They aren't tracking where they are on a map, they aren't paying attention to their surroundings, they aren't casting Detect Magic, etc. That is, a party that is constantly in "stealth mode" is assumed to not be using their Actions for anything else. However, rolling for a skill generally requires them to regularly uses their action. Guards are constantly rolling Perception, so you resort to their Passive Perception (effectively an average of multiple rolls). Passive skills should only be checked when it's assumed they're constantly being rolled. Some parties try that kind of stuff where they say they're "always in stealth mode", and that's fine with the right checks-and-balances. If it can't solve their problems, they won't use it. The weaker you make stealth, the more you're having your players not use it. The thing is, you kinda want your players to resort to stealth to solve their problems to make things exciting and dramatic. Creatures that are too distracted to actually pay attention should suffer Disadvantage on their Perception (or a -5 to their passive). There's little chaos involved for a guard who's out on his regular patrol, especially when compared to a guard that's chasing down a fleeing Player. Players who are in a heated debate (chaotic) against a political opponent (chaotic) would both roll against one another.Players who are under relaxed conditions (no chaos) against an inanimate object (no chaos) generally pass/fail without the need for a roll.Players who are under stressful conditions (chaotic) against an inanimate object (no chaos) make their roll against a static DC.A good rule of thumb is to only roll dice for each side that is impacted by stress or chaos. The best advice most DMs have settled on is "use your gut".įor more technical advice, I'd recommend just rolling against the creature's passive perception, unless the creature is actively looking under intense or stressful conditions. Thanks in advance.Good questions! Stealth has always been kinda awkward to work properly in 5e. I am just trying to learn and understand those first moments of encounters and how stealth, passive perception and surprise all work exactly.ĭo most of your adventure parties just tell you ahead of time they are ALWAYS in "stealth mode" to at least give them a chance at surprising monsters? Or do you make stealth checks at disadvantage in those cases?ĭo any other environmental factors adjust the passive perception or do you just concentrate on the stealth roll? Limited hiding areas? One way in/one way out? If monsters are on "lookout" duty or guards is that a different passive perception that what is in the stat block? Do you change passive perception depending on what monsters are "supposed to be doing"?
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