The Ranger gets to make these checks vs. their FE. It says you can make these checks "when attempting to identify these creatures."
So, if your FE is human, you see one and you make this check, you find out they are human? Or if FE is goblin, you say 'oh, it's a goblin'?
That can't possibly be all there is to it. That seems real weak. If you read it verbatum, that's what I'm understanding. I'm hoping there is more to it and I'm just missing something. (I happen to miss a lot so that's why I come to you all.)
Thanks!
Yeah. That's pretty much it. It doesn't do much when your FE are simple things like elf or goblinoid, but when you take things like giant or dragon (or other types/subtypes that have lots of diversity) it rather helps. Not that you'll be making many of those checks without some skill investment anyway, but it lets you have a chance.
It could help you get insight on the abilities of the demihuman races, like the drow's spell resistance or the like.
Only if the demihuman races in question are considered "common" with a CR5 or less, or if you're making the knowledge check while making use of a library. Otherwise the DC will be 10+CR, and an untrained knowledge check can't hit more than DC10, regardless of bonuses. It's worth it to toss just the one rank into the appropriate skill(s) to get rid of that limitation.
It could help you get insight on the abilities of the demihuman races, like the drow's spell resistance or the like.Only if the demihuman races in question are considered "common" with a CR5 or less, or if you're making the knowledge check while making use of a library. Otherwise the DC will be 10+CR, and an untrained knowledge check can't hit more than DC10, regardless of bonuses. It's worth it to toss just the one rank into the appropriate skill(s) to get rid of that limitation.
I thought that was the point of giving the Ranger the ability to make Knowledge checks untrained in regard to their favored enemy. Anyone can make a DC 10 Knowledge check untrained. Why specify the Ranger ability if it's not an exception to the rule?
I thought that was the point of giving the Ranger the ability to make Knowledge checks untrained in regard to their favored enemy. Anyone can make a DC 10 Knowledge check untrained. Why specify the Ranger ability if it's not an exception to the rule?It could help you get insight on the abilities of the demihuman races, like the drow's spell resistance or the like.Only if the demihuman races in question are considered "common" with a CR5 or less, or if you're making the knowledge check while making use of a library. Otherwise the DC will be 10+CR, and an untrained knowledge check can't hit more than DC10, regardless of bonuses. It's worth it to toss just the one rank into the appropriate skill(s) to get rid of that limitation.
*sigh* Maybe I should just stop posting for a bit. My brain seems to keep missing that one little obvious bit of information that completely invalidates what I was posting about.
To go back to the OP's point though, they seem to have it right (now that I'm reading the actual ability). It allows untrained checks to identify the enemy only. Personally I'd allow you to know one piece of defining info as well (one non-obvious special attack, defense or weakness), if applicable. Anything more than that though would not fall under identifying the creature, thus it becomes untrained again and can't hit more than a DC10. Since each additional trait is +5 DC, chances are slim that you'd know more than that one tidbit. So that one rank is helpful once more.
So basically, it has to be a dragon, aberration, or some such and THEN you could actually find out something useful. Say, resistances or special type attacks, defenses, that sort of thing?
Whereas if it's humans, elves, or any of the Core races, knowledge checks are pretty much worthless. Except in the case of those that have subraces as creatures. (drow, duergar, etc.)
Is that the gist of it?
BTW: Thanks for all the responses!
So basically, it has to be a dragon, aberration, or some such and THEN you could actually find out something useful. Say, resistances or special type attacks, defenses, that sort of thing?
Whereas if it's humans, elves, or any of the Core races, knowledge checks are pretty much worthless. Except in the case of those that have subraces as creatures. (drow, duergar, etc.)
Is that the gist of it?
BTW: Thanks for all the responses!
Try FE undead or outsiders (most encountered subtype is of course evil), then you have probably something worth finding out. :)