Tracking for non-rangers

[tylermo]

At present, my A-series players are without a ranger. They've had to make some tracking rolls from time to time. Per the rules, I don't allow them to add their level to the roll. I also added a challenge level of 10. Seems like I remember from the ckg with that sort of guidline. Is that right?

[Arduin]

At present, my A-series players are without a ranger. They've had to make some tracking rolls from time to time. Per the rules, I don't allow them to add their level to the roll. I also added a challenge level of 10. Seems like I remember from the ckg with that sort of guidline. Is that right?

I just go from the "PHB". No levels added and the result is never as good if successful, as a PC who has it as a class skill.

[DeadReborn]

Sounds right to me. I don't own the CKG, though, so I don't know if that's in there or not.

[Omote]

At present, my A-series players are without a ranger. They've had to make some tracking rolls from time to time. Per the rules, I don't allow them to add their level to the roll. I also added a challenge level of 10. Seems like I remember from the ckg with that sort of guidline. Is that right?

I just go from the "PHB". No levels added and the result is never as good if successful, as a PC who has it as a class skill.

This right about here.

~O

[ThrorII]

I allow some class abilities to be used by all, but without the level bonus,and at a reduced effectiveness.

In regards to 'Track', I allow:

"TRACK: Allows the character to successfully track any creature in a wilderness setting that leaves a discernible trace. Checks are made every 5 hours. Characters cannot determine specific features about the creature tracked, such as numbers, type or status (injured, etc)."

The additional Ranger abilities regarding Track are not available to non-rangers. Additionally, I rule that Rangers do not need to make a roll for a basic track check, only if they are trying to use the 'advanced' ranger abilities (number of creatures, types, distinguishing features, etc).

[Rigon]

I allow some class abilities to be used by all, but without the level bonus,and at a reduced effectiveness.

In regards to 'Track', I allow:

"TRACK: Allows the character to successfully track any creature in a wilderness setting that leaves a discernible trace. Checks are made every 5 hours. Characters cannot determine specific features about the creature tracked, such as numbers, type or status (injured, etc)."

The additional Ranger abilities regarding Track are not available to non-rangers. Additionally, I rule that Rangers do not need to make a roll for a basic track check, only if they are trying to use the 'advanced' ranger abilities (number of creatures, types, distinguishing features, etc).

Yep.

R-

[serleran]

Anyone can step into a giant's footprint and "find the track." Only a ranger can tell you that the giant recently ate beans with Chianti and might have gout. Likewise, anyone can follow known (and spotted) bird droppings but the ranger can know that one of them is a new mother and is carrying a golden necklace for its nest.

Basically... there are the "everyman" things and there are then the "you must be skilled to know that" things. Where the line is drawn is up to the Castle Keeper.

[kreider204]

Basically... there are the "everyman" things and there are then the "you must be skilled to know that" things. Where the line is drawn is up to the Castle Keeper.

That's pretty much how I handle it too. I don't even call it "tracking" in the case of non-rangers - it's just a general perception roll.

[Lord Dynel]

Echoing the previous posters, I, too follow the PHB and allow check sans the level bonus. I'd make exceptions, though, such as the character in question should kind of have an idea what he's doing before I allow a roll. Barbarian - sure. Rogue - sure. Wizard - not likely, unless something in his backstory would allow for it (such as he was an apprentice to an investigator-type wizard or some such). I try to follow some sort of logic when allowing non-class ability checks. YMMV, of course.

[Treebore]

Lets also remember that even though it would be without adding levels they could still get situational modifiers that either help or hurt them.

So if they are trying to track a group of Ogres you might give them an additional +1 per Ogre in the group, Ranger or not. They won't be like the Ranger saying there are 6 Ogres, 2 of them wearing some kind of heavy armor, armed with a variety of two handed swords and bearded axes. They will be able to say, "A group of large creatures went West, and this is their trail.", assuming they make the roll.


So even if there are no Rangers in the group, tracking will not be necessarily impossible, but it certainly will not be as easy, or as informative. Unless, of course, they are tracking something that is good at hiding its trail. Or is small. Things like that.