The Gamma Age teems with life—complex, mutated, bizarre, but ultimately understandable life. Some think of the mutant beasts of the world as incomprehensible monsters, mythic and arbitrary like demons made real, but it’s not the case. The creatures of the world have patterns, habits, mating seasons, and feeding grounds; they can be studied and their habits understood. It just takes hard work to find out the details of a creature, and in the Gamma Age, “hard work” doesn’t mean research and computer modelling; it means getting your hands dirty.
The Scrutinizer is an intrepid investigator of the unknown, a “field zoologist” who gathers information on mutants and critters through asking questions of witnesses, following up unsubstantiated reports, and running like hell when the beast is chasing him. Some Scrutinizers take up the challenge to satisfy their intellectual curiosity, while others see it as a way to protect themselves and their community from dangerous predators.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills:
Knowledge {earth and life sciences} 3 ranks.
Feats:
Systems Familiarity (one of the chosen skills must be Knowledge {earth and life sciences})
CLASS INFORMATION
Hit Die: d8.
Action Points: 6 + half character level (rounded down) per level.
Class Skills: Concentration (Con), Diplomacy (Cha), Investigate (Int), Knowledge (behavioural sciences, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences) (Int), Perception (Wis), Research (Int), Stealth (Dex), Survival (Wis).
Skill Ranks Per Level: 6 + Int modifier.
Table: The Scrutinizer
CLASS FEATURES
Ask the Right Questions: At 1st level, the Scrutinizer develops the skills required to learn more about the creatures of the Gamma Age. He gains a +2 competence bonus on any skill checks made to learn about a creature. Skills that his bonus might apply to include Diplomacy to gather information, Investigate, Knowledge (any), Perception, Research, Sense Motive, and Survival. The bonus increases to +4 at 6th level.
Tracker: At 2nd level, the Scrutinizer gains a bonus to Survival checks made to track equal to half his class level (rounded down).
Bonus Feats: At 3rd, 6th, and 9th level, the Scrutinizer gets a bonus feat. The bonus feat must be selected from the following list, and the character must meet all the prerequisites of the feat to select it.
Action Hero,
Animal Affinity,
Attentive,
Defensive Martial Arts,
Educated,
Endurance,
Mutation Resistance,
Nanotech Attunement,
Personal Firearms Proficiency,
Scavenger,
Studious,
Surface Vehicle Operation,
Survival Master,
Trustworthy.
Skill Mastery: At 4th level, the Scrutinizer selects a number of skills from his class list equal to 3 + his Int modifier. When making a skill check using one of these skills, the Scrutinizer can always take 10 on the check, no matter what the circumstances.
Studied Species: At 5th level, the Scrutinizer has learned much about a number of different creatures, and can defend himself more effectively against their attacks. Select a number of creatures (not creature types) equal to 3 + Int modifier. The Scrutinizer gains a +2 dodge bonus to his Defence when attacked by any of these creatures, as well as a +2 bonus to all saves made to resist their special abilities. The Scrutinizer can only select living creatures, not constructs.
Experienced Reflexes: At 7th level, the Scrutinizer gains a +2 competence bonus on all initiative checks.
Further Study: At 8th level, the Scrutinizer selects another group of creatures equal to 3 + his Int modifier, enjoying the same bonus to Defence and saves as outlined in the Studied Species ability. Furthermore, the bonus to Defence increases to +4 as does the bonus on saving throws.
The Biggest Secret: At 10th level, the Scrutinizer can make an on-the-spot assessment of a creature’s nature, habits, and powers, and instantly try to tame or calm it. Spend 1 action point and make a Knowledge (earth and life sciences) check with an additional modifier equal to the Scrutinizer’s Charisma modifier, against a DC of 25. Success allows the Scrutinizer to make exactly the right gesture or say exactly the right word in order to calm the creature, who will cease hostilities unless attacked. The Scrutinizer can then attempt to open negotiations or simply run away if desired.
