Invisibility=Hide in plain sight?

[mikebr99]

As for hide in plain sight, yes, it is essentially invisibility in this situation but gives no bonus to hide and move silently checks like being invisible does. However if the rogue (or in this case Shadowdancer) was able to beat the opponent's spot check he would be essentially invisible to that opponent and thus would be granted sneak attack which is one of the main benefits of the ability. Especially considering that it can be activated in combat as a move action without the -20 penalty that a normal hide check would have and without drawing AoOs meaning sneak attack is obtained again and again. It's also very handy when the meatshield goes down and you need to withdraw discretely.

Where does it state that the hide skill is at a -20 to use while in combat... that's a wide-sweeping generality... it specifically states:

It’s practically impossible (–20 penalty) to hide while attacking, running or charging.

And...

Sniping: If you’ve already successfully hidden at least 10 feet from your target, you can make one ranged attack, then immediately hide again. You take a –20 penalty on your Hide check to conceal yourself after the shot.

There are differing penalties for doing other things in "combat".


HiPS is not invisibility... it is improved hiding. You need cover or concealment in order to hide, and if people are observing you you can't hide. But all HiPS does is remove the need for cover/concealment (as long as you are withing 10' of shadow) and allows hiding while being observed. It says nothing about giving the benefits of Invisibility.

Mike