Tracking
Tracking is the ability to find and discover tracks, analyze tracks to gain information from them (i.e. number of individual creatures, size of creatures, age of tracks, etc), and follow specific sets of tracks to a destination. Finding tracks requires a Investigate Check OR Hunting (Application) check, analyzing tracks may only be completed with a Hunting Theory check. It takes a minimum of 1 moment of searching per 60 ft diameter area to find tracks, and up to 2-3 moments to analyze them (depending on the difficulty of the task). When following tracks, a creature moves at half its Skirmish speed and must succeed the appropriate Hunting (Application) or Survival (Application) check. While following tracks, a new check must be made whenever the tracks cross significant terrain changes or similar disturbances (GM's discretion).
| Terrain Type | Finding Tracks DC (Investigate or Hunting Application) | Analyzing Tracks DC (Hunting Theory) | Following Tracks DC (Hunting or Survival Application) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (i.e. sand, mud, thick dust, etc) | 10 | 15 | 10 |
| Light Undergrowth (i.e. dirt, forest, grassland, etc). | 15 | 20 | 15 |
| Heavy Undergrowth (i.e. jungle, thick forest, etc) | 20 | 25 | 20 |
| Clean Surface (i.e. clean marble floor, ice, etc) | 25 | 30 | 25 |
From analyzing tracks you can gain the following information:
- Approximate number of distinct creatures making tracks.
- Type of creature making tracks (may require Monster Lore of uncommon creatures).
- Age of tracks.
- Distinctions between related types of creatures [DC +5], such as difference between humanoid races and male versus female of a familiar race.
- Distinct walking mannerisms of a creature's tracks [DC +10], such as a limping or shuffling gate.