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webmanus
Learned Scribe
Sweden
338 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Aug 2005 : 15:23:10
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Hi fellows!
I have some questions regarding two knowledge skills. I have had them for many years, but never bothered to ask them. The skills I have in mind are Knowledge (geography) and Knowledge (local).
Below follow a description that I found in the System Reference Document v3.5:
- Geography (lands, terrain, climate, people)
- Local (legends, personalities, inhabitants, laws, customs, traditions, humanoids)
Link to the specific "System Reference Document v3.5" page:
http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/skillsInt.html
The descriptions are similar (bu not the same) to the one for D&D 3.0.
OK, so let us take someone to work with, and some questions to ask. How about one of the lorekeepers (LG Male and female <> human Brd1/Clr2 of Oghma, Int 16,) in the Leaves of Learning, the temple of Oghma in Highmoon in Deepingdale in the Dalelands. The lorekeepers have Knowledge (geography) +8, Knowledge (the Dales local) +9, and Knowledge (nature) +6. For more details, see the fine The Leaves of Learning, a Faiths and Pantheons Web Enhancement.
Now, imagine that an adventurer from Cormyr asks some questions regarding the Shining South. For example, which are the main countries, rivers, and mountains. The lorekeeper, having the skill Knowledge (geography) should be able to answer some of the questions, all depending on DC and luck. Furthermore, the lorekeeper should be able to say that Arkaiuns live in Dambrath, Durpari in Halruaa, and ghostwise, lightfoot, and strongheart halflings live in Luiren. All this thanks to his Knowledge (geography) skill. He should be able to tell which animals and monstrous humanoids are found there, thanks to his Knowledge (nature) skill. Now, Knowledge (geography) does not give more in-depth knowledge about the Arkaiuns, Durpari, or halflings. And, as the lorekeeper does not have Knowledge (local Dambrath), Knowledge (local Halruaa), Knowledge (local Luiren), and so on, he (or she) would have difficulties in answering more in depth questions about, for example, the laws, customs, and traditions of the Durpari of Halruaa. Furthermore, he should have difficulties answering questions about the leader or leaders and other important (or known) persons of Halruaa.
Comments so far?
Now, Knowledge (local) covers humanoids and inhabitants. And, that confuses me. So, to clear it out, I state the following:
"Halrua has a population consisting of 90% humans, and the remaining population consists of dwarves and halflings. I assume that with Knowledge (geography), it should be possible to provide that information, but, that Knowledge (local Halruaa) would be needed to better answer questions as wether the dwarves are shield dwarves or gold dwarves and wether the halfings are lightfoot, and strongheart."
Comments?
And the inhabitants part of Knowledge (local) ... actually ... I am lost there.
Best regards,
webmanus
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Link to my homepage: http://user.tninet.se/~bsu242v/ |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36910 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2005 : 16:41:42
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The way I see it, Knowledge (Geography) is the basic info about a place -- kinds of people that live there, physical layout, etc. Knowledge (Local) is knowledge that the locals would have -- legends of weird happenings here, knowledge that this guy there is antisocial, rumors that this other person was involved in something shady, knowledge of where the best place to eat is, etc.
To use a real world example... Knowledge (Geography) would tell you all about the layout of New York City, where the streets were, the boundaries of the burroughs, the location of museums and such. Knowledge (Local) would tell you where to find the best meatball sub, the building that served as the model for Central Perk in Friends, where on Fifth Avenue this famous person proposed to this other famous person, who the inspiration for the "Soup Nazi" from Seinfeld was, etc. |
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webmanus
Learned Scribe
Sweden
338 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2005 : 16:52:25
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Thanks Wooly Rupert! I was wondering why both "personalities" and "inhabitants" are stated in the Knowledge local list ... And, I think that, this is the answer:
"Knowledge local helps you to know which known inhabitants that live in a specific region, and Knowledge local helps you also to know wich known persons that have done something in that specific region. For example, a fighter from Cormyr might have done a great deed in the Dalelands, but is unknown of at home in Cormyr, where he resides."
Now ... who could be that fighter from Cormyr ... :) |
Link to my homepage: http://user.tninet.se/~bsu242v/ |
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Knowledge geography vs local
