All:When you don't all back off the largest Snatcher shrieks loudly, the meaning is clear because the advancing pairs break into a run toward their separate targets. Snatchers 2 and 3 are heading for Tepin. 4, 5 for Ironhide, 6, 7 for Moonfang. Snatcher 1 barks some orders and then drops out of view of everyone. [Only Snatcher 1 is attempting any sort of stealth anymore, no checks required to see the others.]
Moonfang quickly turned to signal Hooktoe with a whistle, I'll distract them! Strider must not be seen! She blinked before remembering her plans for the youngling.
I bet I can take out more of them than you can~!
Roar a challenge to the thieves! Then CHARGE [only if Hooktoe says no] Then CHARGE AS ONE [if yes]
You coordinate with Hooktoe, he appears to have a target in mind. You see Strider moving forward too, you can't stop him, but you plan to make sure he doesn't take the brunt of the first clash. The Snatchers headed your way start running.
Hooktoe catches your eye from where he is under cover. You need to stop them close to him. You roar a challenge, arms spread, mouth open then charge. They don't seem particularly impressed by the display, but they are certainly looking at you. You leap at Snatcher 6, but it dodges easily (Attack 1+1 vs 5) and counterstrikes kicking at your side (Counter 4-1 vs 5+1) but you hop out of the way.
Snatcher 7 meanwhile has not been idle. It moves to your left flank and appears to be trying to push you over. (2-1 vs 3+1) It's really a pitiful effort. you kick it hard (Counter 3+1 vs 2-1) (Cunning 5, Damage 6) jamming your sickle claw into his side, the movement flows naturally from there and suddenly you are standing on top of your stumbling prey wildly flapping your arms for balance. Quickly you drop lower, grabbing with your front claws and tearing a bite from the Snatcher's shoulder. This is too much and it's legs buckle dropping it to the ground with a thump with you still securely on top. It shrieks in terror.
Apparently while you were doing this Hooktoe arrived and he's now fighting with #6
[Snatcher 7 is in pain, prone, being stood on. Punctured side, moderate lacerations. Torn right front shoulder muscle.]Get into a position where I can cut of escape, sneakily. If I do, strike!
Stealth (4+1+1=6) Sense 1
Before the fight even starts you're moving carefully further out and forward on the left flank. You can't see what's going on at first, but you go by your gut, and the various noises of angry creatures that are getting louder and closer. You are now slightly to the NE of the fight. You hide behind a tree and look at what's going on. You see 3 pairs of Snatchers.
Closest to you is Ironhide trading blows with a pair of Snatchers. Further down the line you can see Tepin fighting another pair, and the rest of the pack ganging up on the final two.
((You are not far from Ironhide, if you want to break cover and assist her you can do so and I'll process a combat action for you prior to the next full turn. Otherwise you will use your use a Minor Action to Hide better and wait.))
~You're on...~ Hooktoe growled softly, keeping his eyes locked on what looked to be the weakest and smallest of the Snatchers. Without waiting for Moonfang's signal, Hooktoe charged at the Snatchers, aiming for one that looked easier to kill than the rest.
There are two snatchers heading right toward Moonclaw, you signal that she should draw focus and you will strike. She does amazingly well, in a flurry of movement she is standing on top of a Snatcher. Wow. You alter your charge direction toward the one still standing.
You bursting from cover at full speed does not seem to startle it at all, but you still have the advantage of first strike. There is an awkward and confusing tangle of attacks and you slam full body into the Snatcher (3+1 vs 5-1) (Strength 3+1) staggering it backward (Snatcher6 loses initiative next turn, giving you first strike again.)
Strider saw a pair of each coming toward the three hunters. They seemed confident with a perceived numerical advantage. Their mistake.
He slunk low-he had to protect his son.
Action: Attack alongside Hooktoe, being more stealthylike-make sure he doesn't get hurt, even if I have to take the attack myself.
(Initiative 17+1, Sense 6+1, Stealth 4)
You start forward with the youngsters, taking a bit more care to remain unseen by the Snatchers. Some of them probably saw you, but not all. Everyone who may know you're here seems to have been engaged in combat. Not that it really matters, it seems Hooketoe needs help knocking down his target. (Attack 1-1 vs 4-1) Unfortunately you are not much help, your teeth snap shut on empty air. It counterstrikes snapping back at you (Counter 4-1 vs 6) but misses as well.
Oops, forgot/didn't see.
Attack with the others.
There are two Snatchers heading in your direction. I looks like the others are busy. 2v1 isn't great, but it is probably tactically useful to keep these two busy. Maybe you'll get lucky and disable one of them quickly...Where by the Gods did Charlie Get to?
You charge to attack, letting out a snarl to keep their attention as other fights break out to your right. You leap at the closest one (Attack 2-1 vs 5-1) but it sidesteps deftly. It tries to bite your neck but you are having none of that nonsense (5-1 vs 6+1) and when it leaves itself open (Counter 5-1 vs 3-1) and you slash at it's nose with a fore-paw (Damage 1) but it's a poor hit and you only scratch it.
Snatcher5 meanwhile preparing to strike but seems rather flustered and doesn't come close to hitting you (1-1 vs 2+1). It's incompetence leaves it open but (Counter 3-1 vs 5-1) but your kick hits nothing but air. Well you're keeping them busy, and you are not hurt yet. This is what you'are suited to do. Be the body on the attack, the others are the claws.
Revenge!
They're gonna die, all of them. Two are headed right for you. Might has well start with them. You charge at maximum speed. The one on the left reacts quickly (4-1 vs 4-1) attempting to strike resulting in the two of you slamming together halting your movement and deflecting you off to the side. You just go along with that and strike at the second one. (Attack 6+1 vs 4) (Cunning 1) You slam into it, raking it's foreclaws and chest with your foreclaws.(Damage 5+1) You think you injured it's hands somewhat. You bite down on it's right arm for extra damage. Something makes a slight crunch noise, and you pull away skin and some shreds of flesh in your teeth. Snatcher 2's hands and arms are a mess, and bleeding.
Follow Orders: Kill/Drive Off Foes
You all charge at the enemy. They don't retreat so you have to fight. Crap.
Observe Battle. Sneak Attack anything giving us trouble.
(Sense 1, Stealth 6+1+1=8)
Two of the three pairs are doing ok, but something is wrong...there appear to be more than three Hunters and one group is outnumbered. You walk stealthily toward the fight. and
Hide a few feet away waiting for the moment to strike. (+2 to next stealth roll + 1 to next Cunning roll)
At A Glance:Moongfang is being awesome.
Hooktoe and Strider are helping.
Ironhide is fighting a pair of Snatchers.
Tepin is fighting a pair of Snatchers.
Charlie is being sneaky and requires player input.
Snatcher mooks are fighting.
Snatcher Lead is ambushing.
Location: 1.6 Miles NE of Nesthome; Woods
It is still morning.
The breeze continues from the North-NE.
Everyone is pretty well fed.
Everyone is at about 65/100 Stamina.
No one is hurt.