I've been wanting to bring this subject up for a while. When the Unearthed Arcana Revised Ranger came out a lot of people panicked when they saw Primeval Awareness. It can be used an unlimited times a day! You know of every enemy in range! Pure madness!
Of course this ignores the ability that is already in the game that lets you detect every creature that is not blocked by cover or concealment, yet is somehow not a problem.
"I want to know which creatures are present within line of sight, their number, general direction and distance," the player calmly declares.
Oh my gods! He can do this every round and it doesn't even require an action! What if he is in a town square! Now the DM needs to determine the number of creatures in the square, their race, gender, hair color, manner of dress, where they are located, and so much more that the character is entitled to know!
"There are about 100 people of various races milling about and doing business in the square," the DM replies. "Also a few horses, either ridden or pulling a cart and a few dogs dodging between peoples legs."
"I spend a minute to know what beasts are within 5 miles of me," says the player of the ranger.
Ah ha! What will the DM do now?
"There is the usual assortment of animals outside the town, like rabbits and squirrels, a couple deer, and a stray wolf pack at the very edge of your range. Also numerous dogs, cats, rats and other such creatures in town," the DM answers. "Was there anything specific you were looking for?"
"Nope! Just curious."
"Okay. What do you do now?"
And the quest continues! Some how Primeval Awareness didn't destroy the game, or even really delay it.
Of course this ignores the ability that is already in the game that lets you detect every creature that is not blocked by cover or concealment, yet is somehow not a problem.
"I want to know which creatures are present within line of sight, their number, general direction and distance," the player calmly declares.
Oh my gods! He can do this every round and it doesn't even require an action! What if he is in a town square! Now the DM needs to determine the number of creatures in the square, their race, gender, hair color, manner of dress, where they are located, and so much more that the character is entitled to know!
"There are about 100 people of various races milling about and doing business in the square," the DM replies. "Also a few horses, either ridden or pulling a cart and a few dogs dodging between peoples legs."
"I spend a minute to know what beasts are within 5 miles of me," says the player of the ranger.
Ah ha! What will the DM do now?
"There is the usual assortment of animals outside the town, like rabbits and squirrels, a couple deer, and a stray wolf pack at the very edge of your range. Also numerous dogs, cats, rats and other such creatures in town," the DM answers. "Was there anything specific you were looking for?"
"Nope! Just curious."
"Okay. What do you do now?"
And the quest continues! Some how Primeval Awareness didn't destroy the game, or even really delay it.