Post/Author/DateTime	Post
JulesCARV 01-15-08, 11:22 PM	Would there be any mechanical consequences to having eyes on the sides of one's head (like a horse) rather than both facing frontwards (like a human)? I'm thinking maybe a penalty to ranged attack rolls and search checks, thanks to poor depth perception, along with a bonus to spot checks and initiative, thanks to broader field of vision and less likelihood of being caught by surprise.
CryoSilver 01-15-08, 11:38 PM	I wouldn't bother with it; it'd just be annoying to remember constantly.
JackSnape 01-15-08, 11:58 PM	I think you've got it, worse depth perception, wider field of vision. you might use this for a bug or something with compound eyes too. But in most cases I agree with the above, don't bother.
Dudde 01-16-08, 04:25 AM	If you really want to use it, then perhaps an easy modifier like -2 to Ranged Attacks and a +2 to Spot. If you go into it deeper, then it all depends on how the eyes actually work - there is a difference between a horse's eyes and those of say a chameleon or a bird. A better way of doing this would be to create a special Feat (or more than one) for the creature in question where all the benefits of the special eye placement could be included. Things like a bonus to certain saves or skills, perhaps removal of the various drawbacks. /D
Tema69 01-16-08, 12:35 PM	The Insectile template has the Compound Eyes ability. I don't remember what it does though ;)
Garidas 01-16-08, 02:53 PM	Human and ape like eyes see 3D features. A horse, or cow or something a like has a 2D vision.
AtsuiShoto 01-16-08, 04:20 PM	The trick with depth perception is that those brains without access to it adapt to infer distance more accurately, rather than to infer distance and cross-check with stereoscopic depth comparisons. Where stereoscopic vision really becomes a boon is in rapid and accurate detection and judgment of movement. For a hunter, accurate judgment of movement means the difference between pouncing on the meal and pouncing where the meal WOULD have been before you blew it. Conversely, for a prospective meal whose hunters are everywhere, field of vision is most important, so that when the hunter decides to strike fast reflexes, fast-twitch muscles, and fast running can deny the meal. If you don't detect the hunter, for your inability to see it, you're now a meal. Okay, so with D&D in mind, the increased field of view is excellent, providing a bonus to Spot (and perhaps even initiative?). Stereoscopic vision would provide something like a +1 to attack, but since it is the "default", then opposed eyes should have a -1 penalty. Otherwise, just ignore the whole issue. One interesting note: I seem to recall a creature with eyes all around its body that denied its enemies all flanking benefits, but I think the creature's entire body had angular symmetry, not just its eyes.