consumable$8–15used in 1 side quest
Soft pastels or drawing charcoal
Waxy sticks or compressed charcoal that transfer pigment through friction. When rubbed over paper placed on textured surfaces, they capture raised designs from manhole covers, plaques, and tombstones.
What to look for
- 1Soft consistency that releases pigment easily without hard pressure
- 2Dark colors (black, dark gray, brown) show contrast best on white paper
- 3Paper-wrapped or unwrapped—both work, but unwrapped won't stain fingers less
- 4Avoid oil pastels (too waxy, won't rub transfer well)
Skip
- Hard pastels marketed for precise drawing—too firm for rubbings
- Sets with 50+ colors when you only need 3-4 dark shades
Used for: Capturing manhole cover designs · Recording historic plaques and cornerstones · Documenting textured architectural details · Cemetery genealogy rubbings
Side quests that use it
Pick the adventure first; the gear follows.
