Burrow Questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
dirkformica

08-13-06, 04:37 PM		1.) If a creature/character has a Burrow speed (such as a Wolverine or Badger,) how do most DMs handle underground travel with regards to direction sense? How does the creature/character know which way they're going?

2.) While burrowing, how do most DMs handle breathing?

3.) If the text of the creature doesn't specify that their Burrowing leaves a tunnel, can they still create underground pockets or even air chambers? (depending upon the answers to 1 and 2.)

4.) What happens with Cave-ins? Is there damage depending upon the size of the tunnel? (This is more about the possibilities from 3, or from creatures who specifically state their Burrowing leaves tunnels like the Dire Badger.)

Any help would be appreciated, and I may add later questions.

Thanks in advance.
Cifer

08-13-06, 07:54 PM		Parts of your questions are already answered in MMI p. 311.

1.) If a creature/character has a Burrow speed (such as a Wolverine or Badger,) how do most DMs handle underground travel with regards to direction sense? How does the creature/character know which way they're going?
The creature is capable of maintaining a stable direction or changing the direction at will. Of course, without additional senses, it won't know much about its whereabouts except in relation to its entry point.

2.) While burrowing, how do most DMs handle breathing?
I think it would be rather silly to restrict breathing... anything that has a burrowing speed should be capable of surviving underground.

3.) If the text of the creature doesn't specify that their Burrowing leaves a tunnel, can they still create underground pockets or even air chambers? (depending upon the answers to 1 and 2.)
See p. 311.

4.) What happens with Cave-ins? Is there damage depending upon the size of the tunnel? (This is more about the possibilities from 3, or from creatures who specifically state their Burrowing leaves tunnels like the Dire Badger.)
A creature buried deep underground is most probably dead as a result of the pressure of the earth above it. Burrowing creatures should be immune to this, but might get hit by falling rocks, the damage of which would be be calculated by standard falling rules.