Run Date: January 3rd, 2023
PC
Kathalian: Lv1 Ranger
Wandering Wilds
Today was a solo session; one player sick and the other too tired from work. We didn't use the full playtime, but I asked the last player what he'd like to do and he responded with exploration. Enter Kathalian, Ranger that survived the Horse Man Totem and all-around explorer.
Kathalian began by choosing a general direction and doing some simple scouting. He headed out north of Riversmeet and checked out the open space between the capital and Pestead. Fate was on his side as he discovered a massive herd of deer that had come from the mountains, one of which was Infused. He fired a killing shot into the herd and hit his mark, resulting in the second half of his day being spent skinning and butchering his prize. The Infused Deer provided him with a month's worth of meat (when rationed well) and a fine hide.
Laden down with his prize, Kathalian decided to hit up Pestead and see about unloading some of his meat. Unfortunately, he found the hamlet silent. When he neared one of the buildings, he could hear terrible, wet coughs and wheezes. Thinking it better to be caught out on a winter's night than get sick, Kathalian started the walk to the nearby town of Cathorp.
Kathalian arrived late, just prior to the inn closing. He stepped in to start a conversation with the innkeeper when the casual, "Where did you come from?" question came up. Kathalian, not being the wisest, responded with "Pestead," and immediately got thrown out. Whatever the sickness was, it had even the nearby town on edge. With no place left to stay, Kathalian headed down the road and found a spot to camp.
The next day, Kathalian found a raccoon digging through his pack. He chased it off, but not before it managed to chew a hole and steal some shreds of meat. He then followed the road back to Riversmeet, and eventually, the Red Tankard. The proprietor was happy to purchase the ranger's entire load of meat for a good sum. Kathalian then started hitting up various tanners to try and unload the hide. It seems he was on a lucky streak today because he found a buyer that purchased the Infused Hide for 450gp. With the weight of the hunt replaced by the song of clink, Kathalian finished his day with a bout of shopping. He hit up the Red Sun Munitorum for a new bow, and commissioned a Ghosteel Dagger (supply still gone from the Graveyard Crew).
Kathalian set out the following day to the south. He intended to follow the route he'd previously run (Horse Man Totem and Area 51) and venture a bit further along the river. His travel was uneventful until a few days in when he discovered a tucked away safe haven branching off of the river. He found his way to an overlook to observe for a while, and discovered that the haven appeared to be used to transfer crates, fish, and other goods between river boats. While hesitant at first, Kathalian did wave them down from a distance and try to introduce himself. The workers were cautious, even slightly suspicious, but answered Kathalian's questions (something about an old lady living in the woods). Satisfied, the ranger bid farewell and continued his trek up the river.
Before the day was out, Kathalian found himself crossing some extremely rough terrain. It was rocky and bare, and he was forced to break line of sight with the river to continue onward. Kathalian settled in for the night before deciding to start heading back the next morning.
On the return trip through the crags, Kathalian heard a thumping noise. He picked his way through the rocks to discover, some distance from the river, a well some 50ft deep. From time to time, the water would surge upward and the vibrations would flood forth into a loud thump. Kathalian considered taking the plunge, but remembered he was alone. Instead, he noted the area and location on his map then left. As he departed, a splash came up and Kathalian caught sight of "a shimmer of copper scales and large, puffy lips." He chose to ignore it and continue home.
Kathalian's return trip was uneventful, save spotting a distant castle well across the river. All in all, Kathalian spent 7 days in the wilderness (and a few more I lost count of).
Rewards
4XP
450gp (Infused Hide)
28gp (Infused Meat ~100lbs)
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