Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Spike_Fightwicky 09-02-05, 09:32 AM	I have a couple of questions regarding the "Burrow" movement type. What method of mudane detection is there for this mode of movement? Scenario: A couple of Purple Worms are burrowed underground waiting for a quick meal when a group of adventurers approaches. Waiting until they have passed overhead, they emerge from the ground behind the party ready to attack. Now, purple worms are by no means stealthy, but it doesn't specify in the rules (or the SRD) how to treat burrowing creature detection. 1) Do they get an automatic surprise round? Spot wouldn't work, and listen might, but there's no skill to "feel" anything (like the ground shaking, if it does noticeably). Also, under the Ankheg entry, it states (SRD Rules) "An ankheg usually lies 5 to 10 feet below the surface until its antennae detect the approach of prey. It then burrows up to attack. (Treat this as a charge, even though the ankheg does not need to move 10 feet before attacking.)" I have 2 questions from this: 2) Is this like an auto-surprise action? An ankheg lying dead still underground will not be noticeable, and it only travels 5 feet to make its attack, so it seems like this would enable an automatic surprise round for the ankheg to make its attack. 3) It doesn't specify, but can other burrowing monsters use this tactic? Like a dormant purple worm who's suddenly awoken via its tremorsense?
MidnightLightning 09-02-05, 04:40 PM	What method of mudane detection is there for this mode of movement? ... Do they get an automatic surprise round? Spot wouldn't work, and listen might, but there's no skill to "feel" anything (like the ground shaking, if it does noticeably). Actually, there is a skill to sense the ground shaking, and you mention it later: Tremorsense. Though no humanoids (and most PCs are) have such a skill. I would say it's a Listen check for the sound of earth being moved. Also, under the Ankheg entry, it states (SRD Rules) "An ankheg usually lies 5 to 10 feet below the surface until its antennae detect the approach of prey. It then burrows up to attack. (Treat this as a charge, even though the ankheg does not need to move 10 feet before attacking.)" ... Is this like an auto-surprise action? I would agree with you and say Yes, it is an automatic surprise round, unless you want to throw in a very difficult Reflex save for the PCs to have a chance of participating in the surprise round. It doesn't specify, but can other burrowing monsters use this tactic? I believe the basic requirement for making a charge in any sort of terrain (standard, air, water, or earth), is the ability to move more than 10'/round to start a charge (or have a rule bent like the Ankheg). So if the monster has a speed >10' burrowing, it can charge from underground.