The Mule in the Cut
The Mule in the Cut
Read aloud
Harl Fenner wipes charcoal dust from his hands and points toward the woods. My mule slipped into the cutover ravine on the old track, and I need her back before the rain comes. Bring her out safely and I will pay you for the trouble.
Run the session
Cheat sheet
Objectives
- 1Find Harl's mule in the cutover ravine.
- 2Free and steady the mule.
- 3Return the mule safely to Harl.
- 4Leave the territorial giant badger undisturbed.Optional
The clock
Rain is expected later today. It will make the ravine's muddy shelf less stable and the return trip slower, but it does not make the rescue impossible if the ranger is careful.
Scenes
- 0:00A Job at the Landing
- 0:20Following the Track
- 0:45Freeing the Mule
- 1:20The Walk Back
- 1:45Payment and Thanks
Cast
- Harl FennerQuestgiver
- Tessa BrindleAlly
- Merrit ValeWitness
The hook
Set the scene
At the charcoal landing near Birch Hollow S04, Harl shows the ranger a muddy harness strap and points out the marked track leading toward the ravine. Tessa Brindle confirms that the old route is still the safest way in and out. Harl explains that the mule is valuable, but the approaching rain makes delay costly.
How Harl Fenner asks
Harl approaches the ranger at the charcoal landing, offers a small payment, and asks for help directly.
He is anxious but practical, and points out the marked track rather than urging a risky shortcut.
Rumours
Scenes
about 2 hours0:00
20 min
socialThe table is here
1. A Job at the Landing
The charcoal landing beside the marked woodland track near Birch Hollow S04.
Harl explains the urgency, shows the harness strap, and identifies the marked route. Tessa warns against shortcuts and points out the badger sign.
NextThe ranger follows the old charcoal track toward the ravine.
0:20
25 min
exploration
2. Following the Track
A cutover woodland slope with old stumps, damp leaf litter, and one clearly marked route along the near bank.
The ranger follows hoof marks and checks the ground for safe footing. A successful tracking or observation approach locates the mule quickly; failure costs time but still leads to it by following the track downhill.
NextThe track reaches a shallow part of the ravine where the mule is visible below.
0:45
35 min
skill
3. Freeing the Mule
The ravine floor beneath exposed roots, with the mule a short distance from the badger's stump den.
The ranger finds the mule caught by a twisted harness beside a shallow muddy shelf. The giant badger may be seen near its den. The ranger can give it room, distract it, or risk a fight.
The Den at the CutNextOnce the harness is clear and the mule is calm, the ranger leads it back toward the marked track.
1:20
25 min
skill
4. The Walk Back
The firm bend of the old charcoal track, returning to the landing on the same side of the ravine.
The ranger leads the mule up the established route. Careful pacing and reassurance prevent panic; rushing risks a stumble and a delay.
NextHarl meets the ranger at the landing and pays for the outcome.
1:45
15 min
social
5. Payment and Thanks
The charcoal landing, with the woodland track visible behind the group.
Harl checks the mule, pays the agreed fee, and asks what happened. If the ranger avoided harming the badger, Tessa and Merrit acknowledge the restraint.
NextThe job ends, leaving open the possibility of further work in the woodland.
Behind it
What people believe
A charcoal burner's mule has slipped into a cutover ravine near Birch Hollow S04.
The mule is trapped but alive, and its owner needs someone to reach it, free it, and lead it back before rain worsens the ground. The established charcoal track offers a safe approach and return route.
Background
Birch Hollow S04 sits beside a patchwork of coppiced woodland and old charcoal cuts.
The charcoal burners use the same marked tracks each season, but recent rain has softened the ravine slopes and made a familiar route treacherous. This is a small local job with no need to cross the ravine or open a new route.
The stakes
The mule is Harl's main work animal.
If the rescue is delayed or mishandled, he loses several days of work; if the ranger rushes or corners the badger, an avoidable injury could turn a simple recovery into a dangerous fight.
Encounters
1The Den at the Cut
Optional combat or noncombat encounter
A cutover ravine with a shallow, muddy floor, exposed roots, and a den beneath a stump on the near bank. The established track skirts the den and stays on the same side of the ravine. No crossing is needed.
Foes
1 giant badger
ComplicationThe giant badger is territorial, not a predator seeking a fight. It can be avoided by staying on the marked track, or deterred with distance, noise, or food. If a fight starts, the mule may panic; a calm creature handling approach or secure tether keeps it from worsening the situation.
ScalingFor the solo level 1 ranger, make avoidance the clearest option and have the badger disengage after taking a solid hit or being given an unobstructed escape route. Do not add foes. If the ranger is badly hurt, Merrit can call the animal off from a safe distance, provided the ranger has not cornered it.
Cast
3Harl Fenner
QuestgiverQuestgiver, charcoal burner
WantsRecover his work mule and avoid losing a week of charcoal production.
“My mule is down in the cut, and I cannot get her out alone. Please bring her back before the rain loosens the bank any further.”
Tessa Brindle
Ally, track warden
WantsKeep travelers safe and prevent damage to the woodland tracks she maintains.
“Keep to the old track. The ravine has enough loose ground without anyone making a shortcut.”
Merrit Vale
Witness, nearby coppice keeper
WantsProtect the giant badger that has denned near the ravine and avoid unnecessary harm to it.
“It was only looking for grubs. It will leave if you give it room.”
How it ends
Rewards
Items
A coil of serviceable hempen rope lent for the job, which Harl expects back
A small bundle of charcoal wrapped in oilcloth
On a win
The ranger frees the mule and leads it back along the marked track.
Harl pays as promised and, if the badger was left alone, Merrit and Tessa speak well of the ranger's care for the woodland.
What it leaves open
If it fails
- The party cannot free or safely lead the mule before worsening weather makes the ravine unsafe.
- Harl loses several days of work replacing the mule and must borrow a neighbor's animal. He still pays a modest fee for the attempt, but the promised bonus is lost.
- The party escalates the badger encounter by cornering or attacking the animal.
- If the ranger injures or kills the badger without cause, Merrit and Tessa refuse future favors and the local woodlanders demand restitution for disturbing the den.
- The party fails to calm and secure the mule before leading it out.
- If the mule is freed but badly frightened, it bolts along the marked track and is recovered later by Harl, but the ranger loses time and Harl's full reward.
Complications (d6)
- 1A fresh slough of mud blocks the direct descent. The marked track remains passable, but following it costs 15 minutes.
- 2The mule kicks at a loose strap and shifts its weight. A rescuer must calm it before tightening the harness, or the next hauling attempt takes 10 extra minutes.
- 3A low branch snags the party's rope. Freeing it without fraying the line takes a careful minute; rushing leaves the rope unreliable for the extraction.
- 4The giant badger pauses at the edge of the clearing, sniffs the air, then begins digging. It does not attack unless approached, cornered, or threatened.
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