Intimidate, Spanambula Variant (3.5e Variant Rule)
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Intimidate, Spanambula Variant[edit]
Intimidation is a great thing, but the opposed roll mechanic has always felt unsatisfying. This variant changes it to simply an opposed skill check. The length of time the intimidation effect remains has also been changed to reflect the degree of success made by the opposed roll instead of the completely random d6x10 minutes. The combat demoralization duration has also been modifiedto scale with check results, but the penalties now only apply against your attacks.
Check[edit]
You can change another’s behavior with a successful check. Your Intimidate check is opposed by the target’s Sense Motive check OR the target's own Intimidate check (whichever is higher) + target’s modifiers on saves against fear. If you beat your target’s check result, you may treat the target as friendly, but only for the purpose of actions taken while it remains intimidated. (That is, the target retains its normal attitude, but will chat, advise, offer limited help, or advocate on your behalf while intimidated. The effect lasts as long as the target remains in your presence, and for 4 minutes per point your Intimidate check exceeded the opposed check afterward (So if your total on your Intimidate check was a 24 and the opponent's Sense Motive result was a 16, the effect lasts for 8x4 minutes, or 32 minutes). After this time, the target’s default attitude toward you shifts to unfriendly (or, if normally unfriendly, to hostile).
If you fail the check by 5 or more, the target provides you with incorrect or useless information, or otherwise frustrates your efforts.
Demoralize Opponent[edit]
You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent’s resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target’s relevant skill check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round +1 round per 5 points your check exceeds the opposed check. A shaken character takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws against you. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you.
Action[edit]
Varies. Changing another’s behavior requires 1 minute of interaction. Intimidating an opponent in combat is a standard action.
Try Again[edit]
Optional. If you fail on your first attempt, your opponent gets a cumulative +5 circumstantial bonus to their opposed check for every failed check you make. Multiple successes do not overlap or stack, however in combat multiple combatants can demoralize the same opponent.
Special[edit]
You gain a +4 bonus on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are larger than your target. Conversely, you take a -4 penalty on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are smaller than your target.
Mindless, non-intelligent, and creatures immune to fear can’t be intimidated.
If you have the Persuasive feat, you get a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.
Synergy[edit]
If you have 5 or more ranks in Bluff, you get a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.
Other Variant Rules[edit]
This variant works well with the All Ability Skills variant rule.
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