[This appears to be a log or journal of the alchemist S'Baadar, who seems to be studying this cave.]
31st of Mid Year
I've heard that a Dunmer had found a cave full of bloatspores. I should look him up and have a word with him. Finding this place can only aid my research, and I will finally have the respect that is rightfully mine.
1st of Sun's Height
I learned the Dunmer's name is Balamus Madalvel, and that he is staying right here in Akamora for the time being. This seems like a very lucky break for me.
2nd of Sun's Height
I met Balamus at The Laughing Goblin and he told me that he found the cave full of bloatspores not far to the west from here. Additionally, he has agreed to take me there.
3rd of Sun's Height
I have decided to hire a bodyguard to ensure my safety during my trip to the bloat cave.
4th of Sun's Height
I've been looking for a bodyguard and purchasing supplies. I'm not sure we need much, but better prepared for anything. We can survive weeks on what I've purchased so far.
5th of Sun's Height
I met Lorbulg gro-Loghar and he seems like a nice fellow. He even asked me if I knew about any interesting adventure related activities going on nearby. I told him about my journey and asked him for his help and he agreed! I think it is strange that a warrior, such as he wears no cuirass or greaves, but to each his own, I suppose. We'll be leaving tomorrow!
6th of Sun's Height
We started at sunrise, and are almost to our destination now. The way thus far has been perfectly safe, with no more trouble than some pathetic rats, which Lorbulg killed easily. Balamus said that we should camp here and rest before entering the cave.
7th of Sun's Height
There were two bandits waiting in front of the cave entrance, but Lorbulg killed them on sight. We found a strange room in the cave which fits our needs perfectly and set up camp there. When we went deeper into the cave I finally got to see some magnificent bloatspore; it shines with an inner luminesouns, and it's certainly not a miracle that ferns are able to grow here. I would have explored farther into the cave, but there was too much water and I didn't want my fur to get wet.
8th of Sun's Height
I've commenced my research in earnest this morning by trying to mix bloat with several other ingredients in order to determine it's alchemical properties. I asked Lorbulg to go deeper to the cave to see if he can find anything of interest there. The strangest thing was that when he went near the water, he took off his boots and pants so they wouldn't get wet. About ten minutes after he had gotten into the water in the passage, we heard him scream. I never want to hear an orc scream again...
9th of Sun's Height.
I've decided to continue my research and hope that an adventurer will stop by, who can go and see what has happened to Lorbulg.
[The rest of this log is not worth mentioning.]
...It seems as though these bloatspores give off enough light to make ferns grow here. If someone actually gathered all of these, they might become rich, not to mention wet, as there is a lot of water here. It seems that the bloatspores need water to grow. Anyway, I tried to use the bloat with many other ingredients. I noticed that if I tried to make a potion using bloat and an extract of rat meat I was able to produce an effect that made me feel drained of my magical abilities. Not the best effect to be certain, but interesting none the less. I also tried mixing bloat with netch leather and came up with a potion which allowed me to think more clearly. When mixed with scrib jelly I got a potion which made me feel more confident. I also tried mixing it with pulverized alit hide which allowed me to sense that there are creatures in the depths of the cave, which probably killed Lorbulg.