D&D 5E Moving out of concealment to attack - when is stealth broken?

[Swarmkeeper]

The whole idea that combatants are aware in a 360 degree field of vision at all times is just...so backward and terrible.

I don’t want facing rules, but I draw the line at pretending that the completely absurd notion that an engaged combatant is hard to sneak up on makes any sense.

I think your concerns are a bit... exaggerated.

The PHB (p177) says:

In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger all around, so if you come out of hiding and approach a creature, it usually sees you. However, under certain circumstances, the Dungeon Master might allow you to stay hidden as you approach a creature that is distracted, allowing you to gain advantage on an attack before you are seen.

I certainly don't read that as "360 degree field of vision at all times". Does anyone?

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I think your concerns are a bit... exaggerated.

The PHB (p177) says:

I certainly don't read that as "360 degree field of vision at all times". Does anyone?

I don’t see nitpicking as having value.

the phb rules are backward. perception should have disad in combat.

 

[Swarmkeeper]

I don’t see nitpicking as having value.

the phb rules are backward. perception should have disad in combat.

As DM, you can apply Advantage or Disadvantage whenever you like (DMG p239).

 

[doctorbadwolf]

As DM, you can apply Advantage or Disadvantage whenever you like (DMG p239).

Irrelevant to a discussion of what the rules should be.

 

[Oofta]

Irrelevant to a discussion of what the rules should be.

Except that the rule is:

Consider granting advantage when …​

• Circumstances not related to a creature’s inherent capabilities provide it with an edge.
• Some aspect of the environment contributes to the character’s chance of success.
• A player shows exceptional creativity or cunning in attempting or describing a task.
• Previous actions (whether taken by the character making the attempt or some other creature) improve the chances of success.

Consider imposing disadvantage when …​

• Circumstances hinder success in some way.
• Some aspect of the environment makes success less likely (assuming that aspect doesn’t already impose a penalty to the roll being made).
• An element of the plan or description of an action makes success less likely.

I other words, if you think combat should grant disadvantage on a perception check then it should.

 

[Rabulias]

I keep thinking about this video:

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Except that the rule is:

Consider granting advantage when …​

• Circumstances not related to a creature’s inherent capabilities provide it with an edge.
• Some aspect of the environment contributes to the character’s chance of success.
• A player shows exceptional creativity or cunning in attempting or describing a task.
• Previous actions (whether taken by the character making the attempt or some other creature) improve the chances of success.

Consider imposing disadvantage when …​

• Circumstances hinder success in some way.
• Some aspect of the environment makes success less likely (assuming that aspect doesn’t already impose a penalty to the roll being made).
• An element of the plan or description of an action makes success less likely.

I other words, if you think combat should grant disadvantage on a perception check then it should.

No, the relevant rule is that by default, a creature in combat is aware of their surroundings, which is nonsense. It takes effort, active focus, and usually training, to be aware of your surroundings in a fight. The default is exactly opposite reality.

 

[Oofta]

No, the relevant rule is that by default, a creature in combat is aware of their surroundings, which is nonsense. It takes effort, active focus, and usually training, to be aware of your surroundings in a fight. The default is exactly opposite reality.

Which can be adjusted as the DM sees fit. Like all the stealth rules, by design it's left in the hands of the DM.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Which can be adjusted as the DM sees fit. Like all the stealth rules, by design it's left in the hands of the DM.

Which is irrelevant to anything I’ve said.

Now, why are you getting bent about my offhand comment about a rule I don’t like?

 

[Oofta]

Which is irrelevant to anything I’ve said.

Now, why are you getting bent about my offhand comment about a rule I don’t like?

I'm ... not. Just saying that if the DM thinks there should be disadvantage there is. The stealth rules are left vague so that the DM can make decisions that make sense in the moment.