Spelljammer
Monster Lore
This skill gives the character a knowledge of the various monsters. As a general rule, this skill only applies to prime material plane creatures. Refer to the following list for the applicable lore skill:
  • Animals - Animal Lore
  • Avians - Monster Lore (e.g., roc, stirge)
  • Bugs - Monster Lore (e.g., carrion crawler, giant wasp, phase spider)
  • Demons and Devils - Demon/Devil Lore
  • Dragons - Monster Lore and Dragon Lore
  • Elementals - Elemental Lore
  • Faeries - Faerie Lore
  • Giant Animals - Monster Lore and Animal Lore
  • Golems - Monster Lore
  • Humanoids - Monster Lore
  • Lycanthropes - Monster Lore
  • Plant Creatures - Plant & Herb Lore (e.g., shambling mound, treants, etc.)
  • Reptiles and Worms (e.g., purple worm, remorhaz) - Monster Lore
  • Slimes - Fungus Lore (all fungus-based creatures)
  • Undead - Undead Lore

In cases where two lores can apply, the character can make rolls for both lores if he has them and take the better result. For example, if the group runs into a pixie, and the character has both monster lore and faerie lore, they may make rolls for both lores and take the better result.

With a successful skill roll (((KNOW - 15) x 3) + (Rank x 5)), the character can identify the monster and know something about it. Exactly how much they know depends on their level of success (q.v.). This skill covers all manner of monsters, excluding undead and normal animals.
  • Absolute Success - Knows all there is to know about the monster
  • Success - Knows all common facts, and some uncommon facts about the monster
  • Near Success - Knows most common facts about the monster
  • Partial Success - Knows some common facts about the monster
  • Failure - Doesn't recognize the monster
  • Absolute Failure - Misidentifies the monster
  • Blunder - Misidentifies the monster as a particularly dangerous creature when it is not, or as a friendly creature when it is not.

The character's roll is modified by the relative obscurity of the creature:
  • Common: +10
  • Uncommon: -0%
  • Rare: -10%
  • Very Rare: -20%

The character can also imitate and recognize monster sounds with a successful skill roll ((PER - 15) x 3) + (Rank x 5)