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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ilbranteloth" data-source="post: 7424828" data-attributes="member: 6778044">This is all within the DMs (and the players') interpretations of the rules. For me it also goes back to 1e combined with "common sense."In 1e, you couldn't read with infravision. Furthermore, dim light in 5e is sufficient enough to give you disadvantage on Perception checks (passive or active). So, consider the real world - how dim would the light have to be for you to have "disadvantage" on perception checks? Pretty dim. You'll also notice that things naturally become black and white (grayscale) under those conditions, and that you can't read either. So when you're trying to be stealthy and sneak around, but then want to read that scroll? That's an interesting situation. If nobody in the underdark uses light because they all have darkvision that allows them to see without light with no problem, why did drow evolve the ability to cast darkness? Most are probably never exposed to light at all. Ever.The rules cover specific circumstances where die rolls that come up fairly frequently. In addition, 5e is designed to be simpler and more streamlined, and remove many things that some folks don't consider "fun." By that broad measure, [MENTION=12731]CapnZapp[/MENTION] is right. There are a lot of people that don't want to worry about creatures (or, sorry, PCs) with darkvision having disadvantage.To us, the biggest factor that makes darkness fun is the environment itself. If you've ever explored a cave in poor lighting conditions, it's quite a challenge. Even in our houses, where we "know" where everything is, becomes much more difficult to navigate in the dim light of night. But in a cave with uneven floors and all sorts of dangers, movement slows to a crawl without some sort of light. So the question of whether a creature with darkvision has disadvantage under total darkness is a big deal for us. I totally get that some folks don't want to deal with that aspect. But it's a return to form for those of us who still remember using "hide in shadows" instead of a Stealth check. For Stealth checks themselves - you'd have a significant advantage in dim light if you're just standing still. But what if you're moving? Again, what if you're moving across uneven ground? Does that make a difference? Enough to impose disadvantage (or eliminate any advantage you have). It's harder to remain undetected when you keep saying, "ow!"s or accidentally kick a rock across the ground. So the DM determines when passive Perception matters. Going down a 10' wide hallway of fitted stone built by dwarves? Not needed. A natural cave with an uneven floor and risks that can actually cause damage? Yes. When there's a trap to be detected? Of course.We don't make constant checks, of course. But if everybody is moving at a slowed rate, since they can't see well, it's also a good reminder that you're at a disadvantage in this lighting. For walking into something? Not often, but if you're trying to flee, then sure. Or in the midst of combat when you roll a 1? That's a perfect time to remind them that they can't see that well. Make a Dexterity save to avoid falling prone as you trip on that stalagmite that you didn't notice. My point is that whenever the rules impose disadvantage, it's a significant disadvantage, and it's a representation of how much a given circumstance impairs your ability to do something. And that impairment is always an issue under those circumstances, and the DM (and players) should take that into account at all times under those circumstances.</blockquote>

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