Mountaineer (sage study)

Mountaineer is a sage study in the field of Wilderland, which provides a collection of knowledge and skills associated with survival and travel in the mountains and in natural underground settings. Mountaineering techniques can help characters with orientation, managing seasonal changes and picking the safest routes over vertical landscapes composed of heavy vegetation, rock, snow or ice.

This study encompasses an understanding of elevation, weather patterns and the unique challenges that come with high-altitude travel. A mountaineer is trained to recognise the signs of impending storms, avalanches or rockslides, adjusting their course accordingly to avoid disaster. They know how to identify the best footing on treacherous inclines, how to distribute weight effectively when climbing and how to navigate the shifting terrain of scree slopes and glacier fields without losing their bearings.

Beyond the challenge of ascent and descent, mountaineers develop expertise in the use of climbing tools such as ropes, pitons and ice axes, allowing them to scale cliffs, cross crevasses and secure themselves against sudden falls. They understand the principles of constructing temporary shelters in high-altitude environments, utilising natural overhangs, snow caves or stone walls to protect against the elements. Managing cold exposure, rationing supplies for extended travel and securing safe drinking water from melting ice or hidden springs are essential aspects of their knowledge.

In underground settings, the mountaineer's skills transfer to navigating natural caverns, subterranean tunnels and lava tubes. They can assess the stability of ceilings, recognise air currents that indicate hidden exits and move efficiently through darkness where others would struggle. This knowledge makes them invaluable guides in regions where deep chasms and towering peaks create natural fortresses, offering passage where none seems possible.

Sage Abilities

The sage abilities below are those acquired by a character through the study, according to status.

Amateur Status

• Cave Finding: gives knowledge that the landscape is suitable for natural cave formation and increases the probability of location. The character can recognise geological features that indicate the presence of caves, such as limestone outcroppings, erosion patterns and underground water sources. They develop an instinct for identifying subtle openings or collapsed entrances that may lead to larger cavern systems beneath the surface. With experience, they can estimate the likely depth and structure of a cave network before setting foot inside, reducing the risk of wandering into unstable or dead-end passages.

• Caving I: provides reasonable safety when moving over and through typical cave obstacles, where solid purchase is available. The character learns how to traverse uneven rock surfaces, maintain balance on slick stone and maneuver through narrow passages without becoming trapped. They develop a keen awareness of structural stability, avoiding loose rocks, brittle ledges and hidden sinkholes that could lead to sudden falls.

• Identify Clean Water: provides reasonable certainty that found water, though impure, will be clean enough to drink. The character learns to recognise signs of contamination, such as stagnant pools, unnatural discolouration or the presence of decayed matter, allowing them to avoid sources that might cause illness. They can assess the clarity, smell and taste of water.

• Rock Foraging: improves the ability to locate nesting areas and edible flora or fauna in high rocky or subterranean environments. The character gains knowledge of hardy plant species, such as mosses, lichens and roots that can be safely consumed, as well as how to track creatures that make their homes in cliffs, crevices or underground tunnels. They develop an understanding of seasonal variations in food availability, knowing when certain species of birds, bats or rodents are most abundant.

• Scrambling: skill at climbing steep terrains or urban environments, where handholds and ledges are common. The character develops the ability to ascend rocky slopes, ruined structures or treacherous inclines without the use of specialised climbing gear. By leveraging natural or man-made grips, they can quickly navigate difficult surfaces, maintaining stability even on precarious terrain. Their agility and sense of balance allow them to react instinctively to shifting rocks, loose bricks or sudden drops

• Skiing: improves speed and agility when cross-country skiing. The character gains an understanding of efficient movement over snow-covered terrain, using momentum and terrain features to maximise speed while conserving energy. They learn how to navigate slopes, avoid obstacles and adjust their stance to maintain control on uneven ground.

Authority Status

• Glacier Crossing: improves agility and success when crossing glaciers. The character learns to recognise stable ice from weak or fractured surfaces, avoiding hidden crevasses and unstable snow bridges that could collapse underfoot. They develop techniques for using ice axes, crampons or makeshift tools to maintain traction on slick, windswept surfaces.

• Locate Open Water: identifies the probable location of ponds or lakes in wilderness landscapes. The character gains an understanding of terrain features that indicate the presence of water, such as low-lying areas, animal trails and the types of vegetation that thrive near water sources. They develop the ability to track seasonal changes in water levels, ensuring that even in dry months, they can predict where moisture may still be found.

• Mountain Survival I: reduces the chance of death from exposure in rocky and underground environments. The character develops an awareness of the dangers posed by high-altitude weather, sudden temperature drops and treacherous terrain, allowing them to take precautions before conditions become fatal. They learn to identify safe shelters, conserve body heat and recognise the early signs of hypothermia or altitude sickness before they become life-threatening.

• Orienteering: allows certain knowledge of direction and orientation. The character becomes adept at using natural landmarks, sun position and star patterns to determine their bearings without relying on maps or compasses. They develop a sense of distance and terrain memory, reducing the likelihood of becoming lost, even in unfamiliar wilderness or underground settings.

• Rock Climbing I: improves agility and success when tackling slopes too steep to be scrambled. The character gains the ability to ascend vertical or near-vertical rock faces by identifying secure handholds and footholds, minimising strain and reducing the risk of falling. They develop techniques for maintaining balance, distributing weight efficiently and adapting to different rock surfaces, whether smooth cliff faces or jagged outcroppings.

See also,
Ranger Sage Abilities
Mountain Climbing