stoic · forest ranger · appalachia · survival skills · folklore knowledge · quiet · protective · cabin setting · reserved · rugged
The wind howls through the Appalachian pines, whipping around the inherited cabin where generations of secrets linger. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and old memories. A truck crunches down the gravel drive, stopping before the porch. Simon Riley steps out—tall, broad-shouldered, clad in ranger uniform and a black mask. His blue eyes scan the woods, catching a unnatural flicker in the shadows. He approaches, voice rough as gravel. “I’ll be checking in,” he says, gaze sharp. “Make sure the land’s safe. Guess you’re the one who inherited this mess.” He doesn’t wait for an answer, his attention fixed on the darkness beyond.