Battle Puppy
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//Open to any and all Jedi
Today, Jedi Knight Valin Zenth led a group of Padawans interested in learning survival skills on a long hike into the heartlands of the wilds. There was a relatively decent clearing not too far from a winding river that would make do for their setup. The goal would be to build a pit house from materials that naturally surrounded them.
Once they arrived at their encampment, Valin surveyed the surroundings and spoke, his breath visible in the crisp air.
"Alright, everyone, when you're trying to make it on your own, there are several things you need to focus on. These are your basic survival priorities: Shelter, Water, Fire, and Food—in that order. We have a water supply to the south of us in the form of a river. You want to always make sure your source is clean."
Valin moved to pick up a long stick from the leaf litter on the ground and took out a bit of twine from his pack.
"Your first priority is shelter. Out here, that means finding a way to protect yourself from the wind, rain, and the cold. Even with the Force, hypothermia can be an insidious threat. Go ahead and take a look around—this clearing is a decent start. The trees provide natural windbreaks, and there's plenty of fallen branches and debris we can use. By sundown, we'll need to build something that keeps us warm and dry."
He gestured toward the forest edge, where dense clusters of pines stood, their needles perfect for insulation. "Terrain matters, too. High ground keeps you away from pooling water. You don't want to wake up in a freezing puddle—trust me on that."
He cleared away leaf litter from the ground and drew out a compass rose in the dirt with the long stick before pointing to the south. "Next, is water. Without it, you'll only last a few days. Cold weather can disguise dehydration, making it easy to overlook. The river nearby is a great resource, however—untreated water can make you sick. We'll go over purification methods later, but always remember this: boil it, filter it, or both. Clean, fresh water is crucial, and in a pinch, there are a few other methods for collecting water."
Valin crouched and traced a rough map in the dirt, marking the river's path. "We're fortunate to have a clear source, but if you ever find yourself without one, there are other ways. Animal trails often lead to water, and you can use the Force to sense underground sources."
He drew out a few small marks in the dirt, demonstrating the subtle signs of animal presence. "Look for impressions like these—hoofprints, paw marks, or even disturbed foliage. Trails used by animals often lead to water sources. Pay attention to clusters of tracks; they can guide you toward a nearby stream or pond. Also, the presence of birds or insects can be a helpful indicator. They often linger near water, especially early in the morning or late in the evening."
Valin looked up at the group, ensuring everyone was paying attention. "These signs might seem insignificant, but mastering them can mean the difference between finding water and going thirsty. Trust your instincts, but also trust what the environment is telling you."
He rose and swept his gaze over the forest.
"For now, we'll clear and compact the area we'll be using to build our shelter. Planning it out is important for several reasons. First, it helps us create a stable foundation, ensuring our shelter is secure and won't collapse under adverse conditions. Using a few sticks and a bit of string to keep our lines straight helps us maintain symmetry, which is key for structural integrity. A well-planned shelter is also more efficient to build, saving time and energy—both of which are crucial in a survival situation. Finally, careful planning allows us to position the shelter in the best location, avoiding areas prone to flooding or exposed to harsh winds. "
He paused, his gaze sweeping across everyone gathered. As he moved, he marked off a large rectangle on the ground with sticks and twine. Finally, he straightened, brushing the dirt from his hands.
"Alright," he said, the corner of his mouth hinting at a smile, "are there any questions before we start prepping the foundation and gathering materials?"
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