Dowsing - Dragon (Proficiency)

The character has been trained in the use of a divining rod. While all rhabdomancers begin with the spell to craft an effective rod, this proficiency covers the insight necessary to interpret the finer meanings of the woods tugging and twitching. 
Apprentice rhabdomancers are taught in the guild the following tenant:
The fork is held by the two limbs, one in each hand, with the point going first and the rod held horizontally. Then the rhabdomancer walks gently over the places where he seeks an object or affection. He should walk with care to not risk dispersing the emanations that rise from the spot where these things are and cause the rod to slant. For example, if the magician is seeking a deposit of gold ore, upon finding a vein a successful dowsing check reveals the purity of the metal. The proficiency also affects the casting of various divination spells. Some of these are blocked by stonework, thick wood, or metal deposits. A skilled rhabdomancer is able to pierce these “walls” with a successful dowsing check (note the below listing of common Divination spells for those cases in which a dowsing check is required). Otherwise, a DM may call for the rhabdomancer to make a proficiency roll to see if any obscure or additional information is discovered.
Also, using this proficiency, a rhabdomancer can locate the proper sapling with which to craft a suitable divining rod. Rare wood types that could be used in making a rod could quite possibly require a successful Dowsing check. At the DM’s discretion, a rhabdomancer may forgo learning a new nonweapon proficiency in order to become better skilled at Dowsing. Each abandoned slot adds 1 to the character’s proficiency roll. This allows an edge for high-level rhabdomancers who remain true to their craft. 
Category:Dragon Magazine Proficiencies