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Quick Question; Setting Traps
Tweet Topic Started: May 2 2007, 06:02 PM (165 Views)
Hades May 2 2007, 06:02 PM Post #1
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Okay, so how do rogues build and set their own traps? Someone has to be creating all the nasty traps that adventurers run into, right?
“Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts.”
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kismetrose May 2 2007, 07:56 PM Post #2
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It sounds like you're asking about the mechanics of it, so I guess that's what I'll answer with.

The SRD trap page basically says that you devise the trap, plan it out, and then determine its CR rating based on various criteria (listed in several tables toward the bottom of the page). They have a whole mess of sample traps that you could use as models. Then, for a mechanical trap you determine its price based on its features and make a Craft (trapmaking) check with the DC based on the CR (the table for that is right at the bottom). The DCs to spot traps are set, so it doesn't seem to matter how well-made the trap is or how well the trapmaker rolls. Magical traps require the craft wonderous item feat to build (or someone with that feat anyway). DMs have to worry less about the mechanics of it, though I imagine that some folks hire rogues and wizards to build traps for them (and probably kill them afterwards).

Player characters building traps is a whole other can of worms, but if they own a location then they could do it. I mean, all of my players own their own homes. The one that owns a business will probably have the storeroom trapped sooner or later. A player would have to really consult with the DM to make sure that the trap is reasonable and is properly done (paid for, etc.). Then they'd have to pay for the thing and wait the time for it to be constructed.
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Hades May 3 2007, 05:33 AM Post #3
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kismetrose
May 2 2007, 06:56 PM
It sounds like you're asking about the mechanics of it, so I guess that's what I'll answer with.

The SRD trap page basically says that you devise the trap, plan it out, and then determine its CR rating based on various criteria (listed in several tables toward the bottom of the page). They have a whole mess of sample traps that you could use as models. Then, for a mechanical trap you determine its price based on its features and make a Craft (trapmaking) check with the DC based on the CR (the table for that is right at the bottom). The DCs to spot traps are set, so it doesn't seem to matter how well-made the trap is or how well the trapmaker rolls. Magical traps require the craft wonderous item feat to build (or someone with that feat anyway). DMs have to worry less about the mechanics of it, though I imagine that some folks hire rogues and wizards to build traps for them (and probably kill them afterwards).

Player characters building traps is a whole other can of worms, but if they own a location then they could do it. I mean, all of my players own their own homes. The one that owns a business will probably have the storeroom trapped sooner or later. A player would have to really consult with the DM to make sure that the trap is reasonable and is properly done (paid for, etc.). Then they'd have to pay for the thing and wait the time for it to be constructed.

Actually, no, I mean...what if a rogue is in a room and knows that a group of enemies will be passing thru in a few hours. Can a rogue set a snare or build a simple trap to slow them down or wound them? Like...a net above the door filled with vials of acid and attached to a rope so that when they open the door it drops the vials on them? Is this just a house rule thing or are there actual rules to resolve it?
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cambric May 3 2007, 05:53 AM Post #4
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Hades
May 3 2007, 08:33 AM
Actually, no, I mean...what if a rogue is in a room and knows that a group of enemies will be passing thru in a few hours. Can a rogue set a snare or build a simple trap to slow them down or wound them? Like...a net above the door filled with vials of acid and attached to a rope so that when they open the door it drops the vials on them? Is this just a house rule thing or are there actual rules to resolve it?

There are actual rules that resolve this...it can be done. It does matter on how much time you have, the skill you have, the equipment there to build it.

It can be DM's discretion if they'll allow it, as always, but there are rules to allow it.

Sadly, I'm at work and don't have the guide in front of me, but if you're doing 3.5, definitely can do it.

Cam
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If that doesn't work, run like sissies."
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kismetrose May 3 2007, 01:30 PM Post #5
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My bad. I thought I was misunderstanding something but I was pressed for time, so I went for it.

Since I just got up, I'm going to wait before posting much. I haven't had to use the rules for trapsetting on the fly and though I'm looking for them, I'm having trouble finding them. But I am half awake, so that could easily be part of the problem. :D
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-raz- May 3 2007, 04:14 PM Post #6
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Dungeon Masters Guide 3.5
pg.76
Once you know the Challenge rating of a trap that a PC wants to design and build, determine the Craft [trapmaking] DC by referring to the table and the modifiers below. [there are two tables following]


Now, the above ruling in the DMG is fairly simple, stable, but not quite what you are looking for. The crafting referred to above takes place in week's, as with many other craft skills.

More related to what you seem to have in mind are the 'Combat Trapsmith' [Complete Scoundrel pg.34] and the 'Trapsmith' [Dungeonscape pg.53], where both classes excel at setting traps up in a matter of moments [standard round actions I believe] to be used against enemies just around the corner.

My thoughts if you do not have access to the above would be to simply talk this over with your dungeon master and come up with a list of small traps that you both agree could be used in the way you intend them to be used. Simply draw from the list during your adventures, having all the rules for an agreed upon healthy medium before you.
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Hades May 3 2007, 04:21 PM Post #7
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Awesome. Thanks for all of your help folks. This is the best place to come for quick answers!!!!
“Don't do anything by half. If you love someone, love them with all your soul. When you go to work, work your ass off. When you hate someone, hate them until it hurts.”
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