Hiding vs. Opposed Roll

[doktorstick]

When is an opposed roll (Spot) used against Hiding? The DMG states that the Hide DC is 25 + Hide skill + modifiers for the standard distances. Is this only for ambush type encounters? That means that a dire rat hiding in the trash has a DC = 25 + 11 Hide + 4 size = 40. No character is going to see a DC 40 without substantial "help" (either magically or otherwise).

Am I missing something? Does a dire rat really have a DC 40 to hide in the trash 5 ft. away from a character?

/ds

 

[Gromm]

IIRC the 25+hide is for wilderness encounters, like the two parties are moving through the woods, if they see each other.

Its not the norm. Most of the time its an opposed roll.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

If the enemy isn't being stealthy

The Spot DC is 20 + modifiers (including +1/10 ft. distance).

If both groups fail to spot each other, then the encounter starts at half distance. Make an opposed Hide vs Spot check to see who gets surprised.

If the enemy is being stealthy

The Soot DC is 25 + modifiers

Make a check every time the distance between the two groups is cut in half. If you fail a Spot check, the enemy can launch a ranged attack (Hide vs Spot: surprise round), or the enemy can sneak up on you until they are 30 feet away (Hide vs Spot: surprise round).

Rogues shouldn't try to sneak up on the party from a long distance away... they're better off laying in ambush so they only have to make one Hide check.