>>6087016>When one wishes to camp through the Sunless forests, one must take care to store leftovers away from where they sleep, buried if possible. Otherwise, wildlife such as bears and cougars could be attracted by the smell.>It is said that the first encounter betwixt the Habitun and the Vitruvians[1] involved a particularly peckish Cavia[2], who'd made its way to a scout camp during the early days of expansion.1. Nation of artificial lifeforms located to the southeast of Habitun's borders during the early years of the Dawn age.
2. Vitruvian variant subspecies, taking the form of an otherwise mundane animal, but with near-elvish capacity for speech and reasoning.
- Scoutsmaster Ivar Buraq,
"Wandering Through The Realm, A Guidebook"
>The snake mouse is a curious, usually harmless beast. It will attempt to slither into your domicile and eat your rations if left unchecked, and is far less shy around creatures closer to its size that it believes it can take on in a fight. Venomless, with claws and teeth that can cut skin and cloth. Easy to spook, but far more rewarding to do so in a controlled manner that shows it the only path away is away from you, rather than deeper in your pantry.>While edible, they are best saved as emergency rations, as their rank smell persists through many hours of cooking, past what would be worthwhile for such a small morsel, though some[1] believe they'd found a remedy for such.1. Stinky Animals from "100 Recipes For The Traveling Svartalfar" scrolls.
- Scout Arvid Murawid,
"The Beasts We Tame: Aboveground Edition"
>Arvid and Erik argued about whether this new beast would taste better roasted or boiled while I chatted with it. It was an easy catch, apparently having never met other intelligent creatures that were capable and willing to eat it. All it took was a few scraps of bread and meat into a bag.>I'd decided that rather than tell the two gluttons to stop arguing about what would never happen, I would use them as a threat in case the beast was uncooperative. I'd explained to it that we were scouting the woods and laying our claims, and wondered if its entire race was capable of speech and foolishness in equal measure, or if it was blessed by Terra exclusively.>The beast's mention of companions put our party on edge. We were not equipped for protracted fights, our doctrine being to retreat until reinforcements arrive. Erik took to the trees to keep watch for any further approaches, while Arvid began packing our equipment and laying traps in the vicinity.>I did not let the beast out of the sack. If its allies were fearsome, its life might buy us the time we need to scarper.>A few more minutes of questioning ensued, regarding its explorations, the source of its abilities, and what its companions were like.>"Kinder" the beast called his own. A proxy word for weakness, so the doctrines say. We were no longer worried about an attack from the "Minks".- Scout Gorm,
"Scouting Logs: Chapter 1"
