Can Ranger Traps Have a Bypass?

[JDLPF]

If a ranger has the ability to create a Ranger Trap, can they enter the square of their own trap without needing to make a saving throw? Essentially, can a ranger trap have a bypass element?

[Lady-J]

i would say since the ranger is the one that set up the trap and knows how it works they would be able to pass by it without triggering it

[Pizza Lord]

I would say that a ranger trap could have a bypass. There are only 3 bypasses described in the Bypass section, a Lock, a hidden switch, and a hidden lock. Obviously a ranger probably isn't going to want to place a lock on most of his traps, but I suppose adding a hidden switch to disable it should work (though these only apply to Extraordinary traps.) Supernatural traps may or may not allow the 'caster' to bypass them depending on the type of trap.

So, I would allow a Ranger to add a hidden switch or reasonable bypass to a trap. There's so many and varied types that allowing it for everything may not be reasonable, but typically I would allow it if they specifically say they want one. I would require them to spend the action flipping the bypass on the trap if they wish to pass over it (and then have to 'reset' the switch to re-enable it).

Just remember, that means anyone could basically find the bypass as well and those disarm the trap, even without any appreciable Disable Device skill.

As for the ranger just entering their trap's space and not triggering it, again, I would say it depends on the trap. For magical/supernatural versions, the Spell-storing trap functions like glyph of warding so that may not trigger for the 'caster'. The Transpositional traps likely will affect whichever character steps into their area, even the ranger. For extraordinary traps, I would certainly allow a ranger to step over a trip-wire trap, since that seems reasonable. Letting them walk over a covered pit trap, which technically fills most of the 5 foot space, I would probably deny. They'd either have to move around it or jump over it. Any other traps you could probably allow movement through assuming their trigger is a actually a small location, but that's strictly GM territory, since technically anyone stepping into the space sets it off otherwise.

[Murdock Mudeater]

JDLPF wrote:

If a ranger has the ability to create a Ranger Trap, can they enter the square of their own trap without needing to make a saving throw? Essentially, can a ranger trap have a bypass element?

I think the answer is no. That said, I don't think they'd need perception to locate the trap.

Traps are friend or foe, in design. Definitely seems intentionally designed that way.

As for not needing a saving throw, you could be willing....