Thieves & Animals

Animal Assistants

A thief with an exceptional ability at Animal Handling and Animal Training can sometimes train creatures to assist him in his profession. This section discusses three possible creature assistants: dogs, ferrets, and monkeys. Other types can be used given the approval of the DM; develop and define the abilities of the animal using these three as examples.

All animal training acts described below are useable with the standard proficiency rules. The main additions are specific tasks that can be learned by these creatures.

When an animal learns one of the specific tasks below, its chance of performing the task are determined by the proficiency of its trainer. The proficiency check required of the animal is the same as for its trainer. For example, a ferret is trained to fetch gems by a character with three slots of animal handling proficiency and a Wisdom of 15. He needs a proficiency check of 17 or less to train the ferret for the task. The ferret, consequently, needs a roll of 17 or less to fetch the gems properly.

Players should record the stats for animals on the PC character sheet. List the tasks each animal has been trained for, recording this proficiency number beside the notation. At the DM's option, some animals may have such exceptional intelligence, or strength, or speed, that their ratings are granted a +1 or, rarely, a +2 modifier to specific tasks. Dogs can serve primarily as protectors, requiring little training before they become alert and aggressive watchdogs.

Dogs can also be trained to track a character or other animal. The dog requires some scent information about the object being tracked and a general location of the trail. A proficiency check is made to find the trail. Another check must be made every 1-4 turns, and also whenever the trail takes an unusual turn (through water, along tree limbs, etc). Dogs specially bred for this (including many hounds) gain a +1 or +2 to this particular ability.

Dogs can sometimes be trained to perform the "Thief's Fetch" trick, below. Generally, small and nimble dogs are used for this task.

Ferrets can fit through openings as narrow as 2", and thus have an ability to go places other animals cannot. Ferrets can be taught the "Thief's Fetch" trick to acquire gems, coins, or other small objects.

Monkeys are the most adaptable of these animals. A monkey can be trained to be selective in its fetching. Gateways, high windows, and other obstacles can easily be traversed by a monkey. A monkey will fight to defend itself if cornered or seized.

Monkey: AC 7; MV 12(9 climbing HD1/2; THAC0 20; Dmg 1-4

The Thief's Fetch

Animals can be trained to retrieve specific types of items from a general area such as a room or yard. Specific objects include coins, gems, jewelry such as chains or bracelets, or even items of food and drink. Additional training sessions can train the animal to perform its task with stealth.

The animal can be sent by gesture in a specific direction. It will seek for some time in the area indicated, finally returning to its master. Generally, the animal will spend 1d8 turns on the search. However, additional training sessions can add another 1d8 turns to this duration.

If an animal is discovered or frightened during this task, it will attempt to flee to its master. It can be trained to flee in a different direction, or even to attack, if a good trainer takes the time to do so.