What skill for Escape Artist?

[ryhopewood]

Hi all

I've been doing some background work for my D20 to RQ2 conversions of a couple of settings - Conan RPG and Midnight from FFG. Most of the skills match across easily (as well as saving throws) except for those obviously system specific. The one skill that does not is Escape Artist.

For those that don't know, this is the D20 skill for escaping from grapples, manacles, knotted ropes, hand-cuffs etc etc. It is a combination of ability and learned techniques, so I think it is an RQ skill based off DEX rather than INT or another characteristic.

How would you handle this? Is it a sub-category of Athletics, a "Craft", or an entirely new skill altogether?

Your thoughts much appreciated,

Ian

 

[Deleriad]

It's probably not one skill. Escaping from grapples etc is usually done through Evade or a combat manoeuvre. Escaping from being tied up would be either Acrobatics, Athletics, Evade or Brawn depending on circumstances.

Of course there's nothing stopping you creating an Escape Artist advanced skill for precisely this range of actions. Base score would probably be INT+DEX or DEX*2.

 

[ThatGuy]

I would agree with Deleraid. I don't think most people would know the skill of escaping bonds. In close to four decades I've never had to use the skill

I think an advanced skill would be the way to go.

I personally would go the INT+DEX route.

 

[ryhopewood]

Thanks for all your feedback. I am proposing to use the following new advanced skill in my D20 conversions.

Escape Artist (DEX+INT)
This skill enables an Adventurer to slip out of bonds or manacles, wriggle through tight spaces, or escape a grapple in combat. An attempt to escape from rope bonds is an Opposed Skill test versus the person who tied the knots (usually Lore [Knots] but the GM may allow other skills). An attempt to slip out of manacles is modified by their design and quality (an average set is at least a Very Hard [-60%] test but a well made set would be a Formidable [-80%] test). An attempt to move through a tight space where your head fits but your shoulders don’t is a Very Hard [-60%] test. If the space is long, such as a chimney, the GM may call for multiple tests. It is impossible to fit through a space that your head does not fit through. This skill can also be used as a substitute for Unarmed skill to break free from a grapple (see RQ2 Core Rules p. 92).