Thoughts on the Scent ability

[RigaMortus2]

I think we should re-evaluate the Scent ability. How powerful is it really? The info on Scent can be found here http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm

The key phrase we need to define is this one Creatures with the scent ability can identify familiar odors just as humans do familiar sights. So, what does this allow a person with Scent do exactly?

Can you identify a specific race of beings (smells like an Elf)?
How specific (smells like a Gray Elf from Evermeet)?
Can you identify a specific person (that smells like Bob)?
Can you identify a specific place (it smells like Holland in here)?
Can you identify a specific profession (I smell a blacksmith in the area)? --- This may seem like a weird question, but consider the quote above. A human can identify a blacksmith (they are often working with metals, smell of coal, etc) as he is walking through town. It is a fairly common sight one would think.

So that's what I am getting at. How specific and powerful is this ability?

 

[frankthedm]

Creatures with the scent ability can identify familiar odors just as humans do familiar sights.

Can you identify a specific race of beings (smells like an Elf)?

Yep.

How specific (smells like a Gray Elf from Evermeet)?

Grey elf, yes. Evermeet, maybe if the DM rules thier smel distinctive.

Can you identify a specific person (that smells like Bob)?

Yes. You can probly also tell if it is Bob from the Enzyte commercial.

Can you identify a specific place (it smells like Holland in here)?

yes

Can you identify a specific profession (I smell a blacksmith in the area)? --- This may seem like a weird question, but consider the quote above. A human can identify a blacksmith (they are often working with metals, smell of coal, etc) as he is walking through town. It is a fairly common sight one would think.

You answered you own question.

How specific and powerful is this ability?

As specific as sight and very very powerfull.