Noticing an Assassin Vine

[DM MoFiddy]

I'm creating a an encounter and I think an Assassin Vine would fit quite nicely. I have a question though about the Camouflage ability. Suppose that a player makes the Perception check. How would you describe the vine to them? Tell the players that they see the plants and vines around them moving?

[Starglim]

If a character succeeds in Perception or Survival, she can tell the vine, specifically, is mobile and dangerous. She might see it twitching and creeping closer, notice its thorny stems, see bones lying about and so on. A character who succeeds in Knowledge (nature) should immediately get monster knowledge.

[Kevin Andrew Murphy]

I wonder if a druid could charm an assassin vine into becoming a masseuse vine. I mean, it's intelligent, druids can talk with plants, and druid could easily work out a mutually beneficial arrangement, feeding it carrion and whatnot. Hell, Plant Growth alone would be worth a few massages.

[BigNorseWolf]

Knowledge: nature

10 + the monster's CR

dc= 13

[Kaisoku]

Kevin Andrew Murphy wrote:

I wonder if a druid could charm an assassin vine into becoming a masseuse vine. I mean, it's intelligent, druids can talk with plants, and druid could easily work out a mutually beneficial arrangement, feeding it carrion and whatnot. Hell, Plant Growth alone would be worth a few massages.

Are we getting a glimpse into your pr0n preferences here? ;)

[Starglim]

BigNorseWolf wrote:

Knowledge: nature

10 + the monster's CR

dc= 13

Right, but the DC for the Camouflage ability is 20. If a character makes a Knowledge check after the vine has already attacked and revealed itself, that would be DC 13.

[DM MoFiddy]

Starglim wrote:

If a character succeeds in Perception or Survival, she can tell the vine, specifically, is mobile and dangerous. She might see it twitching and creeping closer, notice its thorny stems, see bones lying about and so on. A character who succeeds in Knowledge (nature) should immediately get monster knowledge.

Thanks. Yes, I was more interested in the DC 20 Camouflage check. I like your description.

Perception is one of those skills that I have trouble with sometimes. I'm not sure how much information should be given out before the Knowledge check is made. I suppose a good method to use is to just describe what the PCs see with their own eyes instead of worrying about the monster's stat block at that point.

[Dungeon Grrrl]

DM Mo wrote:

Starglim wrote:

I'm not sure how much information should be given out before the Knowledge check is made. I suppose a good method to use is to just describe what the PCs see with their own eyes instead of worrying about the monster's stat block at that point.

It sounds like you're on the right track. I usually ask for Perception rolls at the beginning of any scene, before I describe anything -- even if there's nothing hidden to notice. The players are used to it, and I can alter my description based on how well players roll.

A GM I play under makes all perception rolls himself, and just asks if you want to take 10 (if that's an option at the time). It's more work than I want to do, but I admit you do have a more immersive experience, since you just do or don't notice things.

[Miranda]

I'd give a bonus on perception if the character also had the right knowledge skill using aid another mechanic.