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Does it work - are their paws are able to manipulate objects with sufficient dexterity? Or does this clause kick in?
For each skill in which either the master or the familiar has ranks, use either the normal skill ranks for an animal of that type or the master’s skill ranks, whichever is better. In either case, the familiar uses its own ability modifiers. Regardless of a familiar’s total skill modifiers, some skills may remain beyond the familiar’s ability to use. Familiars treat Acrobatics, Climb, Fly, Perception, Stealth, and Swim as class skills.
This is up to the GM, but I don't see a rat being able to disarm a trap even if they are smart enough to do it. It is assumed that tools are being used, and I've seen a rat that could handle lockpicking tools. I know this is a fantasy game, but I don't see this working.
They aren't going to list every example. The GM is going to have to decide how much sense it makes.
This is up to the GM, but I don't see a rat being able to disarm a trap even if they are smart enough to do it. It is assumed that tools are being used, and I've seen a rat that could handle lockpicking tools. I know this is a fantasy game, but I don't see this working.
They aren't going to list every example. The GM is going to have to decide how much sense it makes.
Pilferer familiar archetype gains the skill and it doesn't make any mention of anything needed to use the skill. Seems odd to not make mention of needing fine manipulation as a prerequisite for the archetype.
I think it would be a case-by-case basis that the GM would have to decide on, like wraithstrike said. If it's a mechanical trap with small delicate workings, I can see it. A rat can slip a pin into a bear trap and lock it, but might not be able to disable a pit trap depending on how it's built.
That said, I have a character with a rat familiar. I would never have him disable a trap, but maybe assist me when I do it. As for opening a lock, lock picks are pretty small. I could see a rat doing it, but it would be difficult. He may not have the upper body strength to push and lift the inner workings of a lock. Not to mention getting up there to the lock, depending on where it is.
So... I would use the familiar for the assist, not the main unless absolutely necessary.
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That's sort of the fun in having a Rat with Disable Device: figuring out what it can and can't disable as it comes across them.
Trip wire? Chomp!
Wagon wheel? Chew chew chew
Mouse trap? Best leave that to master...
And I could see some Familiars being better at certain checks. Many birds can manipulate thin wires to reach grubs inside hollow branches. Not too different from jiggling around a lockpick (depending on the complexity of the lock).
And a wombat would make an awesome pit disabler ^_^
Thieves' Tools: This kit contains lockpicks and other tools you need to use the Disable Device skill. Without these tools, you must use improvised tools, and you take a –2 circumstance penalty on Disable Device checks.
Tools of some sort are required. Should of been stated in the skill, but it isn't.
Yeah, if the skill is strictly tool based then the brand new revised familiar archetype needs fixed/re-revised.
Rats can't hold anything? Have they seen a rat hold food? Granted, they're not tool users, but they could be if they were smarter.
LOL! Seriously? Who wrote those rules?
Its not a rule. Its Dms call. Having had my pocket picked by a raccoon, i'm fine with them disabling device.