Ranger Handbook

Survival along Route 530

So you've just started working at your normal job: JR. ASSISTANT REMOTE RANGER - STATION 08. Your outpost is situated in the heart of Route 530 next to an abandoned chemical facility and one of the largest lakes south of the Mealy Mountains. Unbeknownst to most Canadians, Route 530 is one of the most dangerous places in the country because of two anomalous phenomena: volatile weather systems and gigantism in the animals. Another hazard is "Cabin Fever." In fact, the events that led to the closure of the Odinescorp Reprocessing site were officially attributed to "Stir Craziness." The hazards combined make for a dangerous place. You will need to plan ahead but also be willing to adapt; make sure you are prepared.

Stock Up

Any decent workplace out here will have lots of supplies to help you survive the large animals and crushing loneliness. You can use a flashlight so you know exactly what entities lurk in the darkness. A flare gun can be used to signal for help, but a misplaced shot will start a wildfire. The miniature gold pyramid that smells like wet earth can be used to dissociate.

Explore

If you wander off the road, there's a good chance you're the first human to set foot in the area in centuries. Many experienced hikers have gotten lost over the years so make sure you bring reliable navigation equipment. Getting lost will cost you precious time when you're out in the forest. Get back quickly. People who spend too much time in the Yetman's Basin area will occasionally report reliving the same day over and over. If you experience such symptoms don't panic. Make sure to get enough sleep, consider your dreams, and use the information you have to find a way out.

Investigate

Even at high sanity, the mind can play tricks. If you see or hear ANYTHING unusual in the woods, get away from it quickly. Remember, it's all in your head, but that doesn't mean it can't hurt you.

Remain Balanced

Both your physical footing and mental stability will be constantly assaulted as you traverse the woods in Labrador. Slippery surfaces such as mud and ice, or roots and branches scattered on the ground can easily cause even an astute ranger to lose their balance during a frantic chase. The careful ranger will plan their escape route in advance so they don't stumble and get eaten. Mental exhaustion is another real danger out in the woods. Too much stress can cause mental breaks which many rangers report as exacerbating their encounters with ██████████.

A well-supplied ranger workplace. — Figure 1A well-supplied workplace is a happy workplace. As a Forest Ranger working RR Station 08, your first duty is the most important: KEEP PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE AREA. The Labrador Forest Authority has designated everything past the YXM turnoff as a prohibited zone. Your job is to stay alert and find and remove anybody illegally camping in the area.

A large black bear in the Labrador wilderness. — Figure 2The black bears in the area are unusually large and aggressive for their species. Keep your distance. Bear spray has been prohibited in the region by the Labrador Forest Authority due to its impact on the sensitive ecosystem.

Advice for a bear encounter:
Do not run. Bears can run much faster than you and respond aggressively to prey running.
Do not feed. Bears will become much more aggressive when fed and will pursue you even more relentlessly if you give them food.
Do not fight back. Fighting back will only make the bear more aggressive.

Mist over the wilderness after sundown. — Figure 3Workers frequently suffer from "Cabin Fever" while working in the area. If you spot anything unusual in the mists, especially after sundown, try to ignore it as best you can. The shadow shown in this picture is a simple optical illusion caused by light bouncing off microscopic water droplets suspended in the air. The best way to remain sane is to simply focus on your work.

Field photograph from Station 08. — Figure 4Balance is key. Many surfaces in the wilderness will be tough to maintain your balance on. When being chased by a wild animal, any stumble could be fatal so remember: to keep your footing you must choose your path carefully. Even though it might be tempting to take a shortcut over some ice or mud, you'll have to make a judgement call in the moment as to whether it's really worth the risk.