Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="Hriston" data-source="post: 9243029" data-attributes="member: 6787503">I think the weirdness is coming from a few things. First, I think your &quot;1)&quot; above encompasses too many types of hidden information. I would only check the passive Perception of a character that is looking for the specific type of thing that's hidden. So if a player says their character is going to&nbsp; look out for hidden danger while the party travels through the environment, then I would check their passive Perception to detect traps and monsters, but only if they're in a position to perceive those things, like in the front rank or something. If they say they're doing something else, like looking for hidden treasure or secret doors, then they would have no chance to notice hidden traps or monsters while traveling and might be surprised by any monsters.Second, to address your &quot;2)&quot;, Wisdom (Perception) check results below the passive Perception score should be possible. A passive check should only be used when a character performs a task repeatedly or when the DM wants to make a check secretly. In all other situations, a rolled check should be used and the result should stand on its own.First, what are the characters doing to notice the net and the flying swords? Are they keeping watch for hidden threats, or are the otherwise occupied? Are they at the front of the group as they enter the room, or are they in the back? Once you know the player's answers to these questions, you'll know whether they have a chance to notice the trap and the hidden monsters and about how difficult it will be. If they have a chance, check their passive Perception scores against whatever DC you've decided to notice the net. Make a Dexterity check for the flying swords and compare the passive Perception score of anyone who has chance to see if they notice them. Anyone who isn't staying alert for danger or is in a disadvantageous position doesn't notice the net and is surprised by the swords. I think this works quite well.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Hriston, post: 9243029, member: 6787503"] I think the weirdness is coming from a few things. First, I think your "1)" above encompasses too many types of hidden information. I would only check the passive Perception of a character that is looking for the specific type of thing that's hidden. So if a player says their character is going to look out for hidden danger while the party travels through the environment, then I would check their passive Perception to detect traps and monsters, but only if they're in a position to perceive those things, like in the front rank or something. If they say they're doing something else, like looking for hidden treasure or secret doors, then they would have no chance to notice hidden traps or monsters while traveling and might be surprised by any monsters. Second, to address your "2)", Wisdom (Perception) check results below the passive Perception score should be possible. A passive check should only be used when a character performs a task repeatedly or when the DM wants to make a check secretly. In all other situations, a rolled check should be used and the result should stand on its own. First, what are the characters doing to notice the net and the flying swords? Are they keeping watch for hidden threats, or are the otherwise occupied? Are they at the front of the group as they enter the room, or are they in the back? Once you know the player's answers to these questions, you'll know whether they have a chance to notice the trap and the hidden monsters and about how difficult it will be. If they have a chance, check their passive Perception scores against whatever DC you've decided to notice the net. Make a Dexterity check for the flying swords and compare the passive Perception score of anyone who has chance to see if they notice them. Anyone who isn't staying alert for danger or is in a disadvantageous position doesn't notice the net and is surprised by the swords. I think this works quite well. [/QUOTE]

Verification