Underground Detection Abilities
Dwarven Underground Detection Abilities
| Detect or Determine. . . | Roll 1d6 |
|---|---|
| Grade or slope in passage | 1-5 |
| New tunnel/passage construction | 1-5 |
| Sliding/shifting walls or rooms | 1-4 |
| Stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls | 1-3 |
| Approximate depth underground | 1-3 |
Standard Detection Abilities
Dwarves are miners of great skill. While underground, they can detect the information shown in the table to the left when within 10 feet of the particular phenomenon (but they can determine their approximate depth below the surface at any time).
Note that the dwarf must deliberately try to make these determinations; the information does not simply spring to mind unbidden.
This treats all dwarves the same, however. They all have the same abilities and the exact same chance to determine underground features. This is boring and does not add to the uniqueness of every dwarf. To make your dwarf more unique, the Optional Detection Proficiencies rules are suggested.
Dwarven Detection Proficiencies
| Detect or Determine. . . | # of Slots Required | Relevant Ability | Check Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade or Slope in Passage | 1 | Wisdom | +4 |
| New Tunnel/Passage Construction | 1 | Wisdom | +4 |
| Sliding/Shifting Walls or Rooms | 1 | Wisdom | +2 |
| Stonework Traps, Pits, and Deadfalls | 1 | Wisdom | 0 |
| Approximate Depth Underground | 1 | Wisdom | 0 |
Dwarven Underground Detection Proficiencies
Not all dwarves have the same ability to detect underground phenomena, some are better than others. Detection proficiencies may be used as an alternative to the system described above to detect slopes, new tunnels, sliding walls, stonework traps, pits, deadfalls, and depth underground. Like nonweapon proficiencies, it is an optional system. If you don't use nonweapon proficiencies in your game, then detection proficiencies may be ignored. If you do use them, detection proficiencies will adapt the abilities more smoothly to your game.
Number of Detection Proficiencies
A dwarf character receives his standard number of nonweapon proficiency slots according to his character class. In addition, he receives another five slots solely to buy detection proficiencies. The initial number of proficiencies increases if he is of high Intelligence. Detection proficiency slots must be used to purchase detection proficiencies, but may be spent on any the player wishes.
Any dwarven subrace that is not allowed underground detection skills do not receive these additional nonweapon proficiency slots.
Using Detection Proficiencies
Detection proficiencies may be used any time a dwarf is underground, within 10 feet of the particular phenomena. Determining depth underground is the exception to this rule and may be attempted any time.
To use a detection proficiency, a dwarf must concentrate for one melee round. Any modifier for the proficiency listed in the Detection Proficiency table is added to the appropriate ability score. A +1 modifier is acquired if the dwarf is actually touching stonework. Detection proficiencies are checked by rolling 1d20. If the character rolls his adjusted ability score or less, he is successful, otherwise he fails. A roll of 20 always fails.
If successful, the dwarf sees the phenomenon or becomes aware of his approximate depth underground. If he fails, he cannot try again within that 10-foot area.
Improving Detection Proficiencies
The Proficiency Slots Table shows the number of levels the character needs to attain to acquire new detection proficiency slots. These slots may be spent on any detection proficiency, but not nonweapon or weapon proficiencies. However, nonweapon proficiency slots may be spent to improve detection proficiencies. Each additional slot dedicated to a detection proficiency adds an additional -1 to their proficency check (subtract from d20 result). A roll of 20 always fails.
[Complete Book of Dwarves]
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