5 Ways To Locate Animals Or Plants In 5E
For many adventurers, exploring the wilderness and discovering new species of plants and animals is a thrilling experience. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition (5e), the art of locating and identifying creatures and flora is a vital skill, especially for those who rely on nature for survival. Whether you're a seasoned ranger, a curious druid, or a skilled bard, knowing how to locate animals or plants can make all the difference in your journey.
In this article, we'll explore five ways to locate animals or plants in 5e, including the use of skills, tools, and abilities. We'll also delve into the importance of terrain, climate, and time of day when searching for specific species. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the wilderness and uncover the secrets of the natural world.
The Importance of Survival Skills
Before we dive into the five ways to locate animals or plants, it's essential to understand the significance of survival skills in 5e. Survival skills, such as Survival, Nature, and Perception, are crucial for navigating the wilderness and finding the resources you need to stay alive. These skills can help you identify edible plants, track animals, and avoid deadly terrain hazards.
Way #1: Using Survival Skills
One of the most effective ways to locate animals or plants is by using your Survival skills. The Survival skill allows you to identify edible plants, track animals, and predict the weather. To use Survival to locate animals or plants, you'll need to make a Wisdom (Survival) check, which involves rolling a d20 and adding your Wisdom modifier and Survival proficiency bonus.
For example, let's say you're searching for a rare species of herb that only grows in a specific type of terrain. You'll need to make a Wisdom (Survival) check to identify the herb and determine its location. The DM will set the DC based on the difficulty of the task, and you'll need to roll a d20 and add your Wisdom modifier and Survival proficiency bonus to equal or exceed the DC.
Way #2: Using Tracking Tools
Another way to locate animals or plants is by using tracking tools, such as a hunting trap or a tracking kit. These tools can help you identify animal tracks, predict their movements, and locate their habitats. To use tracking tools, you'll need to make a Wisdom (Survival) check, just like with Survival skills.
However, with tracking tools, you'll also need to consider the quality of the tool and the terrain you're searching in. For example, a high-quality tracking kit might grant you advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks, while searching in dense foliage might impose disadvantage.
Way #3: Using Nature Skills
Nature skills, such as Nature and Biology, can also be used to locate animals or plants. These skills allow you to identify species, understand their habitats, and predict their behaviors. To use Nature skills to locate animals or plants, you'll need to make an Intelligence (Nature) or Intelligence (Biology) check.
For example, let's say you're searching for a specific type of insect that only inhabits a certain type of tree. You'll need to make an Intelligence (Nature) check to identify the insect and determine its habitat. The DM will set the DC based on the difficulty of the task, and you'll need to roll a d20 and add your Intelligence modifier and Nature proficiency bonus to equal or exceed the DC.
Way #4: Using Perception
Perception is another essential skill for locating animals or plants. Perception allows you to notice hidden objects, hear faint sounds, and detect subtle changes in your environment. To use Perception to locate animals or plants, you'll need to make a Wisdom (Perception) check.
For example, let's say you're searching for a rare species of bird that only inhabits a specific type of forest. You'll need to make a Wisdom (Perception) check to hear the bird's call and locate its nest. The DM will set the DC based on the difficulty of the task, and you'll need to roll a d20 and add your Wisdom modifier and Perception proficiency bonus to equal or exceed the DC.
Way #5: Using Special Abilities
Finally, some classes and subclasses have special abilities that allow them to locate animals or plants. For example, rangers have the Natural Explorer feature, which grants them advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks and allows them to identify tracks and predict animal movements.
Druids also have the Wild Shape feature, which allows them to transform into animals and gain their senses and abilities. This can be incredibly useful for locating animals or plants, as you can use your animal senses to track and identify species.
Terrain, Climate, and Time of Day
When searching for animals or plants, it's essential to consider the terrain, climate, and time of day. Different species inhabit different types of terrain, and understanding these habitats can help you locate the species you're searching for.
For example, if you're searching for a species of desert-dwelling lizard, you'll need to search in arid terrain during the hottest part of the day. On the other hand, if you're searching for a species of forest-dwelling bird, you'll need to search in dense foliage during the early morning or late evening.
Gallery of Wildlife
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to locate animals or plants in 5e?
+The best way to locate animals or plants in 5e is by using a combination of Survival skills, tracking tools, and Nature skills. You can also use Perception and special abilities, such as Natural Explorer or Wild Shape.
How do I use Survival skills to locate animals or plants?
+To use Survival skills to locate animals or plants, you'll need to make a Wisdom (Survival) check. The DM will set the DC based on the difficulty of the task, and you'll need to roll a d20 and add your Wisdom modifier and Survival proficiency bonus to equal or exceed the DC.
What is the importance of terrain, climate, and time of day when searching for animals or plants?
+Terrain, climate, and time of day are essential factors to consider when searching for animals or plants. Different species inhabit different types of terrain, and understanding these habitats can help you locate the species you're searching for.
By using these five ways to locate animals or plants, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the wilderness and uncover the secrets of the natural world. Remember to consider the terrain, climate, and time of day when searching for specific species, and don't hesitate to use your Survival skills, tracking tools, and Nature skills to aid you in your search. Happy adventuring!