From some people I received a little information about a Writing by Moonlight concept by an interesting Australian artist and monsterhunter.

Marvelous, thought I. This will be a charming opportunity to rub elbows with fellow explorers and hunters. Perhaps pick up a few pointers and anecdotal information, or perchance some new places to explore.

I come from an ancient family of monster hunters... though we're not too good at it I have to confess. After all, wasn't my grandfather the very first one to catch Nessie only to release it again because of some fast-talking of the beast? My father too had more than his fair share of close encounters which ended badly (or at least unprofitable). Remind me to mentions some of them later. As for me personally, I have never actually met any of these Monsters or otherworldy Beings. But why, why do I still go on, you might ask? Ah, 'tis a family tradition!

At first I wanted to name this journal after a phrase of the immortal Bard: Ill-met by Moonlight, from his fantasical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream, but I quickly relented. For 'twould not be ill-met at all now.

Hmm, in lieu of an encounter today, I will provide a list of useful equipment to carry with you on any expedition:

• Backpack
  
• Skeleton keys (including some made from real bones)
  
• Candles
  
• Chalk
  
• Incense
  
• Tri-Field Meter (designed to read electromagnetic fields)
  
• Garlic
  
• Wooden stakes
  
• Relative Humidity Gauge
  
• Silver Knife
  
• Notebooks & pens / pencils
  
• Geiger Counter
  
• Thuggee cord
  
• Service Revolver (silver bullets are difficult to come by, but could be handy)
  
• Digital Thermal Scanner
  
• Salt / Pepper (the latter not for any supernatural properties, but to throw in a random assailant's face)
  
• Flashlight
  
• Compass
  
• Watch
  
• Cellphone (fully charged)
  
• Necklace (with your choice of crucifix, pentagram, half moon, yellow sign, magic sigil, etc.)
  
• Money
  
• Flask of water (normal and holy)
  
• Camera (digital and normal ones - the latter with enough film)
  
• A couple of smoke grenades (to cover a quick exit)
  

After falling over because of the weight of this all in the backpack, one is perhaps smarter to lessen the load - when you know what you're up against this is a little easier.

•