Initially, when tracking, you will need to close examine the tracks. You will have to use your experience to determine how deep they are, and/or how fresh they are. As you 'state your find" to determine the age & depth of the tracks (interact with choices available), your entry is checked for accuracy.

Tracking Skill

Hunting involves a sub-skill called "Tracking," and so everyone will acquire some knowledge about tracking basic animal footprints if they hunt for food.

Specialization

Native Americans will be more naturally familiar with the tracking of the indigenous wildlife that inhabits their land.

How it will work

Initially, when tracking, you will need to close examine the tracks. You will have to use your experience to determine how deep they are, and/or how fresh they are. As you 'state your find" to determine the age & depth of the tracks (interact with choices available), your entry is checked for accuracy.

You sharpen your skill curve the closer you get to the bullseye. If an entry is wrong, base points are given (but the base points can still help to somewhat improve your skill). Players will learn about the art of tracking while playing the game. They may also consult a Library, Town, Hunter, Elder or research to learn more about hunting & tracking.

Practice makes perfect

Also note, that if you were a bushwolfe (someone who spends a long time in the bush) and practiced tracking by trial and error method, you may eventually maintain a high skill curve.

Hunter being hunted

Of course in the midst of a chase, your posse, group, or companions will have to rely on your instant inclination. This is where you bypass the entry process and rely upon what you already know.

The Weather

Environment elements such as snow, mud, sand will have an affect on all tracks. Other elements to tracking also involve broken branches, sound, bleeding, scent, and other smells carried up or down-wind.

Perception matters.

"Perception" in Frontier 1859 replaces the radar that is found in most other games with a window and/or card draw.

For example, a living Avatar has the potential to relate to the world around them. Therefore, if you sit quietly, and then "focus your perception" - Wisdom of Perception may sharpen, thereby becoming ever-slightly more accurate. (Does not work with AFK).

It's all Relative.

As you practice using your Perception, it may help you determine when someone or something is near or far away.

"Crack, snap, and pop."

Perception and Tracking could help you learn how to differentiate one kind of sound from another.

Oo...ooo...that Smell.

Being up or downwind from something matters. Your Avatar's Perception may help tune his/her sense of smell.