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General Tabletop Discussion
*Dungeons & Dragons
Is "Passive" (for Passive Perception) really the right term??
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<blockquote data-quote="GMMichael" data-source="post: 8704309" data-attributes="member: 6685730"><p>Allow me to clear up some of that confusion: this isn't a use for a passive check. The PC rolls a normal check. Success means the PC can react to the assassin. Failure means that the PC has to wait for the assassin's first move, which occurs immediately after the check. </p><p></p><p>My next question, if not yours, is: what if the assassin isn't in striking distance, and the DM just wants to know if the assassin gets spotted well before the PC is in striking range (which is an intended usage of the passive check rule, I believe)? Let's head back to one of the biggest general rules: the DM determines what happens, unless there's uncertainty, then she calls for a check. If the PC says, "I walk down the street," no check, not even passive, is needed here. As soon as the PC says something that might involve spotting a hidden assassin, then a normal check is warranted.</p><p></p><p>Is the DM announcing the presence of a hidden assassin by asking for a Wisdom ( perception) check? No; it's in reaction to the PC's announcement, and a WisPer check could be for <em>sensing anything</em>, good or bad.</p><p></p><p></p><p>I'm going to fail any check that happens while I'm making coffee.</p><p></p><p></p><p>See the snip on page 1: a passive check is for doing something repeatedly, like searching for a secret door. Aside: I don't know about you, but when I fail to find a secret door, I stop looking!</p><p></p><p></p><p>Probably not. It would be an interesting tactical move, though! I hear Dark Souls used a lot of confusion...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="GMMichael, post: 8704309, member: 6685730"] Allow me to clear up some of that confusion: this isn't a use for a passive check. The PC rolls a normal check. Success means the PC can react to the assassin. Failure means that the PC has to wait for the assassin's first move, which occurs immediately after the check. My next question, if not yours, is: what if the assassin isn't in striking distance, and the DM just wants to know if the assassin gets spotted well before the PC is in striking range (which is an intended usage of the passive check rule, I believe)? Let's head back to one of the biggest general rules: the DM determines what happens, unless there's uncertainty, then she calls for a check. If the PC says, "I walk down the street," no check, not even passive, is needed here. As soon as the PC says something that might involve spotting a hidden assassin, then a normal check is warranted. Is the DM announcing the presence of a hidden assassin by asking for a Wisdom ( perception) check? No; it's in reaction to the PC's announcement, and a WisPer check could be for [I]sensing anything[/I], good or bad. I'm going to fail any check that happens while I'm making coffee. See the snip on page 1: a passive check is for doing something repeatedly, like searching for a secret door. Aside: I don't know about you, but when I fail to find a secret door, I stop looking! Probably not. It would be an interesting tactical move, though! I hear Dark Souls used a lot of confusion... [/QUOTE]
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Is "Passive" (for Passive Perception) really the right term??
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