
The Trials of Rhidon Axehorn
Sir Baric Nylef

With that he offers the man his hand for a hearty shake, and finishes up the class telling the men as well that his time in the settlement is nearly at an end. After that session, trusting his gut, he departs the way he came hoping to once again find the cottage.

I started the hunt in the region of the disappearance of it's latest victim. As I ventured deeper into the dense undergrowth, I noticed the faintest of tracks, nearly imperceptible to the untrained eye. My steps became lighter, and I moved with the silence of the wind, my senses attuned to every rustle of leaves and whisper of the breeze. I could hear the soft murmur of a distant stream and the calls of birds above.
The tracks led me through a maze of towering ancient trees and a tangle of vines. The Shimmering Lynx was renowned for its elusive nature, and it was not long before I encountered a series of dead ends, cleverly designed to confound any would-be pursuer. But rangers are resourceful, and with every obstacle, I gained more knowledge about the creature's behavior. I noticed that the Lynx had a preference for leaping from one great oak to another, leaving distinctive scratch marks on the trunks.
With unwavering patience, I followed these telltale signs deeper into the heart of the forest. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the moon cast an ethereal glow over the land. I knew I was getting closer. Then, there it was, perched on a moss-covered boulder, its fur indeed shimmering like a cascade of stars. The Shimmering Lynx was a sight to behold, its eyes filled with ancient wisdom and its grace unparalleled. I dared not approach hastily.
I watched the Lynx for hours, studying its habits. I notice it moves with an odd hitch and in time I saw the scar of a wound still healing. Someone had tried to hunt the beast, likely for its pelt, and failed. Wounded the beast had been forced to hunt easier prey and knowing of its intelect I suspected it had chosen to hun those that had hunted it.
With a deep breath and a heart filled with reverence, I stood and bowed to the creature, then watched as it vanished into the shadows of the forest. I knew that I had accomplished something remarkable but had another hard task set before me. The following hunt proved to take longer and the pressure of the people on me to finish my hunt with the lynx's heart increased. But I had promised to hunt the beast that had caused the deaths in the area. I did finish that hunt but never did I claim a trophy for it.
In the morning you find yourself atop a soft but thin leather pelt in the middle of a beautiful meadow. Next you you is a simple note. |
Survive one week. Learn what you can. Harm only what you must. A hunter is near.
Besides the note, the thin pelt, and your breeches there is nothing. All of your gear, other clothes, the ranger and his hut are gone without a trace.
Welcome to the eternal Forests. Your mission should you choose to accept it or not is to not die. Easy enough, right? Explain your plans, actions, and make rolls on actions that have a chance of failure and success.
For water he would listen first, and then look around. If none could be identified in the immediate area, he'd begin marching in the direction he felt was most "downhill". While doing do he'd look for any plants he recognized, either for nourishment or healing properties. He would favor anything he knew for sure, but also consider any folk knowledge he may recall (IE, "leaves of three let it be") as he looked to forage anything plentiful as he moved through on his quest for water. He would also try to make note of any mushrooms or similar, but avoid those unless he knew them for sure to be safe based on prior experience with that type. He would also pay attention to areas with rabbit/squirrel sized animals as anything that may hunt them could be a big threat. Knowing a hunter is nearby, he doesn't try to linger very long unless he feels an area would reap especially worthwhile resources.
He would go on like that about half a day on this quest to find a water source, if it takes that long. The rest of the day would be determined by how successful he is. Should it not go well, he would give up on foraging anything that wasn't obvious at this point and move with more haste to cover ground and find an area suitable for "setting up" a more permanent residence in.
Rolls
Initial search to find water source - (2d6)
(42) = 6
Identify helpful plants in initial area, healing or food - (2d6)
(13) = 4
Reflect and consider "folk knowledge" about wildlife that may be helpful to consider - (2d6)
(65) = 11
Make note of areas with mushrooms - (2d6)
(41) = 5
Make note of areas with small animals - (2d6)
(64) = 10
Overall success at foraging - (2d6)
(15) = 6
Continued search for water source (if necessary) - (2d6)
(22) = 4
Find area with resources near, suitable for a more permanent camp - (2d6)
(42) = 6
Look for any trees big enough to possibly sleep in - (2d6)
(56) = 11
You wander the are for the morning taking note of the land and animals. As you wander and watch you recall that animals can be used to identify some of the edible foods. Watching the squires and birds you manage to locate a tree that has small, bitter, apples that you eat in their entirety.
You expand your search perimeter careful of large beasts but you are the largest creature in the area as far as you can tell. Though you would prefer a rocky area or for preference a cave the afternoon reveals more brush and trees than stone and hill. You also spot several trees large enough to support your weight. The trick will be not falling out.
Your find a few other plants that match descriptions you have heard of as sources of food and after some hesitations limit your experimentation. From stories you recall it may be as good to sleep in a thicket or under a blanket of thick brush you can pill over a hollow or some such. Recalling something you retrace to the small stream while collecting stones. When you get to the muddy trickle you dig out out a pit and line it with the stones as best you can. Leaving you resume your exploration and harvesting. Returning after an hour your are able to take several sips from the now mostly clear water of the narrow pool.
Let me know where you sleep and any other arrangements you might make. You have a slow be steady supply of water and the apples should last another day or two. You can repeat the process the next day. Let me know of any changes.
He assembles a makeshift camp based on what he comes across, but doesn't try to actually build a fire this first night. He does however try to rest and keeps throwing rocks near within reach.
His priorities overall shift to figuring out where to sleep, and how to stay warm, but he doesn't want to get too far from this area as it has water and food. He would want to find a way to start a fire without rubbing sticks together, as this method is time consuming and takes a lot of effort, but it would depend what sort of rock materials he comes across as he also wouldn't waste an excessive amount of time searching.
He doesn't start a fire because he doesn't want to call attention to himself, and would want a few stones he could use to throw at creatures if needed, or just to throw and make noise as some kind of distraction. He will try to rest though, as he knows how essential his energy will be. He still tries to forage a bit the next day or two, but it would depend a lot on how this first night goes.
Rolls
Look for thicket or thick brush for sleeping - (2d6)
(41) = 5
Look for components to build a fire - (2d6)
(22) = 4
Put together a camp with whatever he was able to find - (2d6)
(13) = 4
Collect some stones for throwing - (2d6)
(64) = 10
With some weapons and tools Rhidon focuses on fire and grumbles about the daily dew that soaks all easily scrounged wood forcing him to root under trees and bushes with thick foliage. After hours of effort Rhidon manages to get a coal ember and with care and gentle ministrations he coaxes it into a small flame. For a time he simply enjoys the light and heat of the fire before piling on some dry wood and stacking a few wet logs nearby. Building up the fire he creates a good bed of coals in the middle of a cleared camp and ring of stones Rhidon prepares to go hunting. Smothering the coals beneath ash and propping a large flat stone overhead to shelter the embers for later he sets out to hunt.
A couple hours of careful stalking nets a few small rodents. Grabbing a few apples to go with his squirl steak Rhidon settles into his camp and make a feast of it. Food, water, fire. He sits back and enjoys the good life trying to ignore the looming clouds that threaten to cast a pall on his revived spirits. Sighing he stretches to get back to work. Those clouds definitely look like rain....
Ok, you have the basic secured. Give a rough plan for the next 4 days and I will create a few interesting scenarios to challenge you.
He would start by looking around for branches with lots of leaves, or something similar he would be able to layer over his camp to funnel any water coming down to a lower elevation point nearby.
Over the next few days Rhidon would look for signs of the "hunter" the Ranger mentioned in his note, and focus on ways to maintain the essentials in an more efficient manner. He would want to notice what is in abundance near his camp, and try to think of creative ways to repurpose it to his benefit and make the daily tasks easier or faster. His priorities would be keeping a consistent supply of water, trying to eat at least some meat each day, and trying to maintain at least 2 days worth of supplies at all times.
Rolls
Search for components to make some sort of covering for the rain - (2d6)
(23) = 5
Assemble his covering in a way that will keep the camp and items dry - (2d6)
(44) = 8
If easy with nearby items, collect some of the rainwater for drinking - (2d6)
(35) = 8
Rhidon decides what he really need is some rope and larger prey. Crafting any kind of rope would let him work on better traps. This might work on catching larger prey but the simplest thing for taking out larger prey would be a spear or pit trab. However with his stay being only a few days more it feels to be a waste of time so he focuses on maximizing what he already has. As he patrols beyond his regular resource gathering he gets his first sign of larger animals. A large paw print in the mud, fadin in the rain. Based on the size of the print Rhidon guesses the beast is nearly as big as he is.
He keeps an eye out for more tracks, to get an idea of its patterns but also what sort of prey may lure it.
Rolls
Setup pit trap for beast - (2d6)
(41) = 5
Craft spear - (2d6)
(12) = 3
Attempt to track creature - (2d6)
(63) = 9
He then sets about crafting a spear but has to settle with a simple hardened wooden shaft as his attempts at crafting a spear with a sharpened stone tip are not strong enough. Still the long strong spear will allow him to fend off the beast or attack without getting to close.
Let me know how you want to finish this out.
He would proceed as he has been, trying to avoid the path the beast takes through the area, hoping to ride out the last few days without a direct encounter. He would practice some routes around the pit, should the beast chase him he plans on trying to trick it into the trap. Mostly though he would remember the advise not to harm unless necessary, and would attempt to avoid the creature if he could.
Rolls
Practicing Evasive Maneuvers - (2d6)
(34) = 7
Trying to avoid the beast the last few days - (2d6)
(22) = 4
If beast pursues Rhidon, attempt to lure into trap - (2d6)
(61) = 7

The beast keeps its eyes on yours but you can't help but look over its form a bit surprised and confused at the traces of manufactured good on its body. Was it a man or captured by one at some point in its past? The seconds stretch and Rhidon feels tension growing between himself and the best and keeps from swallowing or flinching in any way. . . .
Rolls
Study the beast - (2d6)
(52) = 7
Demonic Beast

Having closed half the distance the beast stops, dropps to all four limbs and emits what soon you take for a sinister sounding laughter that causes his chains to rattle as his body shakes from his deep chuckling. You catch a hint of appraising challenge at it watches your reaction
Roll a Save test (2d6)
Rolls
Save Test - (2d6)
(11) = 2
Roll another test. If you fail again you are still gripped by the fear and all rolls are at disadvantage
Rolls
Save Test - (2d6)
(42) = 6