Breeze shifts, now blowing from North-NE.Action: Order the group to move faster-Tepin takes point, but we both track. I just let him think he's got this under control-essentially, gauge him as a Hunter.
Despite already feeling weary of the affair you prepare the group to move out, calling Tepin up to the front with you. If he's coming along you want to keep an eye on him.
Follow Strider's plan. If possible, be the center of attraction in the attack to draw fire from the rest.
You patiently wait for Strider to make a decision. You look around at the others and notice Hooktoe is just waiting too but more impatiently. He's just standing there with Snatcher blood all over his face. He probably thinks it looks tough or something, but he's a mess and it's rather smelly. Silly boy, A Clean Hunter Is A Stealthy Hunter. You go over and clean him off.
Time to move. You fall into line with the others. Strider wants Tepin to take point, but you stay near the front to be quickly in any fight that erupts.
Wait if the others attack. If they do, attack as well, from a different angle, to cut off escape. If they dont attack...wait and see what happens next.
The others talk about what to do next, you are unconcerned. After a bit Strider says you're moving out after the Snatchers still, and avoiding the large herbivores for now. With nothing else on your agenda you go along.
"What the... ah, I see.
While following, locate some kind of leaf or something to wipe the blood off with so I can smell again.
While the others consider options you decide to do some much needed grooming. Hmm getting extensive amount of blood off your own face is hard. You follow the time honored method for the Hunter on the go and take a nice dirt bath. A few seconds rolling and rubbing in the dirt and leaves fixes you up nicely. When Strider calls you to move out you're ready to go.
~I'll help ya out. We gotta stick together and I think it'd be funny if the kids ate the Snatchers,~ Hooktoe whistled, somehow displaying the capacity for irony. He motioned with his head toward the trail, indicating that he was going to keep chasing their quarry. He then continued down the trail at a normal pace while trying to skirt around the Sauropelta and the Tenontosaurus.
Some of the others seem uncertain, but you are unshaken in your goal an push to keep following the Snatchers. Moonfang comes over and cleans some caked blood off your face. What is with her? If you cared you could rub it in the dirt like Ironhide is doing.
ALL:Strider says to move quickly after the Snatchers, avoiding the plant eaters for now. You form up single file. This is distinctly a travel formation, not a hunting net. Hopefully the plant eaters will appreciate the distinction.
(No one's Stealth total is >3 after movement speed modifiers. Sauropelta Sense rolls: 5-1, 2-1)
The scent trail goes relatively close to the Sauropelta ((anyone want to give these a IC name?)), and as you run in their direction one of them turns quickly to face you. It makes a loud coughing sound as you approach and bends it's front legs dipping it's head and shoulders close to the ground presenting a view of it's extensive set of plate and spikes. It's long tail swishing back and forth. As you move it turns to keep facing you directly. It's smaller companion stays to the rear watching you carefully too.
There's a tricky moment when you're at your closest. It coughs again and lunges a few steps forward, but you all shy to the side and it seems satisfied. (Luck 4) You are quickly passed and increasing the distance between you. (Ironhide, (Sense 4) you look back when you're about 200 yards away and notice it is still facing you and maintaining it's threat display)
Strider 6+1-1 (running)
Tepin 2+1-1 (running)
The party comes to a a place where the grassland valley splits. Tepin falters confused by the varied scents at the crossroads, but Strider picks up the trail again and directs the party to the left fork, which leads North. ((New rule because otherwise rolling for it is pointless. Only two Hunters may track a single trail. With six rolling SOMEONE will crit it.))
The Tentosaurus you thought you smelled earlier are down this way. There are 3 individuals in your collective sight, 2 adults and a juvenile. Traveling in the open at a run you are spotted rather quickly. They trot to the side, and sheltering the smallest between them they watch you pass (Luck 6) and then heading west into the woods.
Strider: 1+1-1 (runing)
Tepin: 2+1-1 (Running)
Here the valley takes a sharp right turn. Strider and Tepin have their noses to the ground and seem confused. Did the trail just split? Tepin (Cunning 6) thinks more Snatchers joined up. They both agree that the trail is less than 5 minutes old. Ironhide insists she saw movement to the East. (Sense 5). If they're there it's too far for the rest of you to see clearly. (About 2/3 of the way down a 600 yard valley)
Situation At A Glance:
Tepin [NPC] is with you.
You all run along managing to avoid antagonizing the plant eaters.
Tepin and Strider are confused.
Ironhide thinks she sees something.
Location: ~1 mile north-east of Nesthome; small grassy valley.
It is very early morning.
The Breeze Shifts slightly to North-NE.
No one is hurt.
Everyone is Well Fed, Except Charlie and Tepin who are Slightly Hungry.
Party is at about 80/100 Stamina