The
Ranger's Tale
From Torden Woodsworth's Exploration Journal:
6th Day of Samral
For three days I've traveled ever deeper into unexplored territory.
I am fueled by the thrill of these unknown realms! The wildlife has
been rich, keeping my belly full and thus helping my journey remain
swift. I'm not sure how much deeper this wilderness extends, but I'll
keep pushing on.
7th Day of Samral
The terrain has turned mountainous. From this peak I can almost see
back to the region of the Sovereign's stronghold. Fewer animals roam
this region. In fact it is strangely quiet. No birds fill the trees
or skies and nothing rustles in the underbrush. Nature is not in balance,
here, though I've yet to discover why.
8th Day of Samral
I am being pursued. I'm not sure what it is, but it has been chasing
me for hours. It is a hunter like none I've ever seen. This shallow
cave from where I write is probably a temporary hiding place, at best.
This creature - it's fast and clever. It can smell fear and hear a beating
heart from miles away! I sunk three arrows deep in its chest, but it
didn't even slow down! I must cease this entry and resume my vigil.
I have no doubt it's coming for me.
9th Day of Samral
I have not slept in two days, but no matter. I must keep moving – the
incident at the cave made that clear. I was very lucky to escape that
encounter.
My stalker has a name: Rrongol. The creature
speaks, but only in order to terrorize its prey. I am almost out of
arrows. I've lost count of how many have found their target, only to
have little effect. I still have found no game - only stripped carcasses
left from Rrongol's hunts. With but a handful of Fire Berries in my
gut and no rest, I'm sure my stealthy flight will begin to fail.
10th Day of Samral
Not much time to write. I have doubts I'll evade my hunter much longer.
My hope is that this journal be recovered and serve as a warning and
guide to others. I feel weak and I'm crashing through the underbrush
like panicked tenderfoot. I'm sure my ultimate confrontation with Rrongol
is imminent.
11th Day of Samral
Rrongol's roasted flesh was a little gamy, but a full stomach helps
to bring the world back into focus. I was certain my fate was sealed.
The hunter had chased me into a swamp. Convinced of his kill, he slowly
approached my position, toying with me as cat plays with a mouse.
Suddenly I heard a commotion and an inhuman
scream, then the slosh of something wading directly towards me through
the knee-deep swamp. From the mist emerged my guildsmen, Sylves and
Elris. By luck, their explorations had brought them to my location.
The two refreshed Rangers handily defeated the wounded Rrongol. At last
I can sleep, though at the Sun's first light, we must return to the
village. The Sovereign has summoned our guild to gather. My tale of
battle with the this great hunter may be lost in the shadow of a greater
threat...