My only assumption is that it was automatic
Ok, so in 3.5
A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet.
reads as A creature with the scent ability can [automatically] detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet but in pathfinder
A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet
reads as
A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell[with a successful perception check], generally within 30 feet
?
The same exact words with a radically different meaning? And the second reading, as it stands, is a non ability. Neither of those make sense.
Serum, if that is the case why is BigNorseWolf saying Scent's abilities are nothing? Unless he was being sarcastic (and failing to indicate it with a /sarcasm tag).
I agree that requiring a perception check or not is a problem in the wording of perception or the lack of a wording change in scent. Lacking any definitive answer I am using perception granting a +8 to detect creatures in the area but you are free to do as you like in your games and make it automatic instead.
- Gauss
P.S. Im really ok with either automatic or check based. I can see the logic in both.
Serum, if that is the case why is BigNorseWolf saying Scent's abilities are nothing? Unless he was being sarcastic (and failing to indicate it with a /sarcasm tag).
I don't think its nothing as I read it. I think its pretty much nothing as you read it. Or at the very least that scent doesn't need to be listed as a special ability at all the way you read it, its a flat out perception bonus.
I think the way I'm reading it, and indeed the only way identical wording could possibly work in 3.5, fits in well with the scent<blindsense< blindsight progression. Its a special ability. It should be special, not just flavor text for how you find someone.
P.S. Im really ok with either automatic or check based. I can see the logic in both.
Meh. I'll take it.. :)
I think perhaps you misunderstand my position BigNorseWolf. As I see it scent grants the ability to partially negate invisibility AND a bonus to scent based perception. That is a pretty good special ability. And it IS still a special ability that way.
I agree the wording needs to be clarified. I don't care which side of the fence the wording comes down on (perception check or automatic). I see the logic in both.
- Gauss
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Scent: The creature can detect opponents within 30 feet by sense of smell.
Perception DC to notice a visible object is DC0, +1 per 10ft. You may assume this is the same for detecting a creature unmasked by scent.
Invisibility: A creature with the scent ability can detect an invisible creature as it would a visible one.
So for creatures with scent you can detect the presence of a creature as soon as it come within 30ft. If you feel it requires a perception check it will be DC3 at most. Some scenarios may require a higher DC check such as the troglodyte example listed above, but in those situations you could reasonably add the +8 to detect a scent.
You do not know the location of the target. It requires a move action to determine direction. You automatically pinpoint invisible opponents within 5 feet.
The 30' general detection is only in normal wind conditions I think. So as in the case for the troglodyte, or other smelly creatures, like the sasquatch, it would be 60'. I don't think there would be a bonus, except for the +8 scent provides for the perception role.
I like this...with the exception that I think the base DC for noticing (smelling) the presence of a person in range should be 0 ...IF you have scent...just like hearing a conversation is base 0...
http://spesmagna.com/archives/1178
Applying the perception modifiers to scent is good.
Applying survival and knowledges to mask scents is clutch.
Otherwise very helpful!!