PC's Determining an NPC's BAB, AC, etc.

[The Amazing Dingo]

Howdy all,

I'm just curious if anyone has House Ruled anything in terms of a character being able to determine another character's offensive and defensive prowess? If a PC sees an NPC fighting, how tough would it be to determine how much more potent they are?

In theory, I think it would be easy to do such within a general range. A 2nd level fighter would know when he sees a 6th level fighter going at it that the latter guy is definately better (assuming the latter isn't holding back). Of course, you might only get a general sense, such as knowing his full attack bonus is between +6-10/+2-4. But, what mechanics would work towards such?

Off-hand, I'm thinking that the character would roll 1d20 + BAB + Intelligence Modifier but I'm not sure what an appropiate DC would be. To make it something like 10 + opponent's BAB + Stat (not sure if Intelligence would fit here since that seems to denote an active attempt to somehow Bluff a stronger or weaker level, which would then require a Bluff roll instead). However, that just doesn't seem to fit properly into there.

I know there are certain spells and some PrC abilities out there that mimic this ability, but none are popping into my mind off-hand.

Any other thoughts on the subject?

 

[atom crash]

Here's how I handle it:

I allow a Sense Motive check (modified by the character's level) to determine the opponent's approximate level, BAB, feats, etc. I think of it as an attempt to "size up" the opposition and base it on a caster level check, and this can be either an opposed or unopposed roll (the opponent could be trying to hustle you with Bluff).

Of course, if you see the guy use certain feats (such as Cleave, Combat Reflexes or Whirlwind Attack), it's apparent what they are doing. However, certain other feats (like ones that give a bonus to skill checks or saves) are not as apparent.

I usually set a DC of 12 to 15, but it could be higher if the character attempting the check is unfamiliar with the opponent's class type (a fighter might have a harder time gauging the abilities of a sorceror, for example), but generally it shouldn't be hard to determine if someone is higher or lower level than you. It's just a bit trickier to nail down exactly how much more or less powerful they are than you.

If my PCs came across an NPC in a tavern, I might say, "You can tell by the way he stands, by the way his hands are calloused, by the way he constantly eyes the room, that he's seen combat and is used to swinging a sword."

"What class and level is he?"

Rolls: 10-: "You can't tell for sure."
Rolls 10-12: "He's got abilities roughly comparable to yours."
Rolls 12-15: "He's a combat-oriented class, probably a fighter or ranger, equal level to you."
Rolls 15+: "He's a 6th level ranger."

This works well for me also when the group is attemtping to hire mercenaries of an appropriate level. you can't really hang a posted looking to hire "5th level fighters." But you can size up the applicants that reply.