Observation (Proficiency)

==Player's Option: Spells & Magic==
Observation: Characters with this proficiency have cultivated exceptional powers of observation. The DM may ask for a proficiency check anytime there is something subtly wrong or unusual in the character's environment. For example, the character may note the fact that the tools of a potter's shop are caked with a different kind of clay than that present in the workshop, or he might notice telltale marks of traffic that indicate the presence of a secret door. The DM shouldn't let this become a substitute for alertness and good thinking on the part of the player; if he's picking up more than one or two clues a game session with this proficiency, it's probably too many.
==The Complete Thief's Handbook==
Required: Beggar, Cutpurse, Investigator, Spy, Swindler, Troubleshooter.
Recommended: Assassin, Bounty Hunter, Burglar, Fence, Smuggler.
Characters with this proficiency have cultivated exceptionally acute powers of observation. The DM may ask for a proficiency check (or secretly roll it himself) anytime there is something subtly askew; he may also allow characters with observation to increase their chance of finding secret or concealed doors by 1 in 6. The proficiency covers all the senses.
Example: Julina is questioning a man who claims to be a craftsman who has worked on the palace; she is searching for the most discreet entrance. The DM secretly rolls an observation proficiency check; it is successful. "You notice," he tells her, "that his hands are in beautiful condition, entirely lacking callouses." From this observation, Julina may deduce that the man is actually just posing as a craftsman; he may be a con man taking advantage of a few free drinks or coins, or he could even be a spy for her enemies.
==The Complete Book of Humanoids==
This proficiency represents a character's exceptionally acute powers of observation. DMs may ask for checks (or roll them secretly) whenever there is something slightly out of the ordinary. Characters with this proficiency have their chances of finding secret doors increased to 2 in 6, and concealed doors to 3 in 6. This proficiency covers all the senses.
==The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook==
Characters with this proficiency have cultivated exceptionally acute powers of observation. The DM may ask for a proficiency check (or secretly roll one) anytime there is something subtly wrong. He may also allow characters with this proficiency to increase their chances of finding secret or concealed doors by 1 in 6 (even characters who are not elves or half-elves have a 1 in 6 chance using this proficiency). This proficiency covers all of the senses.
==The Complete Ninja's Handbook==
Observation: This proficiency, introduced in The Complete Thief's Handbook, gives characters exceptionally acute powers of observation with all five senses. The DM may ask for a proficiency check (or secretly roll one) whenever there is a subtle clue that the character might otherwise overlook. The DM may also allow characters with Observation proficiency to increase their chance of finding secret or concealed doors by 1 in 6.
==Campaign Option: Council of Wyrms Setting==
Every dragon is observant, though some can be better than the norm. This proficiency enhances a dragon's powers of observation. DMs may ask for checks (or roll them secretly) whenever there is something slightly out of the ordinary within a dragon 's area of sight. This also adds +10% bonus to the special dragon senses ability all dragons possess (see "Common Dragon Abilities," in Chapter Three). Hatchlings can take this proficiency.
==Shaman==
Characters with this proficiency have cultivated exceptionally acute powers for observation. The DM may ask for (or secretly roll) a proficiency check anytime there is something subtly askew; he may also allow characters with observation to increase their chance of finding a secret or concealed door by 1.
Category:Player's Option: Spells & Magic Proficiencies
Category:The Complete Book of Humanoids Proficiencies
Category:The Complete Ninja's Handbook Proficiencies
Category:The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook Proficiencies
Category:Shaman Proficiencies