Feats based on real-life skilz

[two]

I'm making a collection of feats based on real-life, documented skills.

They might be extreme, but that's ok.

For example, some of the Viking raiders apparantly trained themselves to sidestep/grab spears thrown at them and then "return them to sender," freaking out the attackers greatly. And, of course, maybe killing them in the process.

This has been documented in a number of differnet places, "it really did happen."

A feat might look like (a la deflect arrow):

FEAT: Back at'cha
Prerequisite: Quickdraw
Once per round, a handled thrown missle weapon can be caught and thrown back at the attacker as a free action. A weapon in hand can be dropped as a free action if a hand is not available (with which to catch and return the incoming enemy weapon).

(handled meaning throwing ax, dagger, spear, etc. not a shuriken or something that can't be "caught" without pain. Use "handle" loosely).

Other feats might include photographic memory (what is the application for this I wonder? Memorizing spells?), so-called "involuntary" muscle control, etc.

Any others?

Any cool/fun/exotic "real life" abilities that would be fun feats?

 

[ciaran00]

FEAT: Back at'cha

I see that you haven't read "Sword and Fist".

ciaran

 

[the Jester]

ciaran is referring to Snatch Arrows, which is actually updated and included in the 3.5 PHB.

 

[^Graff]

Photographic memory could let you take 20 on knowledge skills. It would probably require an 18 or better in intelligence, and high ranks in four knowledge skills.

 

[AeroDm]

Photographic memory could let you take 20 on knowledge skills. It would probably require an 18 or better in intelligence, and high ranks in four knowledge skills.

Problem with that set up is that 1 rank in a knowledge skill translates into an auto 25 (20 + 4 int + 1 rank) which is about as high as you would ever need. Seeing as the character already gets a lot of skills from their int, ever level they become a sage on multiple areas of expertise.

I'd actually consider using the same feat (probably lower requirements) but have it grant a +1 to all knowledge skills and a +10 bonus on checks to recall certain pieces of information. I believe AU had a table in the front that set DCS, or the DMG set a core DC of 20 IIRC.

 

[Kemrain]

I saw someone around here (Shame in me for not remembering who,) with the idea to give a +5 bonus to knowledge checks when taking ten, basically allowing them to take 15. Is that a little more balanced? You can take 15 on any knowledge skill in which you have 1 or more ranks?

- Kemrain the Kno.

 

[the Jester]

Hm, interesting. I like the idea of a Photographic Memory feat, but I'm not sure about the mechanics... I kinda like the 'take 15' idea, also the '+1 and +10 to recall specific info' idea... either one would prolly work and be relatively balanced.

 

[MarauderX]

Elves IMC have photographic memories as a race, and I give a +2 to Int as a race ability increase. Don't worry about balance, that isn't the topic here, I intend to hi-jack this thread to expound on the feat of photographic memory.

I recently read the Book of the New Sun where the main character has a photographic memory, and although he may have total recall of what he heard or saw he does not always understand. This is the same IMC, where elves that may have heard a goblin speak does not know how to reproduce the words in the way the goblin did. Important things that the players ask about may or may not have been noticed by the elf. Just because the elf was there does not mean that she caught every detail at an event, just the ones she was paying attention to in most cases. In battle this means the elf is aware of how many attackers there are, but only notices the details of the ones attacking her or the ones that she is attacking.

Having the photographic memory doesn't increase spell abilities though, so there will be no instant memorization of spells, and once they are used they are gone until the character rests again.

The photographic memory helps with game terms, as the elf can remind the players of certain things the characters may have forgotten.

Also IMC, knowledge is a very guarded thing as an elf, and to be troubled with writing down what they know is often considered a waste of time and a means for other races to learn elven craft secrets. As the elf ages their minds become more cluttered with things gone by and some confuse the here and now with the past.