"It seems tracking them down will not be simple. There's a chance they've noticed us already. Shall we draw them in?"
Bastion will review the caves they've seen, suggesting that the group hole up inside one for the night, with sentries poised to catch others trying to spy on the group.
Avan replies, "I fear if we draw them in, they will all come out and overwhelm us. We should strike when they aren't expecting it! Fluffles can distinguish the fresh scents, should we pick one of them and follow it? Bring the fight to them?"
Albrecht agrees with Avan, "We don't want to spoil our surprise if we don't have to. I feel uneasy as well, but it could just be paranoia. I like your idea of holing up for the night in one of the caves, but we will definitely have to be on watch. If we can be sure there is only one entrance/exit, then it shouldn't be too hard to defend. We need to pick one and make a really thorough search of it. Which should we pick?"
Out of Character: It doesn't matter to me which one we choose. I like the idea of meeting these guys fresh the next day.
Bastion states, "Very well, I merely meant that we should find a defensible location, since it seems likely they know of our presence as things stand."
The group will seek out a habitable cave their smaller numbers would not have trouble defending.
Avan steps out of the wagon, and with Fluffles sniffing around, begins to look for clues of activity or habitation. He attempts to discern any information as to weapons and armor in use, diet, current morale, daily routines, culture, religion or even social structure. All of those could be turned into weapons. But it's not likely that a single cave will offer such answers.
If we will be searching more caves, Avan's thinking will be similar, any clue will be a great help.
Albrecht joins the group as they find a cave that meets their first set of requirements. He then makes a thorough search of it for secondary entrances or traps. He wants to make sure that they only have to defend one area. After making sure, he will help scrounge for food and see what he can find to help ease the group's dependence on their rations. He doesn't wander far, keeping within sight of the cave, and as much as he is able, he keeps Krama with him, though he will have her stay or help him trap food, if needed.
"Right, is everyone ready for this? Let us pick out the freshest tracks and scent trails, narrow down where their settlement is, at least to within an area we can thoroughly search. We know they are close, so let us move slowly and carefully."
Bastion will take up position as before, keeping an eye out for problems as best he can.
Albrecht nods to Bastion, indicating his readiness. He had gotten up early that morning to prepare his spells. It may not be the forest and streams that he is used to, but the desert was its own kind of nature, and took time to commune and prepare his spells. He made sure to have plenty of utility spells ready for any situation they may find themselves in. He was also ready to transform in a moments notice to wade into battle himself.
Albrecht prepared to take up his same spot of searching from the canyon top, while Krama stayed below to help protect the wagon.