Ranks: 1
XP Cost: 10
Learn Time: 12
Skill Point Cost: 5+
Self-Teach :No
Pre-Requisite: Distance Sense
Debarment: –
Limitation: –
Rarity: Rare
Description:
This skill allows a character to gauge the size of underground areas by generating noise and analyzing the echoes that return. Using this skill, he can calculate distance up to one mile, and determine sound direction. To use sound analysis, the character must work in near absolute silence. The sound created must have a sharp, staccato quality. A howl or wail is ineffective, but a clicking sound or a loud ‘hey’ works well. Upon paying the skill cost he accurately determines the size of the area in question to within 25% of its height, width, and length. The disadvantage of this ability is that, while it is useful for learning about a completely unknown area, it announces the characters to all creatures in hearing range. They will certainly be prepared and may even go looking for the intruders.
This skill’s secondary use is with up and coming echo identification via both water and air use. With the proper sending equipment and receiving equipment a skilled player character can attempt to locate and identify vessels they are familiar with. Sound training is often required to learn the different sounds of different ships, engines, and objects. Additionally the environments are less than ideal for a silent situation and penalties are accrued depending on the conditions. A marshal will make the player character aware of these situations as it arrives.
