Difference between revisions of "Tree Climbing (sage ability)"
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[[File:Tree Climbing.jpg|right|525px|thumb]] | [[File:Tree Climbing.jpg|right|525px|thumb]] | ||
| + | '''Tree climbing''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|studies]] of [[Trees (sage study)|Trees]] and [[Forester (sage study)|Forester]], granting skill at climbing deciduous or suitably coniferous trees with well-spaced branches. This ability involves using both trunks and branches as handholds, while also providing the climber with excellent judgment regarding a tree branch's ability to support their weight. | ||
| − | The skill | + | The skill requires that the tree be capable of bearing the climber’s weight. Determining how much a tree limb can support is a complex question, but it can be simplified by allowing any climber to rely on trunks thicker than 2 inches and branches thicker than 1 inch. Branches of this size, however, will eventually run out as the climber ascends. The extent of a tree's climbable height will vary depending on its species, age, and individual structure, and it is recommended that the dungeon master adjudicate this on a case-by-case basis. |
== Unskilled Tree Climbing == | == Unskilled Tree Climbing == | ||
| − | To some | + | To some extent, anyone can climb a tree — but unskilled climbers tend to move more slowly and face greater risks, as they lack the knowledge of how much weight a tree limb can safely bear. |
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| + | The initial challenge lies in getting into the tree, as the first 8 to 10 feet of the trunk, depending on the species, may lack branches entirely. For unskilled climbers, this initial ascent requires 5 [[Action Points|action points]] (AP) per 2 feet of climbing. Tools such as a ladder or assistance from others pushing from below are often used to bypass this difficulty. Once branches are reached, climbing speed improves, requiring only 1 AP per foot as the climber uses the branches for handholds and support. | ||
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| + | However, climbing through the tree's limbs carries its own dangers. For every 20 feet of climbing, the character must make an [[Ability Checks|ability check]] based on their highest ability score among intelligence, wisdom, or dexterity. This check reflects the climber’s ability to choose stable branches and secure footing. Failure results in a fumble, causing the climber to fall partway through the tree, taking 1d4 damage. At this point, a dexterity check must be made. Failing this second check causes the climber to fall all the way to the ground, suffering additional damage as described under [[Falling|falling rules]]. Falling out of a tree is a serious hazard, underscoring the risks of climbing without proper skill or care. | ||
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| + | == Skilled Tree Climbing == | ||
| + | A skilled tree-climber can ascend a trunk with greater speed and efficiency, requiring only 3 [[Action Points|AP]] per 2 feet of climbing. When navigating through tree branches, their movement rate is similarly improved, allowing them to climb at a rate of 1 AP per 2 feet. Their expertise renders ropes unnecessary for aiding their ascent, as they rely on their knowledge of handholds and stable branches to climb safely and efficiently. | ||
| − | + | Unlike unskilled climbers, skilled tree-climbers do not need to make [[Ability Checks|ability checks]] for footing or stability while climbing. Their understanding of tree structure and their natural balance ensure a steady ascent under ordinary conditions. However, if forced into combat while climbing (as detailed under [[Fight while Unsteady]]), they must adapt to the additional risks and challenges posed by such circumstances. | |
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| − | + | See also,<br> | |
| + | [[Druid Sage Abilities]]<br> | ||
| + | [[Plant Life (sage field]] | ||
| − | + | [[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]] | |
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Latest revision as of 18:09, 16 January 2025
Tree climbing is an amateur-status sage ability in the studies of Trees and Forester, granting skill at climbing deciduous or suitably coniferous trees with well-spaced branches. This ability involves using both trunks and branches as handholds, while also providing the climber with excellent judgment regarding a tree branch's ability to support their weight.
The skill requires that the tree be capable of bearing the climber’s weight. Determining how much a tree limb can support is a complex question, but it can be simplified by allowing any climber to rely on trunks thicker than 2 inches and branches thicker than 1 inch. Branches of this size, however, will eventually run out as the climber ascends. The extent of a tree's climbable height will vary depending on its species, age, and individual structure, and it is recommended that the dungeon master adjudicate this on a case-by-case basis.
Unskilled Tree Climbing
To some extent, anyone can climb a tree — but unskilled climbers tend to move more slowly and face greater risks, as they lack the knowledge of how much weight a tree limb can safely bear.
The initial challenge lies in getting into the tree, as the first 8 to 10 feet of the trunk, depending on the species, may lack branches entirely. For unskilled climbers, this initial ascent requires 5 action points (AP) per 2 feet of climbing. Tools such as a ladder or assistance from others pushing from below are often used to bypass this difficulty. Once branches are reached, climbing speed improves, requiring only 1 AP per foot as the climber uses the branches for handholds and support.
However, climbing through the tree's limbs carries its own dangers. For every 20 feet of climbing, the character must make an ability check based on their highest ability score among intelligence, wisdom, or dexterity. This check reflects the climber’s ability to choose stable branches and secure footing. Failure results in a fumble, causing the climber to fall partway through the tree, taking 1d4 damage. At this point, a dexterity check must be made. Failing this second check causes the climber to fall all the way to the ground, suffering additional damage as described under falling rules. Falling out of a tree is a serious hazard, underscoring the risks of climbing without proper skill or care.
Skilled Tree Climbing
A skilled tree-climber can ascend a trunk with greater speed and efficiency, requiring only 3 AP per 2 feet of climbing. When navigating through tree branches, their movement rate is similarly improved, allowing them to climb at a rate of 1 AP per 2 feet. Their expertise renders ropes unnecessary for aiding their ascent, as they rely on their knowledge of handholds and stable branches to climb safely and efficiently.
Unlike unskilled climbers, skilled tree-climbers do not need to make ability checks for footing or stability while climbing. Their understanding of tree structure and their natural balance ensure a steady ascent under ordinary conditions. However, if forced into combat while climbing (as detailed under Fight while Unsteady), they must adapt to the additional risks and challenges posed by such circumstances.
See also,
Druid Sage Abilities
Plant Life (sage field
