Difference between revisions of "Infravision"

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'''Infravision''' is an ability that expands a creature's capacity to see more clearly in the dark, compared to those with normal vision.  This is due to the anatomy of the creature's eyes, which allows the creature to discern thermal imaging that is blended and enhanced through the collection of very small quantities of light.  If that quantity of light is improved in any amount, infravision is ''not'' spoiled; it is further enhanced.
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'''Infravision''' describes a character or monster's ability to see clearly up to 60 ft., whatever the amount of [[Illumination|illumination]].  This is due to the anatomy of the creature's eyes, allowing the creature to discern thermal imaging that is blended and enhanced by the collection of very small quantities of light.  This works in tandem with visible light, so that unlike rules that have been written in AD&D, infravision is not spoiled by the addition of other light.  This means that pitch blackness does not exist for these characters or monsters.  They will always be able to see normally to 60 ft., and even farther if a light source is present.
  
Since the creature itself produces a certain amount of thermal light, pitch darkness does not exist for the infravision-possessing creature.  It is understood that the creature's eyelids are more complex than those of humans, being able to more fully black out external light while still detecting light changes that are intrinsic to preparedness and survival.
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Rules for how infravision and other light meshes together to determine visibility can be found on the light [[Illumination#Range Adjustments|range adjustment table]].
  
== Pitch Dark ==
 
In ordinary [[Subterranean (range)|subterranean]] environments, the creature's ability to see equals approximately that of carrying a small candle.  Walls, figures and objects would be clearly discernable at 25 ft. (5 [[Combat Hex|hexes]]), while movement of anything larger than an ordinary rat — while ill-defined — would be detectable up to 10 hexes, and could be fired at without additional adjustments.  Movement or medium to large objects between 11 and 20 hexes would be seen, but would be vague at best.
 
  
For example, outwards from 11 hexes, it would be recognized that the creature's approximate dimensions and shape would be recognized, but not well enough to discern a friendly face or details as small as the individual's fingers.  [[Weapons List#Missile Ranges|Missile fire]] at short range would be -2, at medium -4 and at long range -7.
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See Also,
 
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[[Darkness (spell)]]
Beyond 20 hexes, even the slow movement of even large creatures would be overlooked, as this far out would appear as pitch dark.
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[[Darkness, 15 ft. radius (spell)]]
 
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[[Ultravision]]
== Natural Light ==
 
Possessing infravision will enhance the light seen at dusk to the equivalent of full day; it will improve '''full moonlight''' to the equivalent of dusk and either '''starshine''' or '''dim moonlight''' to the equivalent of full moonlight.  A '''dark night''' that is clouded or overcast would be improved to the level of dim moonlight.  These levels of light conform to [[Illumination|illumination]] rules, where their effects are outlined.
 
 
 
 
 
See [[Darkness, 15 ft. radius (spell)|Darkness]]
 
  
 
[[Category: Lacks Image]]
 
[[Category: Lacks Image]]

Revision as of 18:13, 10 August 2020

Infravision describes a character or monster's ability to see clearly up to 60 ft., whatever the amount of illumination. This is due to the anatomy of the creature's eyes, allowing the creature to discern thermal imaging that is blended and enhanced by the collection of very small quantities of light. This works in tandem with visible light, so that unlike rules that have been written in AD&D, infravision is not spoiled by the addition of other light. This means that pitch blackness does not exist for these characters or monsters. They will always be able to see normally to 60 ft., and even farther if a light source is present.

Rules for how infravision and other light meshes together to determine visibility can be found on the light range adjustment table.


See Also, Darkness (spell) Darkness, 15 ft. radius (spell) Ultravision