The Trials of Rhidon Axehorn

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Sir Baric Nylef

Psybermagi

Oct 22, 2023 9:59 pm
The rest of the night and the next is peaceful. You are healed and between eating, sleeping, and talking you hold a few boxing classes. You find there are a few who have some rudimentary boxing skills and get them to help you with the demonstrations and exchange a few pointers finding their larger size to you a good comparison of how they will have to fight the beast. After the second beast free night and another round of classes you feel they have enough of the basic to get on with it themselves and feel an urge to return to the ranger's cottage.

Sir Baric Nylef
Baric comes up to you to talk during one of the classes Thank you again for all the help here. So, how long will you be staying? he asks?
Oct 22, 2023 11:01 pm
Rhidon pats Baric on the arm, and says "I feel I must be going soon, but should that menace return I trust these men will be ready. I won't lie to you and say that I will return, that is unlikely for my journey calls me elsewhere... but the people here have a good leader in you, Baric."

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.
Oct 23, 2023 1:10 am
You find the way back to where you first overlooked the town then somehow found the trail and began the trudge back to the rangers hut. You arrive as the sun is setting again, weary and eagerly dig in to the hearty stew he has ready for you. Sitting again in the charis by the fire after a quiet dinner he begins talking about his own adventures before asking you about yours.
[ +- ] A Ranger Tale
You talk long into the night and he shares much of what he had learned in his adventuring days. Hard won lessons, tracking tricks, how to read people as well as beasts, and the thrill of finding a new land.
Oct 23, 2023 1:16 am
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.
Oct 23, 2023 2:39 pm
Rhidon dons the pelt, and surveys the area. He is determined to work hard, but knows that this will probably be the most energy he will have for a while and wants to take advantage of that.
OOC:
For any "survival" actions, I would imagine Rhidon would have a 2d6 so I'll proceed as such unless you let me know otherwise. I'm not quite sure where a 1d6 might come up though so I may be wrong.
Rhidon would prioritize immediate needs as such: water, locating helpful plants, finding somewhere to rest the first couple nights, ideally a tree large enough that he could climb and sleep on one of the larger branches.

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

Oct 24, 2023 3:46 am
The pelt though tanned has not been worked so has rough edges where the legs of the beast had been. Using a pair of these you fashion a loose cloak for now and set about with the simple tasks of life. You manage to find a small water source but the tiny trickly is barely enough to create a mudy rivulet that winds down the small rocky ravine. Known edible plants proves to be even harder and your begin to grow hungry as you chase thoughts of the rangers hearty meals out of your head.

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.
Oct 24, 2023 4:58 pm
Recalling the information about good areas to sleep, he begins looking for either a thicket or thick brush that he could use for these purposes. Next with food and water somewhat taken care of for now, Rhidon looks for anything he can find to help him build a fire as well as some rocks that could be thrown if needed.

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

Oct 25, 2023 3:20 am
OOC:
Arrgh, the internet ate my post :P
Over the next two days Rhidon scrounges and searches and wanders. Little to eat, no good shelter, barely enough water, but still he is managing. His best bit of luck was in finding an exposed outcrop of rock next to a pebble strewn dry streambed that the tiny rivulet empties into. With a supply of rocks, including some larger stones he knows can be of great use. Cracking a couple he finally manages to get one to fracture just right making a crude but effective cutting edge. With his new "knife" and armed with dwarven arm powered bullets his future is looking better.

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.
Oct 25, 2023 4:13 pm
Rhidon looks around his camp, knowing that he wants to figure out a way to keep his firepit, food, and himself dry. Catching some sort of illness out here could be the difference between surviving and not. If it is easy to do so, he would also try to capture some of the rain for an easy supply of water but would prioritize the need to stay dry.

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

Oct 26, 2023 3:31 am
Rhidon is gaining greater respect for two types of people. Craftsmen who make his normal life so convenient, and the ancients before civilization who had always had it tough and made it better. The camp with its somewhat comfortable bed and fire pit proceeded to get simply drenched throughout the next day. Fortunately Rhidon had managed to arrange his shelter such that though a bit of damp still made it through he it was much less than the open area outside and the bower was built up enough to keep him off the damp ground. The pelt proves the best at collecting rainwater though the results taste like an improperly treated water skin.

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.
Oct 26, 2023 4:36 pm
Inspired by the discovery, Rhidon begins to work on a pit trip to capture the creature, as well as a spear he could use if needed.

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

Oct 27, 2023 7:10 pm
Rhidon tracks the creature and finds a place to set the pit trap near a new water source the creature likely uses. From the tracks he guesses the animal roams a larger area than Rhidon himself has done so far. Rhidon spends half a day diggins the pit (lining it with spikes?) then covering it back up. He picked a section of the trail that passes through a meadow and he uses a thin layer of the turf to hide the pit.

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.
OOC:
I will wrap up the trials to merge your threads back together for the third trial where I will bring in Stalker05 (AKA Vaun Kaiser)
Oct 27, 2023 11:08 pm
OOC:
Yeah spikes, I figured he would try to use sharp rocks like the one he was able to make a knife with.
Rhidon feels a bit better knowing the pit is near. He practices running towards it and then sharply turning in a different direction, as his plan is to attempt to lure the beast into the pit only if it starts pursuing Rhidon. He has no desire to provoke the beast, but is happy he has prepared some defense should it come after him.

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.
OOC:
Sounds good, just let me know when to pivot to another thread.

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

Oct 28, 2023 3:41 am
Rhidon gets a bit leaner in frame and less picky with his pallet as the days blent to a week. The bed is not great and he increasingly appreciates the simple pelt the ranger left his as it is the only thing that kept him dry for the 3 nights it rained. Managing to keep a fire going through the rain proves a bit of an interesting challenge to his dwarven mechanical inclinations.

Demonic Beast
Then on his sixth day while out harvesting what he can to eat, including a rather slow and chubby squirrel, Rhidon freezed in his tracks as he spots a figure 100 paces away. As your eyes meet those of the beast it raises itself up from walking on all fours to stand well over 7 feet tall. With horns on his head, fangs fill his gaping maw, and both hands and feet have long terrible claws the beast looks both fierce and deadly.

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. . . .
Oct 28, 2023 3:06 pm
Remembering the Ranger's tale, Rhidon takes a few extra moments to study the creature. He doesn't move closer or further away, but evaluates it with curiosity and an attempt to understand its motivations.

Rolls

Study the beast - (2d6)

(52) = 7

Demonic Beast

Psybermagi

Oct 28, 2023 10:35 pm
Demonic Beast
As you look over the beast it stands up even taller and walks towards you. You notice that though the creature is truly frightening to behold its behavior shows a high level of intelligence. As it nears you see more details. It carries a large sack on its back, has manacles on its wrists with chains draped around its body, that make less noise than its nearly silent steps, and a belt with pouches.

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)
Oct 29, 2023 12:44 am
Rhidon admires the creature, it is clearly sophisticated in a manner he did not quite anticipate, and tries his best to remain calm but cautious.

Rolls

Save Test - (2d6)

(11) = 2

Oct 29, 2023 12:45 am
OOC:
oooof, that's rough lol
Last edited October 29, 2023 12:45 am
Oct 29, 2023 8:17 pm
Rhidon feels fear force it's way into his mind and heart. He knows it is something the beast did but has no feels powerless to fight it. The creature scenes Rhidon's fear and continues chuckling as it moves up staring him strait in the eyes, then roars. Spittle and the stench of decaying flesh assaults Rhidon.

Roll another test. If you fail again you are still gripped by the fear and all rolls are at disadvantage
Oct 30, 2023 1:27 am
Rhidon tries his hardest to fight the fear, in his head singing a glorious battle anthem, but visually he is certain the beast's effects are showing on his face. He tries to grit through though, and persist.

Rolls

Save Test - (2d6)

(42) = 6

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