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Hello Folks,

I was considering a skirmisher-type character with high ranks in Craft (Trapmaking). Upon reviewing the Pathfinder rules on making traps however, I'm reconsidering. The expense for a single trap is simply prohibitive. 250gp or higher for a basic arrow trap, makes it highly unlikely that any low level PC would actually be able to set up a couple traps in preparation for a combat (how do kobolds afford it?).

What I'm proposing as an LSJ specific rule is an initial cost for the PC to create a trap (ie 250gp tp design the arrow launching mechanism), and then make the trap reusable, simply spending upkeep for the expendable component (ie arrow, spear, tanglefoot bag etc). As the rules are currently, it isn't realistic for PC use. This was a PC could for instance pay to craft 2-: arrow traps and keep them in his saddle bags, ready to deploy if there is a need.

Thanks

Akira

aka Dolgar "The Magnificent" Tsurara

I realize that they wouldn't be used in every combat, but there are some where you could use them. Personally, I think this is one of the reasons why it should be permitted, as it isn't an ability that could be easily abused. I've been playing for enough years now that I try to find something new or different, and this seems like it would be interesting.

But….but….Andoen's half orc…. 🙁

Well this is going to be the most awkward dissection ever due to my DR….I suggest we get a greatsword just to be sure.

But back to the original topic, I'm not 100% sure that having a magical trap capable of being continually reset is the best approach. The reason that a good trap works is due to preparation and , which isn't always possible with many of the ambushes that tend to occur in LSJ. I concur with Smith on this fact. The over-eager response in return for what was intended as an insightful opinion on the nature of most encounters and inferring that you knew more about the nature of the game is very disrespectful to other members of a community that loves LSJ.

I think it would be correct to maintain the current time and speed that it takes to set up a proper trap with the need for resources and thinking ahead. From practical experience building small rabbit-snares in my youth, it takes time (the most key component here), interesting utilization of resources, and understanding the environment. I don't think it would be fair or interesting to have a bit of magic that you can slap onto the wall that shoots a crossbow bolt at the first person that opens the door, It'll devolve into a trap-power creep very easily as someone decides it'd be easy to do the same thing with an acid cone for a little bit more, or explosive enough to kill the first person to walk into the door and his friends outside the door and the little girl running along behind the bad guys down the street. The Craft: Trapmaking skill is interesting (and useful), but I think it'd be a larger role-playing challenge when presented in one of the ultra-rare moments we ambush someone else is to come up with something on the fly with what you have instead of a pre-built magic item.

Making traps, cool; making traps that's turn the game into Goldeneye, not so much fun.

And don't forget. We aren't talking about a single arrow for an arrow trap. We are talking MULTIPLE arrows. And they are usually recessed/hidden in ways that they cannot be seen. So in effect, you're making them a permanent part of something. It's about not only the trap itself but the modification of the area in which the trap to be set to. If you just had a bunch of arrow launchers set up in a hallway, the trap wouldn't be as effective as it could be seen and disarmed/avoided.

Jay

PS; If you are looking inexpensive single-arrow launchers …. we have those already. They are called crossbows. 🙂

No worries Weiyn, we can go cruising around town later looking for some of those "Humans for Amthydor" twats who don't like anyone but humans. Be sure to bring a big cloak and leave our more lethal toys at home so the Diamond Watch doesn't get annoyed with us. It should be fun. Oh, and remind me to drag a few of them back to sleep off the 'evening of fun' under the statue to Smith, it'd bring a smile to our missing ranger.

I do agree that the magical means to create traps are very viable. There's a reason that traps using Symbols and Wards are very effective, but they are also limited by level and available spells per day instead of a gold cap. I just wouldn't expect a GM to give much time to litter a battlefield with them during most mods.