Pass without Trace vs. Scent

[Artoomis]

I think that there is some confusion as to how scent works. Obviously tracking would not work in this case, and, if you read the sent ability in the SRD, you'll see it's totally seperate from detecting creatures by scent.

This extraordinary ability ... A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet. If the opponent is upwind, the range is 60 feet. If it is downwind, the range is 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or troglodyte stench, can be detected at three times these ranges.
The creature detects another creature’s presence but not its specific location. Noting the direction of the scent is a move action. If it moves within 5 feet of the scent’s source, the creature can pinpoint that source.

1. You need a move action to detect the direction of the scent.
2. You must be within 5' to pinpoint the source (that is, know which 5' square to target).

A smart foe would stay downwind, limiting scent to 15'.

 

[DM2]

I think that there is some confusion as to how scent works. Obviously tracking would not work in this case, and, if you read the sent ability in the SRD, you'll see it's totally seperate from detecting creatures by scent.

Sounds good to me.

So basically, no scent is left behind in the tracks (on the ground or surrounding terrain features) that can be used to track them using the track feat, but you can still smell them if they are nearby using the other set of scent mechanics.

Looks pretty clear now.

DM2