Identify Amphibians & Reptiles (sage ability)

Identify amphibians & reptiles is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Amphibians & Reptiles, enabling the character to recognise and classify amphibians and reptiles in all stages of their life cycle. This includes adult forms, larvae, hatchlings, eggs and discarded elements such as shed skin or fragments of shell. The character is able to determine the species or genus, whether the creature is natural or monstrous, as well as its ecological role within the surrounding environment.

When encountering these species, the ability also provides immediate insight into the animals primary combat threat. This includes recognition of the creature's typical number of attacks per round, the limbs, jaws or appendages used in such attacks, its armour class, estimated hit dice and approximate weight or size. These assessments are based on physical features, musculature and observed signs such as tracks or drag-marks.

If the creature carries a poison of known or visible variety, the character will recognise its presence. However, this ability does not confer knowledge of other special abilities, magical traits or supernatural defenses the creature may possess.

By examining soil, moisture and local plant life, the character may anticipate the likely presence or absence of certain species. Tracks, shed scales, claw marks and disturbances in the terrain may be read for age, direction of movement and behavioural context, such as whether the creature was hunting, retreating or nesting. This allows the character to judge whether the creature is likely still nearby or has moved on. Observation of eggs includes the ability to estimate how close they are to hatching and whether the species tends to protect its young or abandon them. The character may also know whether hatchlings are aggressive or passive at birth, which can influence how the site should be approached.

See also,
Amphibians
Animal Life (sage field)
Reptiles