several monsters like Mothmen and Raksasha have an ability called Detect Thoughts.
I was wondering how different people run that ability in game.
Rules on the ability explain how it works... but not really how it effects the game. It seems to work much like a detect magic except round one you simply detect that thoughts are present, I understand its round 1, 2 and 3 ability.... but how does that work mechanically?
I have had one GM that basically asks players in non combat situations what the character is thinking and acts accordingly. I have had another GM give the detector bonuses such as cant be bluffed or supprised, bonuses to diplomacy and sense motive and initiative, and raising the DC to save against mind effecting spells cast by the person detecting thoughts.
I am just wondering what other approaches are available.
It works like the Detect Thoughts spell.
It depends on the situation. It also depends on if the PCs know they are being detected.
Assuming the PCs are not aware that the spell is in effect I would give the detector the following bonuses.
1) Auto-pass sense motive checks as Discern Lies.
2) A significant bonus in any sort of negotiation or interrogation. Maybe around +4 or +8.
3) Cannot be surprised by anyone who has failed the save, as the diviner class ability.
If the PCs know that their thoughts are being read, through spellcraft for example, then they can try to keep their minds quiet.
once per spell, the PCs roll bluff or auto-hypnosis against the caster's sense motive. On a success, they are unaffected. On a failure, the spell functions as above.
The PCs shouldn't know if they have successfully disciplined their minds.
so your saying even though the ability has a fairly weak save... they should get another chance to break it?
not only that the ability is like detect magic. if they leave the cone the spell controller has to restart the 3 round process.
I didnt consider this a rules question... more of a flavor question.
does any one else handle the ability differently?
