Larkcall Lowlands we've got the sun and we've got the shade

WFN Pack Hunt! For @Merys @Jynx @Sylva @Raela only.
Dated June 14th. Clear weather, noon.
Random Event: a herd of Caribou are passing through Snowmarch Expanse.

Today was the day. Utilizing the pass that the alpha couple had discovered a week prior, the White Fir Notch pack maneuvered through the Palisades with relative ease, avoiding the worst of the puissant river to spill out onto the expansive Lowlands. The herd of Caribou, as expected, were still in place. It was the beauty of the tundra migrants; they came in droves of thousands and could be counted upon for a solid length of time, despite any other predators that pursued the same glorious opportunity. Gent's pale eyes took in the mass of prey as they grazed and bellowed and moved as one, and he stood brazenly at the edge of the land.

A small number took notice, and wandered further into the herd. They knew their place in life, and perhaps accepted that one of them would fall today. It wasn't remarkable enough to send the whole herd stampeding just by sight of a wolf. With a low chuff, Gent claimed the attention of his subordinates. They were all account for, excepting @Ainashi who had been tasked with looking after the children. It would be the first time such a situation arose, his pups without him and left with only one body to protect them, but the twirl of nerves it inspired only made the king all the more keen to run away with the adrenaline of the hunt.

"Merys," he spoke, muzzle swinging toward the other man as he gave only one command; "lead us."

Jynx had gotten her opportunity when the boar had invaded; it was now the turn of their other aspiring hunter.

(This post was last modified: Jul 15, 2016, 01:19 AM by Gent.)

The sweet, ambrosial sense of going on hunts was putting a pep in Merys' step this morning. If there was anything that he could admit that was positive about having joined a pack again, it would be that they liked to frequent group hunts. Which meant bigger challenges, which meant bigger successes. And bigger meals. It was a win-win for everyone, and it gave the five-year-old a purposeful adrenaline rush on their scouting east this afternoon.

As they stood atop the valley, Merys' buzz had cooled into an investigative air. His eyes scanned the herd, watching as they shifted under his their gaze. Hunting any large prey like this always held some factor of risk, and they would do well to single out their plan ahead of time as best they could, though it was largely dependent on how easily spooked the caribou were today and where they decided to dart under their chase. He heard Gent give him lead, and he narrowed his eyes and nodded without breaking eye contact. There had to be tens of thousands of them down there, not uncommon for the spring time. In the fall they had smaller groups as they migrated, but with their travels finding them so close to home, the Notch wolves had chosen to take the opportunity at their doorstep.

They would have to attack from behind. They were five wolves, and each caribou (save for the calves) had two sets of giant antlers on their heads. He imagined and hoped everyone here had at least had a chance to tackle one of these beasts prior. His confidence was set in Gent, as always, and Jynx was an up-and-coming youngster that he knew had the right instincts. Raela, while not pregnant anymore, was still .. well, Raela, so his expectations there were next to merely another body. And Sylva? It was good of her to be here to learn, but he would need to keep a closer eye on her actions. She was unpredictable on the best of days. 

Some caribou recognized that there was more power in facing the wolves, empowered by the weapons atop their head. If they wanted to attack safely from behind, they were going to have to get the herd to run. Stand-offs could last a while, especially the larger the herd; but, eventually they would lose their nerve and it would only take a couple to bolt before the others would follow suit. Once they started running, they would better identify the ones struggling. If not, they could wait until the first couple began tiring. Wolves could outlast caribou in a marathon, of that, he was confident. 

He shared this information with the others, turning back to face them. Some of it was self-explanatory, and some of it may just be enough to fill-in-the-blanks for those unsure. "It's imperative that we stay together; there are no heroes in pack hunts. Grab them from behind, or their hooves and antlers will end us," he added lastly, making sure to meet everyone's eyes, nodding confidently at them. "Let's go," he said then, quickly turning around and jogged down the incline and into the valley. It would be a slow start, having to feel out who would spook first, but as soon as there was some movement, they would move to exploit it and begin the chase. 

founding member | 2016

Lunch hour. The precise time of day when for most living creatures, hunger would strike. For the Notch wolves, it was just a lucky coincidence. Nonetheless, the fire coated female pushed aside the gnawing sensation in her gut as she stood side by side with her allies atop a ridge. Below them, swarmed thousands of caribou. Their numbers were vast, with many potential targets to choose from. An inexperienced or foolish wolf might think snagging such a meal would be easy. But in truth, the exact opposite was the case. With such great numbers, came all the more eyes and ears to detect the hunters. But being as experienced as she was in her relative youth, Jynx knew that in a scenario such as this, it was pointless to try and hide. This was not a game of stalk and chase. This was a matter of wills...of whose nerve would break first.

She stood silent and poised, her facial features etched with seriousness as Gent gave his command to Merys. This time, her hunting partner was to lead, which was just fine by her. She had had her chance in dealing with the pig and now it was Merys' turn to show what he was made of. She was well aware of his abilities, and of his confidence in her own. They were after all, a formidable team, having hunted together many a time thus far. Her confidence in Gent was equally matched, as her ebony leader seemed to play an active role in all aspects of pack life. Something she admired. Raela she trusted, but kept an eye on, only for the fact that she was a new mother. And Sylva...well...she was never to sure what to expect from the odd black female. As Merys summarized the plan, she had nothing to add...no suggestions. He was calling the shots alone. As if knowing exactly what to do when he gave the signal, she followed him down the hill, closer towards the caribou.

She fell into step easily with the others while some of the animals stood firm, stomping their hooves or swinging their antlers threateningly. But she never got too close, treading on a seemingly invisible line which allowed her maintain a safe distance, while overlooking the herd for signs of weaknesses. The adults, especially the older more experienced bulls, formed a barrier with their bodies, shielding the more vulnerable, younger or weaker animals. Her attitude seemed almost casual as she paced parallel with the herd, her flashing yellow eyes belying her intensity. She knew what to look for as they moved. A falter in their gait, an abnormal looking hoof or leg. Anyone who lagged behind in the slightest. Jynx had plenty of patience to spare until a target revealed itself. 

There is a moose carcass that has been scavenged by coyotes nearby. +15 Health

OOC: @Sylva - you're up! 

It would be the first time she had been such a considerable distance from her babies. Her mind was preoccupied with useless worries for most of the journey, and she stuck close to her mate who no doubt shared them, though likely to a lesser degree. There had been no signs of trouble before their departure; though things could change in an instant, she knew. The little ones hadn't been very happy to hear that their family was leaving for the day, and she couldn't blame them. They were much too small to understand anything other than the fact that they were being left behind, and oh how it tore at her heart. 

But it wasn't optional. The group needed food to continue to support itself, and the puppies by extension. An opportunity like this could not be ignored; not if the fledgling pack wanted to survive. At least the sight of the great herd brought a worthy distraction. The Alphess drew up beside her mate; watching in both awe and a growing hunger as the large beasts ambled about, stuffing their faces with grass and stopping only to cast a wary eye up into the woods, where they knew the predators were gathering. There were calves in among them too; perfect targets should they fall out of line in the coming panic once the group decided to begin the chase. The idea of killing another mother's offspring and eating it wasn't the most appealing, but in the end it would be her babies or theirs, and that choice was a simple one. 

Better though, would be the sick or elderly. Riskier for sure, but with so much more meat to go around. A single ear flicked to the side to catch Gent's summons. It was when Merys was called upon that her attention shifted from the prey to cautiously appraise their eldest member. It did not take long for the aspiring hunter to speak. His words were basic and straightforward; the plan would be the usual one – get the food running and decide who to attack from there. Then all they had to do was separate it and give chase. It sounded easy enough off of the tongue, but it was foolish to believe there was anything simple or easy about hunting large game. 

Mery's tone conveyed that he at least was well aware. Raela was keen to learn just how proficient the man was with leading a group, given his obvious prowess with providing for her and her family thus far. The matriarch did not lag behind as the party set off down the incline to the expansive grassland below, and the herds that now all but covered it. Her body began to buzz with a familiar energy as they moved past the tree-line and into the open; fully exposed to their intended quarry. By now the creatures had gathered their wide reaching population to a more anxious cluster, as their wide black eyes took in not one or two, but four wolves moving in from behind. 

Those of weak constitution were already moving away, while some attempted a bit of display with those huge, fuzzy antlers. While the bony spikes of autumn were mostly absent, it did not make their headgear less dangerous by much. The pack continued on its path, and eventually even the bold pulled back, deciding to slowly trot away with the rest of their immense colony. The fit and mature would carry their heads high, and try to appear as healthy and formidable as possible as they retreated; further revealing their weaker herd-mates as the pace gradually quickened. How much did they even understand of their betrayal?   

Soon they would have to goad the group into a run; but it was up to Merys when that would be. Raela's speed made her most suited to the early stages of the chase, and to cutting; splitting the group into smaller and smaller pieces as they panicked. Her sunshine eyes passed over toward the older male, ready for his signal.