If whoever it was is capable of concealing their path like that, they are almost certainly experienced enough for us to assume whatever trail they did leave is a misdirect. But at least we know we are likely in the right area. I say we head to the southeast and then maybe head northeast to angle up around the mountain. Hope to pick up a trail or clue elsewhere. What do you think?

Nodding emphatically, klurch readies to go.

Ink gives a nod to indicate he's content with Crom's plan. "Onward, friends!"

Calantha nods. "I'll keep an eye out while we travel and see if I can pick up the trail again."

The half-elf starts toward the southeast, hefting her pack more securely on her shoulders. Her eyes continuously scan the ground and their surroundings, alert for any signs of danger or signs of passage of their quarry.

Perception - 3 

(Survival or investigation - to Klurch's earlier question.)

As you make your way southeast you come to the top of a rise, it appears to be one of the taller hills in the surroundings and you get a nice view of the valleys on either side. The Sword Mountains to the south and east looming over these small hills, their snow capped peaks glistening in the afternoon light.

As you enter into late afternoon and begin to turn to the northeast, the day is waning on and the sun is starting to move down in the sky.

You all hear the snap of a branch in the woods as you are making your way through these forests.

Crom holds up a hand to silence the group and drops into a crouch, carefully reaching for his bow while he tries to make out the source of the noise.

Stealth: 11 

Perception: 16 

Calantha reaches for the pommel of her sword, her eyes darting all around. She hangs back and lets Crom scout ahead. Her heavy armor makes it almost impossible for her to move without giving herself away.

Also armoured, Klurch looks for the point of origin for the noise, perception 7

 As you both look around trying to find the source, you can't spot anything.

The forest seems to stand still as you all freeze and look around, but after a moment a birdsong breaks the tension and things seem to return to normal.

"Well, that was suspenseful, even if only for a moment," remarks Ink lightheartedly. 

The wizard then draws Master Po from his robe pocket and hands him over to Crom (or whoever is leading the way). "Po's senses of hearing and smell are quite sharp; let's have him ride on your shoulder and do his part in picking up the trail. I'll have him give you a wee pat on the cheek if he detects anything."

Ink will, every forty feet or so, pause his walking, close his eyes, and then listen and look at the world through Po. 

Regarding Po's perception:

At the sight of Master Po, Klurch throws a markedly confused look at Ink, before continuing to walk after the momentary silence. "we may be, Being, follow,ed"

"Hmm, yes," Crom says, idly scratching Master Po under the chin. These woods feel hostile. We are also starting to lose the light. This might be a good place to set up camp. High vantage point, so it'll make approaching us unseen a little tougher. No fires though. That'll be sure to give us away if haven't been made already. I'll take first watch unless someone else wants it."

Klurch clutches Crom's shoulder in acknowledgement, "I can, Take first watch, But first. Perimeter?" As he asks he casts guidance on Crom. (+1d4)

"I can take the second watch," Calantha offers, laying her pack down on the ground and beginning to rummage through it. "Ink, do you have any warding spells that could alert us if danger is near?"

"I think that's a wise call, Crom says to Klurch. "I'll take third watch." He turns to go scout the perimeter. "I'll be back in a bit." Moving quietly while staying within 20 feet of the group, he scans the surrounding hills for smoke or movement, checks the ground for humanoid or animal activity, and gathers up as many dry, brittle branches as leaves as he can find.

Crom is out for quite some time, spending nearly an hour laying down the branches and leaves over wide areas that he thinks someone would be most likely to use if they were trying approach quietly before raking some greener leaves and underbrush over them to create an impromptu alarm.

(For scouting the perimeter, either a perception or investigate will be 21 (+ another 4 if I can do it with survival instead))

(For setting the noisy branches to make us more likely to hear something approaching, I assume survival: 24 + guidance: 1 )

Ink shakes his head at Calantha, "Unfortunately, no. I know nothing of the sort."

As he watches Crom's work with the branches and leaves, Ink says, "There's our warding spell!"

At first Calantha looks disappointed, but as she watches Crom work his magic with leaves and branches she can't help but be impressed. "That's some fine work," she says approvingly to the ranger. "Where did you learn your survival skills, Crom?"

As Crom scouts the area around he feels confident in the view he was able to get, but couldn't see any sign of activity in the vicinity.

"MMph," Crom says, swallowing a bite of his rations, having returned from his work. He shifts over to make room to sit beside him at the base of a tree. "Picked up the basics from my mother and her tribe growing up. Then I picked up the rest living mostly out in the wilds. Just never really felt all that safe or welcome spending night in town, ya know? Oh! and would ya believe it, I picked up a fair few things from books here and there."

"I'm sure you must've picked up a few tricks yourself. How long you been at this adventuring business?" Crom asks. "I picked up just a bit of your conversation with Klurch and Ink on the way up here. From what I gather, this is a bit of a career shift for you."

For when Crom's shift approaches-

Perception: 17