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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Belbarrus" data-source="post: 926144" data-attributes="member: 10962">Just how 'intelligent' are animated skeletons? According to the MM, skeletons have an intelligence of "--", cannot draw conclusions on their own take no initiative. They have to be given simple commands like, "Kill anyone that enters this chamber."So, what *can* they conclude?A player in our group is playing an Evil cleric and has animated 6 skeletons (and plans to get more). Here are some examples of how I limited the skeletons actions:-He told a skeleton to attack any enemy that comes through the door. I said that the skeleton cannot determine who is a friend or enemy and will attack anything.-I told him that when ordered to attack, the skeletons will take the most direct route to the target, even walking through threat areas. They will not move into postion on purpose that lets them flank.-The skeletons have no profession, can have no feats and are therefore not proficient in using weapons and armor (i.e. they will attack at -4 with any weapon and suffer non-proficent penalties using armor).-Skeletons cannot be 'taught' anything. You cannot train a skeleton to use a skill, weapon or to wear armor.Here are some other situations:-The Cleric ordered the skeletons to attack the 'white skinned' people (Wights). Can the skeletons determine what this means? Do skeletons have the intelligence to determine who the 'white skinned' ones are, as opposed to just attacking anyone? If the cleric pointed to a specific target and said "attack that one." there would be no problem.-Can a skeleton Climb, Jump or Swim or use any other skill that can be used untrained? Is a skeleton intelligent enough to climb a rope or jump over a 3 foot wide pit? Even if the owner commands them, "Climb that rope." does the skeleton even know what that means?-Can a skeleton use a command activated item?-Can a skeleton hide or move silently? Do they know what to do if their owner orders them to hide?-Is it safe to assume that skeletons know nothing other than moving and fighting?Feedback would really help determine how I should be handling the Players undead minions.Thanks,Belbarrus</blockquote>

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