GARRICK HALE

• Species: ExoHuman
• Born: 2607, aboard the Last Frontier
• Affiliation (Beta Age): Proprietor, Hale & Hook Outfitters
• Place of Residence: Morningstar

Garrick Hale, cousin to Orin "Ironhand" Hale, carved his own legacy in the wilderness of the Atrana Range. A gifted marksman and survivalist, he gained widespread (and often self-promoted) fame as the only known ExoHuman to have successfully hunted a Glaciok in the treacherous Ralar Region. Before founding Hale & Hook Outfitters in late 2626, Garrick lived off the land, trading pelts and smoked meat with outposts and mill camps.

Though truly skilled, Garrick became known for his tendency to exaggerate his exploits — from the size of the fish he caught to the ferocity of his hunts. Tall tales were part of the brand: each scar and trap on the shop wall came with a story, some more believable than others. Still, no one could deny his precision with a rifle or his uncanny knack for crafting traps from salvaged shuttle parts.

After the Great War and the rise of the Federal Confederation, hunting and fishing were outlawed under Communardism and the Peace Treaty, forcing Garrick to shutter the store. The remaining inventory was seized by the Federal Allotment Agency, and the building was turned into a communal tool depot.

Disillusioned and stripped of purpose, Garrick reportedly set out to become an Outlaw in the Ralar Region on the Dark Side. However, one month later, his frozen lifeless body was discovered by a rider from the Federal Courier Service along the Trade Route toward Firetown. Signs of a violent Glaciok attack were found nearby — an ironic end for the only ExoHuman known to have slain one.

* Independent Hunter & Trapper (2625–2626): Supplied meat, hides, and exotic trophies to Morningstar and surrounding camps; mapped out parts of the upper Atrana region.

* Founder & Proprietor, Hale & Hook Outfitters (2626–2631): Sold hunting gear, fishing equipment, traps, and custom weapons; repaired Windstrike Rifles; trained settlers in field skills.

* Informal Guide & Local Legend (2627–2631): Hired by visiting prospectors and eccentric clients for private hunts; occasionally led rescue efforts for missing settlers.

• Traits: Bold, boastful, resourceful, proud of his legacy
• Behavior: Tells embellished hunting stories with gusto; offers practical advice wrapped in bravado; keeps his rifle within arm’s reach at all times
• Values: Self-reliance, craftsmanship, the thrill of the hunt

• Height: 1.85 meters
• Weight: 89 kg
• Appearance: Lean and wiry; dark auburn hair streaked with gray; stubbled jaw; usually wears a worn utility jacket with game hooks and a sidearm holster

• Armor Class (AC): 13 (leather coat + light harness)
• Hit Points (HP): 38

• Scoped Shot: Ranged Weapon Attack with Windstrike Rifle — +7 to hit, range 80/100 m, one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage. Requires reload after each shot.
• Quick Snare: As an action, Garrick can deploy a trap at his feet. Enemies entering the square must succeed on a DC 13 Dex save or become Restrained.
• Fishhook Toss: Thrown object, improvised melee. +4 to hit, 1d4 piercing damage and target’s movement is reduced by 3 meters next round.

• Hunter’s Instincts: Advantage on Survival and Perception checks when tracking beasts or navigating misty terrain.
• Trophy Talker: Once per short rest, Garrick can attempt to sway or distract NPCs with a dramatic (and usually exaggerated) hunting story. DC 13 Charisma (Persuasion or Deception) to succeed.

Garrick sees himself as a relic of a freer age — one where survival and skill earned respect, not paperwork and allotment cards. Though he respects his cousin Orin’s legacy, Garrick wishes to be remembered not just for his Glaciok kill, but for preserving the soul of Morningstar’s wild frontier. Deep down, he misses the chase — and secretly dreams of one last great hunt.

Though his store was shut down and his life ended in tragedy, Garrick Hale remains a local legend in Morningstar. His preserved Glaciok paw still hangs above the old shop entrance, and settlers continue to pass down his tales — some true, many not — around campfires and card tables. His dramatic death at the claws of another Glaciok only amplified his mythos. Some believe he sought out the creature on purpose, longing for one final test. Others whisper that he died protecting something — or someone — in the fog. Some even claim his hidden cache of pre-Confederation hunting gear still lies buried near the upper trails, waiting for the next brave soul to find it.

• Story Catalyst: Garrick is ideal for initiating hunting quests, gear upgrades, or contraband exchanges.
• Skill Trainer: He can offer training in Survival, Trapping, or Marksmanship (short downtime reward).
• Comic Relief & Suspicion: His exaggerated stories add levity — or confusion — to tense situations. NPCs may doubt him… until his rifle speaks for itself.

• Beta Age
• Free State of Settlers
• Morningstar
• Hale & Hook Outfitters
• Orin "Ironhand" Hale
• Glaciok
• Atrana Mountains
• Windstrike Rifle