The Canary riddle

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I'm home now. Here's the info, from page 203 of the 3.5 DMG. (And seriously, why isn't this in the SRD? Mind flayers, sure, but thrushes, WotC?)

Diminutive magical beast
HD 1
HP 1/2 master's
Init +2
Spd 10 ft, fly 40 ft. (average)
AC 17, touch 16, flat-footed 15
Base Attack +0
Space/Reach 1 ft./0 ft.
SQ improved evasion, granted abilities
AL any
SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2
Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills and Feats: Listen +8, Spot +8, Alertness
Familiar special ability: Speaks one language

For my gnome illusionist, his thrush familiar speaks Gnomish, which means he can talk to many of the players' characters, but it gives at least a somewhat decent chance of private communication when out in the general public (at least, so long as they stay out of the Gnomish neighborhood in Ptolus).

 

[Stormonu]

It seems strange to me that an animal used because it would "pass out" from inhaling toxic fumes before a human would has a Fort save on par with a basic human commoner...

 

[Lady89]

It seems strange to me that an animal used because it would "pass out" from inhaling toxic fumes before a human would has a Fort save on par with a basic human commoner...

ya, i will need to lower it

 

[Dross]

It seems strange to me that an animal used because it would "pass out" from inhaling toxic fumes before a human would has a Fort save on par with a basic human commoner...

ya, i will need to lower it

To simulate this I'd make it more susceptible to poison gases with a negative modifier for that situation rather than for all FORT saves*. That way it still has endurance when needed but be susceptible to the gases.

*Don't play Pathfinder so not sure if it is a viable option.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

To simulate this I'd make it more susceptible to poison gases with a negative modifier for that situation rather than for all FORT saves*. That way it still has endurance when needed but be susceptible to the gases.

*Don't play Pathfinder so not sure if it is a viable option.

That would be my solution, too.