.

She will be remembered for her resilience, her questionable armor choices, and her ability to stay alive just long enough for things to get interesting.

Rest in pieces, Backyard Explorer.
You were small, but your chaos was mighty.

Read their tale here: The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath

11th Jul 2025 0

The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Four

Day 4 of my Grounded permadeath run ends in tangled webs and tragedy. I go on a grub hunt, dodge danger, and fall victim to a tag team of Crab Weavers in a very sticky situation.

Missed the previous day? Find it here:The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Three

🌅 Morning Optimism and Muddy Water

I wake up ready to dig. A shovel in hand and dreams of juicy grubs in my head, I set off convinced today will be the day I solve my hydration issues.

The game disagrees.

Despite digging around like a hyperactive mole, I can’t find a single grub. My thirst level’s tanking faster than my optimism, so I do the one thing I swore I’d never do again—drink the dirty water.

Let’s just say it quenched the thirst, but also quenched a small part of my soul.

🔎 Exploration… and a Red Flag

With no grubs in sight, I pivot to exploration. Maybe I’ll find a new science pod. Maybe I’ll find some dew. Maybe I’ll finally catch a break.

I find another science pod—score!

I also find a Crab Weaver—less of a score.

I do a tactical retreat (read: panic sprint) and live to fight another moment. Once the coast seems clear, I try heading back in.

🕸️ The End Comes in Eight-Legged Waves

What I don’t realise is that a Crab Weaver Jr. is nearby. It spots me. It’s faster than me. And worse, my weapons might as well be cocktail sticks.

I attempt a second retreat.

That’s when Crab Weaver Sr. shows up again. I get stuck in a web.

I’d love to say I fought bravely. I didn’t. I flailed, screamed, and got tag-teamed into the afterlife by two angry arachnids.

🪦 Farewell to the Backyard For Now

Run ends: Day 4

Cause of death: Crab Weaver Jr. and Sr. – A United Front
Final thoughts: If you’re thirsty, drink dew. If you can’t find dew… maybe just accept your fate.

11th Jul 2025 0

📍 Map Added! Controls, Too!

Just a quick update for all fellow sunburnt survivors: I’ve added a couple of useful visuals to the Stranded Deep hub page—
🧭 A screenshot of my starting map (so you know where I washed up)
🎮 And the Nintendo Switch controls I’m using to wrestle with coconuts, crabs, and my own bad decisions

You’ll find both right below the Series Overview section. Whether you’re following along or planning your own island misadventures, I hope it helps!

Back to hunting crabs.
(Out of revenge, not necessity. Mostly.)

10th Jul 2025 0

Sneak, Snipe, Repeat: Skyrim Survival Day Eleven

Loki the MVP, and Ustengrav Gets Sneaky

Day 11 of my Skyrim Survival Mode playthrough on Nintendo Switch. I cure my vampire disease, nearly lose the run to disconnected controls, and finally become the stealth archer I keep pretending to be.

Missed the previous day? Find it here: Skyrim Survival Day Ten

Cured, Not Cursed

After some internal debate, I decided to cure the disease before I fully turned vampire. I’m not ruling out the vampire lifestyle forever, but for now I prefer my Argonian warm-blooded and not photophobic. Maybe next time.

Ustengrav Ambush: Hooves First, Questions Later

Outside Ustengrav, I’m ambushed by three bandits and a necromancer. Could’ve been the end of the run—especially when my Joy-Cons disconnected mid-fight. Nothing like fumbling for a controller while enemies swing for your skull.

Luckily, Loki stepped in. I dismounted and used hit-and-run tactics while my horse quite literally stomped the threat out of them. Between the panic, arrows, and hooves, we made it through.

Depths of Ustengrav: Stealth Archer, Finally

Inside, I finally commit to the stealth archer lifestyle I keep pretending I’ve mastered. Draugr fall one by one to well-placed arrows, never knowing what hit them. This is the dream.

For a brief moment, I wonder if there’s a way to bring Loki into dungeons. Probably not. Still, the mental image of a stealth horse sneaking past Draugr is one I’ll cherish.

The Horn Is… Missing?

Reach the end of Ustengrav, expecting to claim the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Instead, I find a note. Great. Someone’s stolen it and wants a private meeting at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood. Because that’s not suspicious at all.

Back to Morthal

With the dungeon cleared and no horn in sight, I head back to the inn in Morthal to thaw out and call it a day. I’ll deal with mystery notes and secret meetings tomorrow. For now, I’ve earned some warm food and sleep.

10th Jul 2025 1

📌 For New Survivors: Start Here

Welcome to Survivor Incognito! This is where survival games meet chaos, comedy, and a healthy disregard for difficulty settings.

If you’re new here and wondering what this blog is all about, here’s a quick guide to help you dive in: