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[Tiruin]

Ok, gonna proccess the sheets, and start writing a setup info dump for where you are.

> GM gets organized by using cheatsheets and information dumps. ✓
> GM likes Roleplaying. ✓
> GM is new and this is his/her first game. ✓
> Good and understandeable mechanics and OP. ✓
> A level of realism and social hierarchy exists in a simple//complex world. ✓
> Title being updated. ✓
> Realism mixed in an assumptive past. ✓
> Mystery and intrigue. ✓
> Rules of Cools. ✓
> Punch snout for dominance - subverted into duels. ✓
> I gets the internets. ✓
> Dinosaurs. ✓

> Most of the checklist is opinionated. ✓

[Joben]

A new day dawns over the nest-home. The nest area is down in a little hollow in the woods for concealment, and the undergrowth has been cleared for a way's around to build nests and deny cover to any small creatures that mean harm to the eggs and young ones.

Hatch-lings squirm out from under the brood mothers and scamper about, staging mock battles, pouncing on their fellows from behind the legs of adults. A rambunctious 3 year old get a little too rough with a hatch-ling, lifting it bodily in his mouth. It's shriek of fear draws the attention of Moonfang. She knocks the bully down with a sharp smack of her snout and snaps her jaws in annoyance. The bully takes the hint and trots away in a hurry. The hatch-ling is slightly clueless and, deciding he won, gives chase.

The remains of last week's kill are being picked over by Hooktoe and Charlie. There isn't much left. Strider whistles discontentedly about the situation. Hooktoe, Charlie and Moonfang hear him and drift over from other areas of the nesthome. Bobbing their heads deferntially to the tribe elder. After a few minutes of chirping back and forth an agreement is reached. You will go hunt together. But where will you go?

You all know that there is a lake a short way's to the North.
Quite a way's to the East the woodland gives way to plains.
The woodland continues to the West and South.

At a Glance:

Party is assembling and making plans.

It is dawn.
A fitful breeze is blowing from the South-West.

Party is at the nesthome; dense woods.
Party is slightly Hungry
Party is well rested.
No one is injured.

[SeriousConcentrate]

Hooktoe motioned with his head to the north, toward the lake. He might not have been very bright as raptors went but he knew enough to know that prey might be there, looking for water. Additionally it was a short walk, which meant less time traveling and hopefully more time killing things to bring back. He glanced at the others in turn to see what they thought, leaving his eyes on his father once he got to him.

[Tiruin]

Hmph, using your snout to play. Hatchlings these days...

As the leader's call resounded through the area, Moonfang nudged a nearby hatchling to move on in the right direction -- away from that bully.

As they gathered, she saw Charlie along with most of the other younger males, along with Hooktoe, the sire of the chief himself.

She could hear her own high-pitched chirp as the question came, To the North, I'm guessing? We'll need water for the long hunt ahead. Moving near Hooktoe, she nudged him playfully. I see you've grown well over the years?

To be fair, she didn't know Charlie much...

Lake! North!

Along the way, examine the surrounding scenery.

[Dwarmin]

Strider mused, that it seemed hunger would always be a driving force in life. He often tried to think about things-strange things-but the hunger was always there-pressing, ominous, merciless. Crying squeals of hungry babes-he had been hearing that sound his entire life, and it always put him on edge. It all made it hard to think...the others, they lived simpler, and maybe happier. He wondered about things, but all those thoughts floated away.

...

That he had been all but roped into leading a pack of neophyte Hunters (all of which were considered a bit odd) had put him in a more or less foul mood. But with his injury-which didn't seem like it would even heal right-he had lost some face in the pack. None had dared challenge him yet, but how long could it take? He wasn't getting any younger...but he was the Chief, and he had a Responsibility.

Still. He knew-an Adult Raptor who couldn't defend himself was in danger of losing more than just respect. He could easily lose his position as Hunt Leader, his Mate, even his life-which was why it was so important Hooktoe take up his mantle-he would be able to 'retire' easily knowing that his strongest (if somewhat dim) offspring had made something of himself-and he could defend his mate and mother-Slendersnout-after he (inevitably) died.

But he had to get there first-hopefully before another male killed him as a threat, or he did something stupid and got himself killed. Looking at his dopey son chewing on bones, he did wonder about that. The boy was a natural hunter, strong and stealthy-he was just...a bit slow. His mothers side, surely.

He considered the others.

Char was just a bit older than Hook, and just as fast-much brighter, as well. But he was also sickly, and thin. The Pack doubted he would live long...then again, they had said the same about him, didn't they?

Moonfang was considered sort of a...blunt instrument. Her lack of stealth made her the perennial bad luck charm during hunts-of course, she was a ferocious fighter, able to tangle with the best of them-she had given more than a few unworthy suitors scars to remember them by. Strider had wondered if he could extend a claw to the orphaned Hunter. Hooktoe could use a mate, but that was easier said then done...

He recalled something. He had known her parents, Lashfang and Quickstrike, hadn't he? They had been a ferocious pair, and their daughter had inherited that strength. They had died long ago, though, washed away during a horrible storm-not a way for a Hunter to die. Sometimes he had trouble remembering those names. Other Hunters in the pack couldn't even recall what he was talking about.

But he remembered.

...

He noticed his sons pleading, permanently confused glance directed at him, and nodded. The Lake could be dangerous, since it attracted all sorts of predators and prey like-but if they were smart, they could get an easy meal...thirst was strong after sleep, and sometimes the Prey failed in their observance. And-well, there was no such thing as an 'easy' meal, but some where not as hard as others.

~The lakes a good place to catch unwary prey in the morning, and that's where we'll start-but we're going to be careful, like always. There's many other Hunters that are thinking the same thing, most of them bigger and stronger than us...and I don't have to warn you all about Logmaws* hiding under the water, do I?~

Action: Nodding to his son, he more or less agreed that the Lake was the best place to start-but he allowed the others to say their piece as well, encouraging discussion and thought on the subject.

On their way, he orders the Hunting pack to operate quietly, keeping an eye for trouble.

*Logmaws: Alligators/Crocodiles/Similar, predators known to ambush from water-they often look just like floating debris, hence their name...

[SeriousConcentrate]

Hooktoe wondered what a logmaw would taste like, if they could catch one. ~Uh... I guess?~ he said to Moonfang. He didn't really know what she was talking about. Instead he returned his attention to his father. ~Dad, dad, hey dad. Can we try to catch a logmaw? I wanna eat one.~

[Joben]

Tempted to auto Charlie because tagging along with the pack is the obvious action and not inherently dangerous right now. But it has only been a few hours so I'll hold off. Pending totally off the wall action from him the turn is done though.

Teasers:

Moonfang is clumsy.
Strider is eagle-eyed.
Hooktoe derps along obliviously.
Charlie is raptor Batman.

[Dwarmin]

Hooktoe wondered what a logmaw would taste like, if they could catch one. ~Uh... I guess?~ he said to Moonfang. He didn't really know what she was talking about. Instead he returned his attention to his father. ~Dad, dad, hey dad. Can we try to catch a logmaw? I wanna eat one.~

Strider took a instructors tone.

~I assure you, the taste is hardly worth the reward, Son-Logmaws rarely hunt outside the water, and if they catch you or manage to drag one of us in, it's not likely you'll survive-in the water, they are as fast and strong as we are on land. And they can hold their breath alot longer than you can...I would know...

In fact, Hunting others Hunters is always a bad idea, unless you're much bigger than them, or they're injured and near death-aside from the fact they have more muscle and bone than meat, it's a needless risk, especially when there's so much more prey about, that can defend itself much less ably. I'm not saying one should be averse to risk-otherwise we'd all be starved within the week...but needless risk is a different matter, one that not only foolishly endangers yourself but the continued survival of the pack we serve.~

Strider wondered how much of what he said actually got to Hooktoe.

[GreatWyrmGold]

Say, would there be some way I could join? A Gobiconodon or a Microvenator that follows the pack and keeps an eye on the hatchlings, maybe?

[SeriousConcentrate]

Hooktoe tilted his head to the side. ~Yeah, but... think how impressive it'll be when we drag a few back to the nest! Especially if they're that dangerous.~ He nodded authoritatively, apparently the expert on what to kill all of a sudden. ~Hey, Dad. What kind of prey d'you think will be there today?~ he asked, switching gears completely mentally.

[NRDL]

Go with the rest of the pack.

[Dwarmin]

Strider at least liked to satisfy his sons curiosity.

~...We might be find some more of those Riverwalkers*...depends. Those are always good eating, if you can separate the young from the parents. But, they might have wised up and moved on to a new watering hole, we've certainly been taking enough of them.

The weathers looks good today, you see. Warhorns* like to come out when it's warm, you know-they gather in the sun to warm their plates. We might catch one of them off guard. A bit chewy, but nice aftertaste.

We could run into nearly anything, of course. Just keep your senses sharp, and be ready for anything.~


*Riverwalkers: Hadrosaurs, duckbilled herbivores that live by sources of fresh water-tend to be defensive of their families. Also very tasty.
*Warhorn: Ceratopsidae-large herbivores with short tempers and sharp horns. Killing one is considered something of a glory kill among the Hunters.

[SeriousConcentrate]

~Warhorn would be good. We haven't had any of that in a long time. Probably have to settle for Riverwalker, though. Again.~ Hooktoe hissed quietly in distaste. ~They're so stupid. No challenge at all.~ That was quite the slander on the intelligence of the Riverwalkers, coming from Hooktoe.

[Joben]

Hooktoe motioned with his head to the north, toward the lake. He might not have been very bright as raptors went but he knew enough to know that prey might be there, looking for water. Additionally it was a short walk, which meant less time traveling and hopefully more time killing things to bring back. He glanced at the others in turn to see what they thought, leaving his eyes on his father once he got to him.

You indicate your desire to go north and then look at your father expectantly and he listens to the others. There seems to be general agreement. Your father starts North advising everyone to be as quiet as possible.  You slink along as in his wake (Stealth 2+1) and manage to be reasonably quiet.  He makes a bit of a ruckus but nothing compared to that Moonfang.  You all go on for a bit into the woods past the border of the nesthome. [Failed Roll Not Shown]

Hmph, using your snout to play. Hatchlings these days...

As the leader's call resounded through the area, Moonfang nudged a nearby hatchling to move on in the right direction -- away from that bully.

As they gathered, she saw Charlie along with most of the other younger males, along with Hooktoe, the sire of the chief himself.

She could hear her own high-pitched chirp as the question came, To the North, I'm guessing? We'll need water for the long hunt ahead. Moving near Hooktoe, she nudged him playfully. I see you've grown well over the years?

To be fair, she didn't know Charlie much...

Lake! North!

Along the way, examine the surrounding scenery.

You finish benevolently bossing around some of the youngsters and wander over to join what looks like a hunting party. Everyone seems to want to go North. That's great you want to go North too! Hooktoe, the Elder's son is there. You nudge him in what you hope is a friendly manner (4). He turns and bumps noses with you in greeting. That seemed to go well.

After some discussion Strider moves off north telling everyone to more carefully.  (Stealth Roll  2-1) You trot in the desired direction, making quite a lot of noise as you look around alert for any trouble. The area around nesthome is familiar to you, there is little of interest.  Small animal life is understandably scarce and the few plants Hunters like to eat have long since been picked clean. (Active Spot Check 6+1 vs Hide 6) You see some sort of animal in the undegrowth. it's trying very hard not to be seen but you know something is there. It looks a little like US and is about our size but is not US. (+1 to initiative if combat occurs)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Strider mused, that it seemed hunger would always be a driving force in life. He often tried to think about things-strange things-but the hunger was always there-pressing, ominous, merciless. Crying squeals of hungry babes-he had been hearing that sound his entire life, and it always put him on edge. It all made it hard to think...the others, they lived simpler, and maybe happier. He wondered about things, but all those thoughts floated away.

...

That he had been all but roped into leading a pack of neophyte Hunters (all of which were considered a bit odd) had put him in a more or less foul mood. But with his injury-which didn't seem like it would even heal right-he had lost some face in the pack. None had dared challenge him yet, but how long could it take? He wasn't getting any younger...but he was the Chief, and he had a Responsibility.

Still. He knew-an Adult Raptor who couldn't defend himself was in danger of losing more than just respect. He could easily lose his position as Hunt Leader, his Mate, even his life-which was why it was so important Hooktoe take up his mantle-he would be able to 'retire' easily knowing that his strongest (if somewhat dim) offspring had made something of himself-and he could defend his mate and mother-Slendersnout-after he (inevitably) died.

But he had to get there first-hopefully before another male killed him as a threat, or he did something stupid and got himself killed. Looking at his dopey son chewing on bones, he did wonder about that. The boy was a natural hunter, strong and stealthy-he was just...a bit slow. His mothers side, surely.

He considered the others.

Char was just a bit older than Hook, and just as fast-much brighter, as well. But he was also sickly, and thin. The Pack doubted he would live long...then again, they had said the same about him, didn't they?

Moonfang was considered sort of a...blunt instrument. Her lack of stealth made her the perennial bad luck charm during hunts-of course, she was a ferocious fighter, able to tangle with the best of them-she had given more than a few unworthy suitors scars to remember them by. Strider had wondered if he could extend a claw to the orphaned Hunter. Hooktoe could use a mate, but that was easier said then done...

He recalled something. He had known her parents, Lashfang and Quickstrike, hadn't he? They had been a ferocious pair, and their daughter had inherited that strength. They had died long ago, though, washed away during a horrible storm-not a way for a Hunter to die. Sometimes he had trouble remembering those names. Other Hunters in the pack couldn't even recall what he was talking about.

But he remembered.

...

He noticed his sons pleading, permanently confused glance directed at him, and nodded. The Lake could be dangerous, since it attracted all sorts of predators and prey like-but if they were smart, they could get an easy meal...thirst was strong after sleep, and sometimes the Prey failed in their observance. And-well, there was no such thing as an 'easy' meal, but some where not as hard as others.

~The lakes a good place to catch unwary prey in the morning, and that's where we'll start-but we're going to be careful, like always. There's many other Hunters that are thinking the same thing, most of them bigger and stronger than us...and I don't have to warn you all about Logmaws* hiding under the water, do I?~

Action: Nodding to his son, he more or less agreed that the Lake was the best place to start-but he allowed the others to say their piece as well, encouraging discussion and thought on the subject.

On their way, he orders the Hunting pack to operate quietly, keeping an eye for trouble.

*Logmaws: Alligators/Crocodiles/Similar, predators known to ambush from water-they often look just like floating debris, hence their name...

You pay only casual attention as the youngsters talk. You find yourself considering them in light of all the other Hunters who have come and gone in your long life. They are so young. You know some of them may not see the next summer. Perhaps you won't either. But you push aside such thoughts. There are always the matters at hand. They youngsters seem to want to go North. This makes sense, though there are plentiful risks which you warn them about. You're not sure they take them seriously enough. Foolish hatchlings all of them. Maybe you can teach them enough before you die.
You growl out a command to keep quiet and follow. You yourself at not as stealthy as you wish, your leg twinges and you stumble a few times (Stealth Roll 2), but you don't think anyone notices with all the racket Moonclaw is making. Ahhh that one, a fine spirit, but as subtle as a thunderclap. Even close to home you are on guard peering into every shadow. (Active Spot Check 5+1 vs 3 ) You are not particularly surprised to spot what looks like a Snatcher* lying in ambush on the outskirts of the nesthome. (+1 to initiative and attack next turn.)

*Snatchers are what the Hunters call various types of Microvenator that either opportunistically or by habit prey on Hunter young. (Following the interpretation that the remiains found so far are juvieniles.) The one here is about 9 feet long.

Go with the rest of the pack.

You go with the others and following orders try to be as stealthy as possible (Stealth Roll 5+1) You blend into the background. A few times your companions look around slightly confused wondering where you got to. [Failed Roll Not Shown]

Hide, Lie in ambush for Hunter young

Spot Checks vs Hunters Stealth: 2,1,6,1 vs 2,2+1,5+1,2-1
Lying here since before dawn is getting boring. Your eyes start to drift closed but some flickers of movement draw your attention. That shadow over there doesn't look right. Snatcher is Alert but has no target.

Situation At a Glance:

Moonfang is clumsy but sees something
Strider is spotting stuff like a boss.
Hooktoe derps along obliviously.
Charlie is raptor Batman but a bit oblivious.

Suspected Baby-Snatcher is botching his Spot Checks left and right.

Location: Heavy Woods w/ underbrush ~100 yards north of the nesthome border.

It is dawn.
The air is still for now.
The party is slightly hungry.
No one is hurt.

[Joben]

Say, would there be some way I could join? A Gobiconodon or a Microvenator that follows the pack and keeps an eye on the hatchlings, maybe?

That's a neat idea. I donno if I can OK it without a really great justification though...

 If you want in right now as a hunter from their tribe you can. They're still in haling distance. You could just be a bit tardy and catch up. I can handle 5 players I think.

The interspecies alliance idea we can trot out later if the plot will allow.