The Challenge Factory discussion

You are lost in the wilderness. Predators roam through the forest. Hot days and cold nights will test your strength. High cliffs, rushing rivers, and deep gorges will block your path. Any wrong decision could be your last.

Will you survive? In this challenge you'll make choices that could mean the difference between life and death.

I'll set the scene. You choose which path to follow. Follow the directions at the bottom of each post.

You can begin as soon as you get your thread.

HOW TO PLAY:
1. Read through the scenario.
2. Make your first decision and read one task for that decision. The fourth task will always be "Read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'". You can use or ignore the articles 'A', 'An', or 'The'.
3. Once you complete one of the tasks, post in your thread the following:
Decision:
Book:
Author:
Date Read:
Task:
How it Fits:

4. The moderator will then post the related decision result story.

Rules:
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Page count for audio books will be determined the first paper version shown on Goodreads. From the book's page, select “all editions”, then select the first paper edition as your guide.

Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Far from civilization, everything changes. You can't go to the grocery store. If you're hurt, a doctor isn't a phone call away. If you're cold, you can't turn up the heat. Even finding safe water to drink can be a challenge.

Being lost or stranded in the wilderness will test both your strength and your intelligence. How will you find food? How can you get the attention of rescue aircraft? What would you do if you were staring down the jaws of a hungry predator?

It won't be easy, but if you stay calm and make good choices, you might be able to get out alive. Are you ready to find out whether you have what it takes?

Where would you like to start? The Canadian wilderness, the Blue Mountains of Australia, or Germany's Black Forest?

Germany's Black Forest

Good luck in Germany!

You look out from your small camp, scanning the horizon. Everywhere you look you see trees and more trees covering the rolling hills. There's no sign of civilization, and your situation is growing critical.

What started out as a hiking trip with your older brother, Henri, has gone terribly wrong. The two of you planned a long weekend of hiking in Germany's Black Forest. But yesterday you realized you were lost. And now things are even worse - Henri fell while climbing, badly breaking his leg. He's in terrible pain, and you don't know what to do. Your cell phones are dead, your food is almost gone, and Henri is in shock. Henri is in desperate need of medical help.

This is no time for tears. Henri's life - and your own - depend on you. You've got to get him the help he needs.

To stay with Henri and wait for help:
1. read a book with all the letters of STAY in the title
2. read a book where the MC or author's name begins with H
3. read a book that you have been waiting a long time to read
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To strike out into the forest in search of rescue:
1. read a book where a significant character plays a sport (like baseball)
2. read a book with a lot of trees on the cover
3. read a book where the MC rescues someone
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To stay with Henri and wait for help
Book: The Weight of Silence
Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Date Read: 8/2/22
Task: 3. read a book that you have been waiting a long time to read
How it Fits: Added to TBR 11/5/12

Henri is in bad shape. You don't think it's a good idea to leave him by himself. When you don't come home tomorrow, your family will start to worry. A rescue effort should be under way within a day two. All you have to do is to keep the two of you alive until then.

You build a warm fire and cover Henri with all the blankets you've got. You get water from a nearby stream and boil it so that it is safe to drink. The you set out to get something to eat. Henri will need nourishment to fight his injury.

You spend an hour foraging for food. As you kneel down to gather juicy rowan berries, you notice movement nearby. There's a face staring out at you from the bush!

Your heart races as you realize that you're looking at a wolf! And you're crouched down - the grey beast probably thinks you are prey. You've got to act fast!

To stand up and confront the wolf:
1. read a book with one person standing on the cover
2. read a book where the MC confronts someone about something serious
3. read a book with 'wolf' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To curl up in a ball and play dead:
1. read a book where the MC has curly hair
2. read a book where the MC plays a board or card game
3. read a book where someone dies
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To stand up and confront the wolf:
Book: Bitten
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Date Read: 8/12/22
Task: 2. read a book where the MC confronts someone about something serious
How it Fits: Talk about turning her into a werewolf
Task: 3. read a book with 'wolf' in the text of the book
How it Fits: Book about werewolves, so multiple wolf references

Humans aren't normal prey for wolves, so you need to make sure that the creature knows what you are. You grab a big stick, stand up, and start shouting. To your great relief, the wolf dashes away.

You start back to camp with your blackberries. Looks like that's all you have to eat. Just then, you see movement again. You gasp, hoping the wolf hasn't returned.

Then you hear a rustling noise. and spy a grouse. Normally you wouldn't have a chance to catch it, but the bird has an injured leg and can't move very fast. You manage to club the bird unconscious. You quickly snap its neck. It's not a big bird, but it will provide much needed protein.

Soon the mouth-watering smell of roasting grouse fills the air. It even pulls Henri out of his feverish sleep. He manages to eat a little, but not as much as you'd like. Once Henri is sleeping soundly, you curl up next to him, sharing body heat.

The next day is rainy and seems to drag on. You collect more berries. You try fishing in a nearby stream, without success. Henri's fever is getting worse. Rescue has to come tomorrow, or you're going to lose him.

At dawn it's decision time. You have to do something to get help today.


To head out in search of rescuers:
1. read a book with just the head of a person or animal on the cover
2. read a book that is out of your comfort zone (or genre :)
3. read a book there are two or more rescuers in the story
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To build a large signal fire:
1. read a book where the author builds a new world or civilization
2. read a book that has 400+ pages
3. listen to an audio book *
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
* signal - transmit information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound

Decision: Build a large Signal Fire
Book: See Her Die
Author: Melinda Leigh
Date Read: 9/23/22
Task: read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: S - See Her Die

A signal fire is your best chance. You find a clearing and get to work. You start with small branches and dry leaves. Slowly you add pieces of wood until you've got a blazing bonfire. Next you add wet wood and leave to the blaze, releasing huge plumes of smoke. You continue to feed the fire all morning.

Your work pays off. When you hear the sound of helicopter blades, you stand up and wave your arms. You've been spotted!

The chopper lands and you lead the rescue workers back to camp. They place Henri on a stretcher and load him into the helicopter. Henri is in a great deal of pain, but still conscious. He squeezes your hand.

You've done it! Both of you are going to make it out of the wilderness alive.

Congratulations! You survived!

You have some choices at this point.
1 - stop this challenge
2 - stay in Germany and start over making different decisions
3 - go to another location and read for that place

There may be other choices that I haven't thought of. What do you want to do?

3 - I would like to go to Australia

Marla wrote: "3 - I would like to go to Australia"

Sounds good.

You're deep in the forests of Australia's Blue Mountains, and nobody knows where you are. You were planning to meet your friend Casey at a campsite later for some hardcore biking. First, though, you decided to take a morning ride on your own.

Now you're lost. The interesting little trail that you had been following has disappeared, and you can't find it again.

You're not too worried at first. You have your bike, and you're an expert rider. There's not much terrain you can't handle. But then your front wheel catches a rock. Your bike skids out from under you and you smash to the ground.

You're just scraped and bruised, but the bike is in far worse shape. The front tire is blown out, the chain is snapped, and the rim is bent beyond repair. That leaves you lost and alone with nothing but your feet to carry you. Not good.

You search your backpack and find a first-aid kit. You wipe down your scrapes and bandage them. As you look through your pack, you realize you're in trouble. You have a bottle of water, but no food. You have a small tool kit, a spare inner tube for the bike, emergency matches, and a windbreaker jacket.

With a sigh, you zip up your backpack and start hiking. You head east, knowing that the coast and civilization lie in that direction. After several hours of walking, your stomach is growling.

You know that the Australian wilderness contains many edible plants. But all around you, you can hear a variety of birdcalls. It's nesting seasons, and finding eggs wouldn't be too difficult. But getting them could be dangerous.

To forage for wild plants:
1. read a book with 'forage' in the text of the book
2. read a book with a wild animal in it
3. read a book with only plants on the cover (nothing else)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To try to find bird eggs:
1. read a book by an author that is new to you
2. read a book with a bird as part of the story
3. read a book where something is hatched or a baby is born
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

1st Decision: Forage for wild plants
Book: The Luckiest Lady in London
Author: Sherry Thomas
Date Read: 10/10/22
Task: read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: L-Luckiest

You keep your eyes open for plants that you know are safe to eat, including blue flax lilies and warrigal greens. You don't have much luck, though.

Your stomach is grumbling when you come across a small shrub with large clusters of green and red berries. You don't recognize the plant, but it's the closest thing to food you've seen so far.

You pluck a few of the berries and smell them. They don't have a very strong scent.

To look for something else to eat:
1. read a book with double letter word in the title (i.e., look, berries, letter)
2. read a book that is tagged 'mystery' *
3. read a book where the MC prepares a meal
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
* something - a thing that is unspecified or unknown

To eat the berries:
1. read the 2nd book in a series (to, two, too)
2. read a book with something edible on the cover
3. read a book with 'berry' or 'berries' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

2nd Decision: To look for something else to eat:
Book: The Watcher in the Wall
Author: Owen Laukkanen
Date Read: Owen Laukkanen
Task: read a book with double letter word in the title
How it Fits: waLL
Task: read a book that is tagged 'mystery'
How it Fits: MPG Mystery

No matter how hungry you are, you are not about to start eating mystery berries. You keep searching, and a few minutes later, you're rewarded. You find a bunch of saffron milk caps - an edible and nutritious species of mushrooms. You quickly eat them.

With a little food in your belly, you feel ready to keep moving. You move carefully through the thick forest. Soon you come across a small river. You start to follow it downstream. You know that rivers usually lead to civilization.

As you walk alongside the river, you realize that the sun will set soon. You'll have to make camp soon. This side of the river is rocky and rough. You notice a perfect flat location on the far side. The river is not a very big one. You think it's no deeper that waist level, and the current doesn't seem strong here. You decide to cross.

To strip off your clothes before you cross:
1. read a book where the MC is stripped of their rank, power, or property
2. read a book with a bare chest on the cover
3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To stay dressed for the crossing:
1. read a book where the MC stays in one location during the story
2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
3. read a book with a street or road on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

3rd Decision: To strip off your clothes before you cross
Book: Touching Evil
Author: Kay Hooper
Date Read: 11/8/22
Task: read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: T - Touching

Nights in this region can be chilly, and you don't want to face one with wet clothing. You strip off every bit of clothing and put it all in your pack. You lift the pack above your head and start across.

The water is ice cold. It's also deeper that you expected. Luckily the current isn't powerful, or you'd be swept away. You manage to make it across, but you're shivering badly. You quickly get dressed, gather wood, and start a fire. You need to get warm as soon as possible. You can't afford to get hypothermia out here!

Within a few hours you're snoozing by the fire. Even with its warmth, it's still a long and cold night. But you make it through and you're off again at dawn.

As you continue to follow the river, you hear a faint roaring. Soon you see why - the river tumbles over a sheer cliff. It's one of the area's many waterfalls.

You peer over the cliff and see that it's easily a 50-foot drop. You gasp as you notice something else far in the distance - a road! If you can get down this cliff, you should be able to reach it before sunset.

To climb down the cliff:
1. read a book with a significant character that is a climber (your definition)
2. read a book that is (or could be) on the Directions in Titles list
3. read a book where the MC is known by a shortened version of their given name (cliff - Clifford)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To try walking another direction:
1. read a book where the MC walks a lot
2. read another book in a series that you've already started
3. read a book that is (or could be) on the Cardinal Directions in Titles list
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

4th Decision: To try walking another direction:
Book: The Exiled Queen
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Date Read: 11/30/22
Task: read a book where the MC walks a lot
How it Fits: Han more than Raisa walks a lot
Task: read another book in a series that you've already started
How it Fits: Seven Realms #2

You know that in a survival situation, climbing is incredibly dangerous. A fall could kill you. Even a sprained ankle could be the end of you. You decide to walk parallel to the cliff and see if there's a better way down.

After several hours of hiking, you're tired and hungry. The cliff still blocks your way, and it's higher than ever. You haven't had water in hours, and you feel dehydration starting to set in.

You force yourself to keep walking. By evening you feel awful. You are severely dehydrated. You curl up and try to get a few hours of sleep, hoping that will help.

But by morning you're completely drained. You're cold and shivering. You try to stand, but the lack of water leaves you lightheaded. You faint, bashing your head against a rock.

You're dimly aware that you're bleeding. But at this point, you no longer really care. The wilderness of the Blue Mountains has beaten you.

Sorry, Marla :(

What would you like to do now?

What are my choices of things to do next?

You have some choices at this point.
1 - stop this challenge
2 - stay in Australia and start over making different decisions
3 - go to another location and read for that place

I think I am going to go to Canadian wilderness

Marla wrote: "I think I am going to go to Canadian wilderness"

Good luck :)

As you watch the August sun dip behind the mountains of the Canadian Rockies, you're worried. You were supposed to spend two nights alone before being picked up by a small plane.

But now three days has stretched to six days, and what few supplies you brought with you have run out. And it seems that no one is coming.

Did something happen to the pilot who brought you here? He's the only other person who knows exactly where you are! Your friends and family only knew you were coming to Canada.

Your food and fresh water may be gone, but you came prepared. You've got warm clothes, a tent and sleeping bag, a pocketknife, and a piece of flint to start fires.

It's clear that rescue might not be coming any time soon. It's time to decide - do you wait for rescue here? Or is it time to strike out into the wilderness in search of help?

To wait for rescue here:
1. read a book set near where you live
2. read a book where the author's last name starts with 'H', 'E', 'R', or 'E'
3. read a book where the MC has to wait for something important
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To strike out in search of help:
1. read a book with the word 'strike' in the text
2. read a book with 'OUT' in the title (can be part of a word, i.e., about, South, outdoor)
3. read a book where the MC asks for help
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

1st Decision: To strike out in search of help
Book: Lethal White
Author: Robert Galbraith
Date Read: 1/4/23
Task: read a book with the word 'strike' in the text
How it Fits: MC is Cormoran Strike
Task: read a book where the MC asks for help
How it Fits: Strike needs help when his leg goes out & with the case
Task: read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: L-Lethal White

If nobody knows where you are, you could wait here for weeks before rescue comes - if it comes at all. You might survive the summer, but winter would kill you. It's time to move.

You pack your things. Your backpack is heavy. Reluctantly you leave your tent behind to lighten your load. You can always build a shelter.

Mountains lie to your east. The land gradually slopes down to the west. You don't know where you might find civilization.

To head west away from the mountains:
1. read a book with a person on the cover looking away from you
2. read a book set west of where you live
3. read a book where a famous mountain in mentioned
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To head east toward the mountain:
1. read a book where a person on the cover is looking towards you
2. read a book set east of where you live
3. read a book with 'mountain' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

2nd Decision: To head west away from the mountains
Book: Promise Not to Tell
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Date Read: 1/26/23
Task: read a book set west of where you live
How it Fits: Set in Seattle, WA

You head west, away from the mountains. You know that in a survival situation, it's usually best to head downhill. Higher elevations will be colder, and also, people tend to settle in lower elevations.

You hike for several days. Your progress is slow and steady. At night you stop and make camp. You eat berries and insects. Eating bugs is gross, but most are plentiful, safe, and loaded with protein.

Late on your third day of hiking, you stop suddenly in your tracks. Ahead of you stands an enormous grizzly bear. The bear takes a step toward you. You have to act quickly!

To stand your ground:
1. read a book where the MC has to defend their actions
2. read a book that you own
3. read a book that shows bare dirt on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To run from the bear:
1. read a book where the MC has to run (move at a speed faster than a jog)
2. read a book where the MC has to run (leave a situation)
3. read a book with a creature in it that has brown fur
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

3rd Decision: To stand your ground
Book: These Silent Woods
Author: Kimi Cunningham Grant
Date Read: 2/12/23
Task: read a book where the MC has to defend their actions
How it Fits: Cooper has to explain his actions
Task: read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: These Silent Woods starts with T or S

Running is the worst thing you could do. A bear's instinct is to chase something that runs away. You need to let it know that you are human and you pose it no threat.

You spread your arms to make yourself bigger and speak in a calm, clear voice, "I'm sorry I bothered you. I'm leaving now." You slowly back up without making eye contact with the grizzly. The bear seems to hesitate, but it wanders off in the opposite direction.

With a deep sigh of relief, you relax. That was a close one. That night you make sure to set up camp from away from where you had the bear encounter.

Two days later you come across a small road. A sign of civilization! You follow the road for most of the morning. Around noon you hear the sounds of a vehicle. A truck rumbles around the corner.

You wave at it, and it slows down. A man and his son stop to ask if you need help. You thank your rescuers. You're going to be okay.

Yay! You survived Canada!

What do you want to do now?

I survived 2 out of 3, so I think I'm going to head back to civilization.

Thank you for moderating the challenge! It was fun and different.