Stormwind Army Field Manual: Survival in the Field

The Survival in the Field section of the Stormwind Army Field Manual covers how soldiers of the Stormwind Army are to act so as to survive when out in the wilds.

Table of Contents:
•Wildnerness Survival

•Three Requirements

•Food

•Water

•Shelter

•Worship in the Field

Acknowledgements:
Lord Maxen Montclair, Duke of Westridge. Marshal of the Stormwind Army.

Sir Ismond Laldere, Knight of Westridge.

Wilderness Survival
How to survive in various terrains is a basic knowledge that all soldiers should be well versed in.

There are several basic concepts that apply to every location but every situation is different and will require improvisation on the part of the soldier. Failure to understand his enviroment is the quickest way to fall to the elements.

The following will detail basic needs for every situation as well as specific details depending on the situation.

Three Requirements
There are three basic needs that are required for any being to survive. They are as follows: Food, Water and Shelter. In order for a stranded soldier or his platoon to survive, the first thing they must do is ensure that they have all three.

Food
Food should be stored on every mission, however, it is uncommon to have enough for an extended stay in the wilds of Azeroth.

-Foraging Foraging describes the act of looking for edible plants. Berries and mushrooms are very common in the wilderness but many varieties are poisonous. Take extreme caution in eating them.

-Hunting Hunting describes the act of capturing or killing animals for their parts. The flesh of most animals is edible, their skins are often useful to create your shelter and some even have parts that can be used to create makeshift tools or weapons.

Though hunting traps are not distributed by the Regiment as standard kit, they can be purchased with private funds from the QM Stockpile. However, the surest way to catch wild game is to use a bow or gun, sneak up on your prey, and kill or cripple it before it notices you.

Making a Fire
Construct a fire to cook food or boil water only if you are safe from enemy detection.

Clear all leaves, sticks, and flammable debris from a patch of land until only rock or dirt remains. Gather materials.

•Kindling - High Flammability

•Tinder - Medium Flammability

•Fuel - Low Flammability

Place the kindling and tinder in the center of the the fire pit. Arrange the firewood in a conical shape, making sure to leave enough space between each piece for air to feed the fire and smoke to escape.

Light the kindling and tinders with your flint and steel, ensuring that the fire has enough of both to ignite the firewood Add further firewood as needed.

To cook upon a fire, allow the flames to die down substantially and ensure that there is a sufficient base of hot coals. Cook food roughly one-and-a-half to two feet above the coals to prevent the exterior from cooking faster than the interior.

Water
Although you can go weeks with minimal food, the absence of water could be fatal within a few days. Often within even twenty four hours of not drinking, various symptoms of dehydration will set in.

The key to survival is knowing where to look for water.

Plants cannot grow without water. As such, if you dig deep enough where there are plants you are likely to come across a few mouthfuls of water a few feet down.

Finding large amounts of animal tracks is also a good sign of water. They do not tend to stray far from where they are able to get a drink. You often will not even need to dig if you find their watering holes!

In arid environments, termite mounds are a direct indication of the existance of water. Termites themselves are also very rich in both protein and water content. As well, cacti are water-retaining flora and can be tapped for a rather plentiful supply.

Saltwater
Under no circumstances should you drink water from The Great Sea or The Forbidding Sea. Similarly, any water that tastes salty should be spat out. It will kill you faster than drinking no water at all.

Salt water does, however, make a very effective antiseptic for cleaning wounds and infections, and should be carried - clearly marked - in some capacity should you encounter it.

Shelter
Protection from the elements is a key aspect in trying to survive while stranded or lost. You need it to keep you in the shade, away from cold winds, and dry.

Natural caves, mineshafts, and large burrows make the best temporary shelter available, however, sometimes you must craft your own.

Small logs are excellent for creating a frame. Mosses, dirt or clay, and long, thin sticks are good for filling in gaps between logs. When available, animal hides, leafy treebranches, brush and grasses provide an excellent cover!

The key is to make it appear natural to avoid enemy detection.

In the event that you are not in a flora and/or fauna rich environment, digging a foxhole or small slit trench large enough to sit fully sheltered in, is the simplest solution. Simply drape a blanket or cloak over yourself and wait out the storm as best you can.

Worship in the Field
Pray for the Light's help, strength, and wisdom. If you can remember scripture verses or hymns, repeat them to yourself or your fellow soldiers.

Remember that you fight for the Kingdom of Stormwind, and know that those who you fight for pray for your victory and safe return.

Forgive those who have failed you, and yourself for what you have done or said that was wrong.

Remember you are not alone in the face of war and strife- the Light is there.

Infections
An infection is defined as the invasion of body tissue, usually surrounding an open wound or sore, by disease causing bacteria and the body's reaction to their presence and that of the toxins they create.

Infections are often the direct result of squalid or dirty conditions, poor hygiene, insufficient diet, lack of access to proper medical care, and necrotizing toxins, or any combination or individual cause therein.

When faced with an infection in the field, it must be treated based on how developed or recent the infection is. Severe infections will require special holy treatments or amputation. These wounds can rarely be treated in the field, and if proper care cannot be given in a plausible timeframe, then it is best to give the suffering individual a merciful death.

Minor to moderate infections can often be temporarily treated with an antiseptic wash, absorbing agent, and a wrap of sterile bandage.

Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia occurs when the body is unable to regulate the elevation of temperature, usually due to dehydration, an adverse reaction to potions and medicines, or dangerously high temperatures. If left unchecked, Hyperthermia is fatal.

Unlike Hypothermia, Hyperthermia does not give the benefitial warning of progressive stages. Symptoms include:

-Swollen eyes, lips, nose, and ears.

-Absence of prespiration.

-Unreasonably hot skin.

-Nausea.

-Dizziness/Fainting

-Rapid breathing

-Discolored skin

Depending on the cause and severity, the treatments for Hyperthermia can be many and varied. In simple exertion based cases, such as hard labor on a hot day, soldiers should be given plenty of water and a cool, shaded place to rest. In cases caused by medicines or potions, cessation of those medicines or potions and close observation for the next few hours should be the immediate step.

In signifigant cases, afflicted soldiers can be treated with immediate techniques such as being moved to a cool, shaded place, removal of clothing, and dabbing of the head, chest, and armpits with damp rags. Submersion in a body of cold water is also an effective way of removing a large amount of excess body heat in a short time.

Severe cases of hyperthermia, where the casualty has passed through the most serious stages, can only be treated by fully trained medical staff. Often, severe cases require advanced cooling methods, such as mild frost magics, or blood-cooling potions that are often only found in field hospitals. When faced with severe hyperthermia, if the casualty cannot be brought to a field hospital swiftly, it is better to end their suffering with death.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia, as opposed to 'Hyperthermia', is caused by the core temperature of the body dropping below normal operating levels. If you see signs that hypothermia is taking hold in one of your fellow soldiers or yourself, you must immediately take steps to stabilize and then gradually increase body heat.

Hypothermia displays symptoms in a rapidly progressive nature.

-Mild Hypothermia Symptoms will generally be displayed as a gradual increase in the rate and force of shivering.

-Moderate hypothermia Will often be characterised by violent shivering, loss of motor/coordination skills, mild confusion, and the lips, ears, nose, and fingertips may take on a blue or purple coloration.

-Severe Hypothermia Vistims will exhibit delirium, slurred speech, mild amnesia, labored stumbling, and an inability to utilize hands and feet. Shivering stops, skin becomes puffy and blue in appearance, loss of conciousness is common, and burrowing is a clear prelude to imminent death.

Hypothermia Prevention
-Mild: In the case of mild hypothermia, passive rewarming is the act of using another person's body heat, proper insulating clothing, and a warmer environment

-Moderate: When faced with moderate hypothermia, external warming devices are required, such as placing skins full of hot water in the armpits and groin.

-Severe: Under severe hypothermia, there is little that can be done in the field. If a soldier contracts severe hypothermia, and full medical care cannot be given, the soldier should be given merciful death to end his or her suffering.

The Three Virtues
Respect

Respect is observing, but not interfering with others' positions, professions, and connections to the community.

Tenacity

Tenacity is devotion to the Light, its virtues, and one's community over time - resisting selfish temptations.

Compassion

Compassion is aiding others in their time of need, having sound judgement in how much aid is needed, and ending the suffering of those that cannot be aided.

Praise and Thanks
Thank the Light that it is more far-reaching than your circumstances. Rejoice that no matter what happens, the Light will see you through. Never lose hope- never give up.

Have faith in the kingdom.

Have faith in the king.

Have faith in your fellow soldiers.

Have faith in heaven and eternity.

With Fellow Soldiers
Pray for eachother.

Share scripture and songs.

Appoint a chaplain.

Try to have worship services.

Write down scriptures, songs, or liturgies that are remembered.

Encourage each other while in the field. The Light loves you.

Have faith in the Light.