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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DND_Reborn" data-source="post: 8203451" data-attributes="member: 6987520">First, I like to add references for convenience in such a discussion:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ok, so lots of DM run this stuff differently, I so I am going to try to respond as close to RAW as I understand:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Passive Perception is used for a) routine activities repeated often and b) when the DM wants something done in secret without asking for a roll.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Passive Perception is used when a creature might notice something without actively looking.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Active Perception is used when a player (given the scenario) has cause to have their PC actively search for something. This gives them the chance to roll higher than the default "passive" 10 so the PC can notice something which has a higher DC.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Investigation is used to understand the significance of something, whether it is finding a clue and understanding why it is important, recognize a difference in handwriting on a document, realizing a book is out of place and opens a hidden compartment, etc.</li> </ul>For myself, I like to think of things like this: Perception is Awareness, Investigation is Understanding.This is why I can rule a rogue might make a WIS (Perception) to uncover a hidden trap, INT (Investigation) to figure out how to disarm it, and then DEX (Thieves' Tools) to disable the trap.I treat the Passive Perception score as meaning, if the player does not say their PC is "observing or searching", that the PC might notice something even if they player doesn't ask to make a check. If the passive score is high enough, I will tell the player to make a WIS (Perception) check to see if the PC is successful. I don't like the idea that passive scores can be automatic--it is too good IMO.Ex. A ranger has a passive perception score of 16. Hiding nearby is a group of goblins which made a DEX (Stealth) check of 15. The player has not said the ranger is actively on guard or anything, but with such a decent passive perception, I know the PC might detect the goblins anyway. So, I will tell the player to roll for the ranger. If the roll beats the goblins' stealth, the ranger spots the ambush, otherwise the ranger will be surprised.RAW, the ranger would automatically know the goblins are there. Personally, I don't like that, so I run it a bit differently. IF I wanted it to be automatic, I would make passive 5+ modifiers, not 10+ modifiers.</blockquote>

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