Kunsel (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
deus_ex_phs) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
snowblindrpg2015-08-16 07:53 am
deus_ex_phs) wrote in snowblindrpg2015-08-16 07:53 am
[network] Day 26; @standardissue; Winter Survival Guide [open]
[Morning]
[Even with his dulled sense of hearing, the crashing thunder of the incoming storm was more than loud enough to jolt Kunsel awake. Too dark at first to see anything past the few inches of light his tablet provides-
-he should have been able to see so much more. What happened to his SOLDIER eyes?-
-he's had to wait, feeling increasingly restless, until what counts for dawn arrives. When it does, unfortunately, it's with the grim sight from the window of the bedroom he'd spent the night in. Where before he'd been able to see a small stretch of ground beyond the house, now he can't see anything but wind-driven snow pouring down. It's obvious there won't be any travel until it lets up.
Kunsel grimaces, then deliberately turns away from the window. There's no use dwelling on it now. He'll just have to look at it as an opportunity to rest, hopefully dispel some of the strange fatigue he's been feeling, and start working on something he's been meaning to get to. He'll have plenty of time for it now.
Once he's eaten, he bundles himself back up in bed with the satin bathrobe wrapped around him like a blanket, trying to ignore the feeling of being trapped that's already starting to settle in. Then he pulls his tablet out.]
[Network: text; @standardissue]
It occurs to me that not everyone here has knowledge about survival in winter conditions. I wish I had access to the more comprehensive material I was given back during my training, but even what I remember might be useful to some of you.
If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to do so.
Some Tips for Winter Survival
Shelter: I cannot stress enough how important this is. Cold will kill you faster than starvation or dehydration if it's severe enough, and all evidence points to the fact that it gets lethally cold here at night. In fact, I'm going to recommend against even trying to build a snow shelter unless it's as a last resort. Those take time and energy, and chances are you'll still die, and it's unnecessary when there are plenty of buildings around. Keep track of the time, and if it's getting later in the day, start thinking about where you're going to spend the night.
Water: As a general rule of thumb, human survival comes in threes: Three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food. Fortunately for us, air doesn't seem to be a problem. I'll get to food in a minute.
Our kidnappers have graciously supplied each of us with a week's worth of water to start, but what do you do when that water runs out? None of the buildings I have been in so far have had any running water, so this is obviously a concern for me. What we do have plenty of, however, is snow. Snow is frozen water. Unfortunately, frozen water is cold. Eating snow runs the risk of lowering your core body temperature, and takes more time to consume enough to satisfy your body's needs. What you need to do first is melt it.
Ideally, you would do this over a fire. Not only would this melt the snow, but if it's done in a container that you can bring to a boil, it will also disinfect the water.
That's right, snow is not necessarily clean. Try to harvest your snow from places where contamination is less likely. Fresh fallen snow on branches, for instance, or rooftops or standing objects. The ground is the worst place to get snow from. The ground is where people and animals walk. You really don't want to eat whatever they've stepped in if you can help it, trust me.
This is not an ideal world. I only wish I had a fire. A pot would be nice, too, while I'm at it. What I do have is an empty plastic potato chip bag, cleaned with some dish soap I found. I also have a plastic container, also cleaned, and the water bottles I've emptied so far. I filled every one of these with snow before I came in for the night, and I slept with the containers that could be sealed tucked in between a layer of my clothes. This is not the greatest or most comfortable method, and may be dangerous if you're already suffering hypothermia, but the heat of my body has melted that snow. (The snow in my chip bag has not melted, unfortunately. It looks like it's too cold for it to melt on its own, even when we're inside.)
If you do have a fire, but no pot to boil the water in, try collecting the snow into plastic bags, or some other container, that you can hang or set near the fire. Snow contains a lot less water than its volume makes you believe (roughly a ten to one ratio, though it depends on the kind of snow), so melting it in quantity is preferable over melting it cup by cup.
Should you come across a house with running water, definitely take the chance to restock all your water containers.
Disinfecting Water: Coming back to this, because this is important, there's more than one way to disinfect water. Not all of them (if any) might be available to you, but if you can, absolutely disinfect any water you collect from snow - or any suspect water, for that matter. If the water is cloudy or has bits of dirt or leaf debris, let it settle, then filter it through something. Cloth, paper towel, a coffee filter - whatever is available that is also clean.
Food: Again, we've been provided with about one week's worth of food to start, but eventually that will run out. As I mentioned earlier, you can go about three weeks without food, but that's assuming a minimal level of activity. The actual time may be less if you have to move a lot. Regardless, don't expect to be good for much once starvation starts to set in.
So. Be careful and ration your food. You can stretch it a little longer if you're willing to go hungry every so often, but the more you do that, the less energy you'll have. Take any food you find in the houses you come across, with the exception of anything that's spoiled. I doubt the former occupants are in any position to care about the theft, so don't feel guilty about it either.
I've seen no signs of wildlife or edible plants so far, so your only resources there might be whatever is inside the buildings. Others have mentioned food regularly found in the school and one of the convenience stores. Please refer to this for more information.
Warmth: Even with shelter, it is important to stay warm. Take whatever clothes and blankets you can find, especially if it's suitable for winter, but even a thin shirt is better than nothing. Make sure to cover your extremities - feet, hands, neck, and head. That's where you lose most of your body heat. Try not to have any open gaps in your clothes. If possible, tuck your shirt into your pants, tuck your pants into your shoes, and so forth. The less cold air can get into your clothes, the warmer you will stay.
Layer up. The more layers you have, the more you'll be insulated. If you get too warm, then you can easily remove some of those layers. I recommend switching out any that might have gotten soaked with snow or sweat. Keeping dry is important, because the cold will leech heat from your body that much faster if you are wet.
Frostbite: Pay attention to your skin, especially if any part of it starts to turn red or feel numb and tingly. Those are signs that that part of your body might be literally freezing. If this happens, it's best if you can submerge the affected part in water that is a few degrees above your body temperature. Lacking hot water, if you have a companion, you can press the area close to them for warmth, but don't rub. This could cause damage to frozen skin. If you're alone, then do what you can to use your own body for warmth and limit exposure, such as tucking your fingers under your arms.
Actual treatment beyond that, though, you'd have to ask someone else. I'm not a doctor.
Alcohol: Avoid drinking this if you find it, or drink it sparingly. It may make you feel warmer, but it is actually lowering your body temperature. Likewise, do not get drunk. If you get drunk and pass out in the snow, chances are you're not going to wake up.
That's all I have right now. If anyone knows more, or if something is inaccurate, please respond back to contribute.
Any questions?
[Even with his dulled sense of hearing, the crashing thunder of the incoming storm was more than loud enough to jolt Kunsel awake. Too dark at first to see anything past the few inches of light his tablet provides-
-he should have been able to see so much more. What happened to his SOLDIER eyes?-
-he's had to wait, feeling increasingly restless, until what counts for dawn arrives. When it does, unfortunately, it's with the grim sight from the window of the bedroom he'd spent the night in. Where before he'd been able to see a small stretch of ground beyond the house, now he can't see anything but wind-driven snow pouring down. It's obvious there won't be any travel until it lets up.
Kunsel grimaces, then deliberately turns away from the window. There's no use dwelling on it now. He'll just have to look at it as an opportunity to rest, hopefully dispel some of the strange fatigue he's been feeling, and start working on something he's been meaning to get to. He'll have plenty of time for it now.
Once he's eaten, he bundles himself back up in bed with the satin bathrobe wrapped around him like a blanket, trying to ignore the feeling of being trapped that's already starting to settle in. Then he pulls his tablet out.]
[Network: text; @standardissue]
It occurs to me that not everyone here has knowledge about survival in winter conditions. I wish I had access to the more comprehensive material I was given back during my training, but even what I remember might be useful to some of you.
If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to do so.
Shelter: I cannot stress enough how important this is. Cold will kill you faster than starvation or dehydration if it's severe enough, and all evidence points to the fact that it gets lethally cold here at night. In fact, I'm going to recommend against even trying to build a snow shelter unless it's as a last resort. Those take time and energy, and chances are you'll still die, and it's unnecessary when there are plenty of buildings around. Keep track of the time, and if it's getting later in the day, start thinking about where you're going to spend the night.
Water: As a general rule of thumb, human survival comes in threes: Three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food. Fortunately for us, air doesn't seem to be a problem. I'll get to food in a minute.
Our kidnappers have graciously supplied each of us with a week's worth of water to start, but what do you do when that water runs out? None of the buildings I have been in so far have had any running water, so this is obviously a concern for me. What we do have plenty of, however, is snow. Snow is frozen water. Unfortunately, frozen water is cold. Eating snow runs the risk of lowering your core body temperature, and takes more time to consume enough to satisfy your body's needs. What you need to do first is melt it.
Ideally, you would do this over a fire. Not only would this melt the snow, but if it's done in a container that you can bring to a boil, it will also disinfect the water.
That's right, snow is not necessarily clean. Try to harvest your snow from places where contamination is less likely. Fresh fallen snow on branches, for instance, or rooftops or standing objects. The ground is the worst place to get snow from. The ground is where people and animals walk. You really don't want to eat whatever they've stepped in if you can help it, trust me.
This is not an ideal world. I only wish I had a fire. A pot would be nice, too, while I'm at it. What I do have is an empty plastic potato chip bag, cleaned with some dish soap I found. I also have a plastic container, also cleaned, and the water bottles I've emptied so far. I filled every one of these with snow before I came in for the night, and I slept with the containers that could be sealed tucked in between a layer of my clothes. This is not the greatest or most comfortable method, and may be dangerous if you're already suffering hypothermia, but the heat of my body has melted that snow. (The snow in my chip bag has not melted, unfortunately. It looks like it's too cold for it to melt on its own, even when we're inside.)
If you do have a fire, but no pot to boil the water in, try collecting the snow into plastic bags, or some other container, that you can hang or set near the fire. Snow contains a lot less water than its volume makes you believe (roughly a ten to one ratio, though it depends on the kind of snow), so melting it in quantity is preferable over melting it cup by cup.
Should you come across a house with running water, definitely take the chance to restock all your water containers.
Disinfecting Water: Coming back to this, because this is important, there's more than one way to disinfect water. Not all of them (if any) might be available to you, but if you can, absolutely disinfect any water you collect from snow - or any suspect water, for that matter. If the water is cloudy or has bits of dirt or leaf debris, let it settle, then filter it through something. Cloth, paper towel, a coffee filter - whatever is available that is also clean.
-Boiling: Boil it for at least one minute. This is the most foolproof method.
-Bleach: Two drops of bleach per liter of water. Double this if the water is cloudy. Stir it and let it stand for thirty minutes.
-Chemical tablets: Presumably, if you have some of these on hand, you should hopefully have instructions on how to use them, too. Those instructions might vary depending on who made the tablet, so I can't give specific instructions here, but just know that such things exist.
-Portable filters: These also exist, but I suspect will also be difficult to find.
Food: Again, we've been provided with about one week's worth of food to start, but eventually that will run out. As I mentioned earlier, you can go about three weeks without food, but that's assuming a minimal level of activity. The actual time may be less if you have to move a lot. Regardless, don't expect to be good for much once starvation starts to set in.
So. Be careful and ration your food. You can stretch it a little longer if you're willing to go hungry every so often, but the more you do that, the less energy you'll have. Take any food you find in the houses you come across, with the exception of anything that's spoiled. I doubt the former occupants are in any position to care about the theft, so don't feel guilty about it either.
I've seen no signs of wildlife or edible plants so far, so your only resources there might be whatever is inside the buildings. Others have mentioned food regularly found in the school and one of the convenience stores. Please refer to this for more information.
Warmth: Even with shelter, it is important to stay warm. Take whatever clothes and blankets you can find, especially if it's suitable for winter, but even a thin shirt is better than nothing. Make sure to cover your extremities - feet, hands, neck, and head. That's where you lose most of your body heat. Try not to have any open gaps in your clothes. If possible, tuck your shirt into your pants, tuck your pants into your shoes, and so forth. The less cold air can get into your clothes, the warmer you will stay.
Layer up. The more layers you have, the more you'll be insulated. If you get too warm, then you can easily remove some of those layers. I recommend switching out any that might have gotten soaked with snow or sweat. Keeping dry is important, because the cold will leech heat from your body that much faster if you are wet.
Frostbite: Pay attention to your skin, especially if any part of it starts to turn red or feel numb and tingly. Those are signs that that part of your body might be literally freezing. If this happens, it's best if you can submerge the affected part in water that is a few degrees above your body temperature. Lacking hot water, if you have a companion, you can press the area close to them for warmth, but don't rub. This could cause damage to frozen skin. If you're alone, then do what you can to use your own body for warmth and limit exposure, such as tucking your fingers under your arms.
Actual treatment beyond that, though, you'd have to ask someone else. I'm not a doctor.
Alcohol: Avoid drinking this if you find it, or drink it sparingly. It may make you feel warmer, but it is actually lowering your body temperature. Likewise, do not get drunk. If you get drunk and pass out in the snow, chances are you're not going to wake up.
That's all I have right now. If anyone knows more, or if something is inaccurate, please respond back to contribute.
Any questions?
no subject
I've never heard of Mexico, to be honest. Or Siberia, and I thought I was pretty up to date on geography. The equator, though... Somewhere near Fort Condor? The Corel Desert? Cosmo Canyon?
[He's just... going to stare at that comment about his age with bemusement. Give him a sec here, Marcos.]
I'm in my twenties. Does that count as old?
Hey, anytime. I've only been here for three days, so it's not like you had much of a chance to talk to me before.
no subject
never heard of those places either tho
somewhere in the states? u american?
and HAHA NAH twenties isnt that old but idk u just sound
whats a good word
worldly??
wise
like u know shit
and YO me too!!! three days is enough tho goddamn
im marcos btw
also u think people would be pissed if i burned down a house...just askin
aldskfajs MARCOS WHAT
[Because everyone's heard of Midgar. Kunsel's had at least one person try to tell him about other worlds, but he hasn't been certain how much stock to put into the wild theory.
But... is it possible?]
Maybe I sound old to you because I'm military. I do kind of have to know a lot of things.
You can call me Kain. Not my real name, but I'm not sure I trust these things with that yet.
...you might not want to do that, whether or not people care. There are monsters in the area. You don't want to attract their attention.
I'M SORRY ABOUT HIM... TRULY...
and nah, doesnt ring a bell
whys that a problem, im not the one that doesnt know a whole country
[ This is weird, like that time he was told that he was 'way farther forward in the future', as if everyone else here isn't also from the year 2620. He frowns on his end, a little unnerved still, but he waves that away quickly enough. ]
aight kain the military man
at least one of the two of us can be careful, huh
aaaand i was thinkin that maybe we can burn down one of these dumps and take it apart to use as spare firewood?? yay or nay?? not smart? probs not huh, forgot about the monsters shit
Don't apologize. He's a glorious train wreck.
Humor me for a moment. What's the name of the world?
[No one's even brought up timeline shenanigans with Kunsel yet, so he has no idea how screwed up this meeting really is.]
Heh. You know, it wouldn't hurt for you to be a little careful, too.
But if you burned down one of the buildings, would there even be anything useful left to use?
no subject
what do u mean, whats the name of my world...u mean planet?? earth
r u ok man... is it the paranoia, or r u from like 2800 and livin on mars colonies cuz thatd blow my fuckin mind for SO many reasons
if thats it then yo def no spoilers
and eh
i'll be careful when it counts
if i burned it down... prolly wood?? idk the snowd probably stop it from burnin all the way down right
like
snows water n shit
so wed have a hell of a lot of wood
no subject
The world I know is called Gaia. The year is εγλ 0007. Someone here told me there was more than one world, but that sounds insane, doesn't it? But you're the second person now saying something different from what I know.
[Confirmation from two independent sources is a little difficult to ignore.]
There's not as much water there as you think. Ten inches of snow would only give you one inch of water.
[He won't point out that he mentioned that already. Marcos has already pointed out that the guide was too much for him to process all at once.]
That's not a lot when we're talking about a house fire.
no subject
the worlds stuff
so ur not from earth? u dont know what the internet is? u got porn in ur version of it tho right, like, thats gotta be universal
[ He's trying to keep this light, even though his head hurts— this is still a lot to take in, on top of the kidnapping business. ]
and fuck man aight im givin up on the fire thing
im not equipped to fight these monsters rn anyway
speakin of
have you seen a thing of meds anywhere
's like a can of mints, has a buncha little white gum-lookin stuff in it
no subject
[If there's a delay in Kunsel sending this, it's because he had to stop and stare again, before shaking his head with a laugh.]
Is that really the first thing you're going to ask?
[How old is this kid?]
Yes, we have a Worldwide Network, and yes, there is definitely porn.
What kind of medication are we talking about? And where did you last see it?
(Thank you for exercising caution about the monsters.)
1/2
well if uve got porn it cant be that dif from my world right
and its not like were havin communication issues so
idk man my head hurts from all this crap, im gonna need to take this a step at a time, yeah
also hold on a sec
no subject
The picture is exactly as shitty as Kunsel will most likely anticipate it to be. ]
YO YOU CAN DRAW ON THIS SHIT?????????
thats what my meds look like
also it was on me before i got here so idk man
(ur welcome btw)
no subject
[And then that image. Wow, that is... What is that even? A cell phone and a spider? And-
Wait. Wait a second.]
How did you do that?
no subject
i was fiddlin around with it to see if i could take notes on some of the shit ive seen and turns out u can use it to draw
pretty fuckin handy huh
just go to ur home screen and find the icon, 's cake
no subject
(He may also have spent the majority of his time not traveling just looking through the network history.)
In a minute, Marcos will receive an image that's not quite so shittily drawn. Not that it's a work of art, either, but still. It roughly resembles a standard drug store pill bottle.]
Is your medicine in a bottle like this?
Man, this is useful! I've been trying to draw a map of my progress, but this would be so much easier to pack and store, and I won't have to worry about running out of supplies to draw with, or getting the poster board wet!
no subject
no, its in somethin like that pic i sent u
the thing that looks square with a little opening on the top with an exclamation caution sign on the front
[ Surely this will make so much sense!!! ]
were u seriously makin a map on posterboard
sry man thats kinda nerdy
no subject
So, a mint tin with an opening and a caution symbol. That sounds distinct enough. I'll keep an eye out for it.
How critical is this medication?
[He really hopes it's not for a life-threatening condition.]
It was the only paper I could find.
no subject
esp if ur gonna want me to fight these monsters at some point
i could kill em all if i could just get my hands on those fuckin meds
[ And for once, he's pretty serious about this: if they're monsters? He doesn't have to hold back. ]
i'll remember that then
if i find paper i'll pitch it ur way
no subject
{That's... Well, definitely useful, and still worth keeping an eye out for, but at least it doesn't sound like Marcos will die if he doesn't get this medication back.]
I don't think I need paper now that I have this drawing program. Not for the reason I needed it before, anyway. If you find any newspapers or magazines, though, or anything with information about this place, definitely pick it up for me. You can take pictures with your PHS to send to me.
no subject
u dont wanna piss me off when im on those meds, lemme tell u
[ He'd really fell so much more comfortable with those on him, truly: his bravado and his attitude aside, he'd feel a lot better if he had resources to back them up. Not that he needs them— he's lived without— but security is an essential element to survival. ]
and got it man
u scratch my back i'll scratch urs
so stay alive aight
no subject
Are you military too, then? Or something similar? Or are you not allowed to tell?]
[He'd understand if that was the case.]
And yeah, that's exactly right. We can both help each other out. You stay alive, too.
no subject
a volunteer?
u know what space missions are? for that
[ He figures that it won't be too bad to say that much, given that that was public knowledge. ]
no prob
ive lived for 16 years so i guess i might as well try to hit 20 right, im not dyin here
no subject
I know what they are in theory. As far as I was aware, though, no one's actually managed to send someone up into space. A company I know was working on it, but it's still in progress.
If you're involved in something like that, I have to say I'm impressed.
[Not even batting an eye at his age. Hey, it's pretty common in Kunsel's world for kids that age and younger to sign up with the army.]
Have you been up there yet?
no subject
we went to the moon in like...not even the 2000s
should i be talkin to you like
"yes verily i shall be quite proper" <-this
and well
yeah
i was up there when this place kidnapped me
no subject
[And once again, he has to pause in amusement. Because really? Kunsel hasn't been typing like that, so what would even give him the idea?]
The way you've been talking is just fine.
And that's amazing. I bet that was an incredible experience. Being up there, I mean, not being kidnapped.
no subject
so what was ur area of focus military man
snowtime survival?
[ He certainly sounds like an expert in all things survival... respect. ]
and well
idk what to say abt it
get back to me on that one
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)