You follow the trail to a shallow cave. The bloody bones and other remains show that two adult owlbears and several of their young were torn apart here fairly recently. The tracks split up ate this point, with a smaller group of about 6-7 continuing in roughly the same direction as before while the bulk of the group swings back, more in the direction they came from.

To follow the larger group, survival DC 15, the smaller, DC 20.

"We could probably pick off the smaller group. Reduce the future threat. But at the same time it might be good to know where the larger group have gone so they don't end up approaching while we are unaware."

"The larger group seem to be going back to their base, wherever that is. Probably not risk to innocents back there. I think the smaller group seem like more of a risk," the dragborn suggests, looking toward where the smaller force broke off.

Arista crouches at the cave mouth, turning over a blood-streaked bone and tracing claw gouges in the dirt with her staff tip. She studies the split trails, squints at stride length and scuffs, then nods toward the lighter set of prints. She rises, taps two fingers to her eyes, and sketches a rough plan in the mud: pairs fanning along the small group’s sign with set intervals for hand signals and soft whistles, "If we split in two groups, we have better chances to remain on track." She marks a nearby trunk with a discreet notch for a rally point, tightens her shield strap, and moves to the left flank to help pick up the faintest tracks, checking back every dozen paces to keep the line dressed. 

"If we can find their nest, perhaps we'll be able to see what raised them. Destroying it could take them down and keep more from rising...in theory, anyway."

Survival with help: 15

[[Three of you indicated following the smaller group, while Kaelen, the one making a roll, seemed to indicate following the larger. My interpretation represents an attempt to resolve.]]

You all attempt to follow the smaller group, but the trail goes cold when they cross a large granite outcropping which they leave no tracks. You seem to be able to pick up the larger trail if that is how you would like to continue.

[That is a generous proposition, I'd say we follow the larger group.]

Arista curses under her breath when the spoor vanishes on bare granite, palms skimming the rock for any scuff or claw-chip before she straightens. She taps her staff twice to draw attention, nods toward the clearer, heavier trail, and is prepared to swing into motion to take point on the larger group’s sign, shield strap cinched tight, but waiting for the others to chime in. 

Asariel shrugs. He's has no burning desire to get close to the large group. But also doesn't have a strong objection 

Kaelen wants to follow the large group now that he has their trail.

"Lead the way, Kaelen," Brekk says as he raises his shield and tests the heft of his sword.

Mathias follows along keeping a wary eye out for danger.

Kaelen moves ahead, attempting to stealthily follow the tracks to their source.

Stealth: 6 -.-;;

The trail leads on, occasionally marked by a savagely torn apart animal carcass.

I'd like perception and investigation checks for the next part, from everyone.

Kaelen checks: perception 9, investigation 8

Arista

perception 8

investigation 1

Asariel:

Perception 23.

Investigation 13

[[Mathias Perception: 13,  Investigation: 16]]

Asariel and Mathias: You start encountering some straight sided stones and it soon becomes clear, the ghoul pack has led you back to the remains of an exceedingly ancient village, and through what appear to be a burial ground beyond, although the ground amongst the graves has been disturbed much more recently than the village proper. The path of the ghouls seems to enter a stone archway around an entrance to a dark tunnel entering a hill.

Just for the future, due to changing life circumstances, I will likely be unavailable without warning on many weekend days.