when can you make knowledge checks on monsters

[Finlanderboy]

The rules specifically say that these are not actions.

So when can I make the check? When I first have evidence of the monster(see it, hear it)? On my turn in initiative?

As a free action I can tell my mates about the monster as a free action. So when first seeing it would make the most sense and be the most tactical.

Are there any rulings on this?

[King of Vrock]

I ususally have PCs make their checks when they first see the monster or are given a detailed description, find its tracks, or other distinctive evidence it may have left.

--SherVrock Holmes

[Zhayne]

I'd go with 'when you first see it, or when there is enough evidence to possibly piece together what it is'.

[Nanomd]

I have people roll knowledge checks on their turn in the initiative. Yes, information is shared instantly between party members. But, having some way to organize the affair helps keep things less boggy at the start of combat, and it flows better. I've seen plenty of GM's have checks done at the start of initiative, before people actually start the combat proper, however this system has a tendency to break the tension. If you're in a (good) home game, there should always be a fear of death, and there should always be a reason for battle to have started. Mindless killing of everything you see is what the first 3 seasons of PFS were about, not what I commit an entire evening every week for. Keeping this in mind, I equate knowledge checks at the beginning of combat to be much the same as the GM standing up and getting something to drink before every combat. It breaks flow, it feels really awful and off, and it's just downright game shattering.

You are allowed them at any time per the rules, as far as I am aware. But I advise HEAVILY against this system.

[Skylancer4]

Personally our group uses perception checks as the trigger the majority of the time (note perception checks can be made to find tracks, just not follow them). Also in some cases, where disguise or a template (looking at you vampire) is involved, the check is made when something "out of the ordinary" happens that the creature wouldn't be able to do.

[james maissen]

Finlanderboy wrote:

The rules specifically say that these are not actions.

So when can I make the check? When I first have evidence of the monster(see it, hear it)? On my turn in initiative?

As a free action I can tell my mates about the monster as a free action. So when first seeing it would make the most sense and be the most tactical.

Are there any rulings on this?

They go alongside the perception checks to see/hear the monster.

The characters seeing the creatures certainly could yell out to the rest of the party (to warn them that there's something there). It doesn't make sense that they wouldn't know what it was.. especially if they've blown away the knowledge DC.

Honestly I tend to use those to give the descriptions of the creatures to the group normally with differences directed to certain player's characters. Depending upon how the table is in player preference I may already have such rolls done for them if it adds to immersion.

-James

[Major Longhorn]

Question is... Do you do it automatically or on player's requests.

For exemple a lot of my players who are not noobs though tend not to ask me (what is this monster ? what are its weaknesses ?) So I say nothing, which is good for tension but well. Sometimes I'm wondering If i should roll for them and tell them straight ...

[james maissen]

Major Longhorn wrote:

Question is... Do you do it automatically or on player's requests.

I do it automatically. Recognizing what something is seems as reactive as noticing them. Requiring them to ask would be like requiring them to ask what they see.. that seems to be the part of the GM.

Now depending on the player I may tell them what they know to either inform or to limit their knowledge for their character.

Outside of RAW, I did like how 3.5 Monster Manuals moved to tiers of knowledge DCs and was hoping that Paizo's Pathfinder would embrace that fully and integrate it into their system. That would be a TON of work, but it would be worth it for what it would give imho.

-James

[Major Longhorn]

seems fair...