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<blockquote data-quote="DND_Reborn" data-source="post: 7617470" data-attributes="member: 6987520"><p>The character is always observing life, just as we are. However, if the DM describes an odd smell, the characters already notice it. To determine the source of the smell is the check in this case. Just like a person notices shadows everywhere we go, whether or not we notice something hidden in the shadows is passive unless we put forth the effort to do it actively. Passive means you might notice it, but it shouldn't be automatic. The DM might describe as part of a room an area of deep shadow. A player might ask "I look at it closely, do I see anything unusual there?" creating the need for a Wisdom (Perception) check if the DM wants one. Passive scores shouldn't replace active game play IMO. However, it works well for cases when the DM feels a character <em>might</em> notice something when a player doesn't think of it.</p><p></p><p>Used this way, Observant works fine. Since it isn't automatic, and doesn't add to active checks, we like it. Used RAW it is too powerful. My elf rogue has a passive perception of 24 with expertise and observant. With RAW she would basically automatically find nearly every secret door or hidden object, etc. Even without it in our active checks she is +9 and has a good chance for finding stuff, but she can still fail if I roll low enough.</p><p></p><p>Sorry about the snipe with regards to the discussion. I get tired of forums trying to show their way is "best" and convince me our house-rules work for us and might for others. I'm not saying they will, but for people disappointed with passive check scores, it solved the issue we had. And yes, thankfully, the site seems to be fixed. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DND_Reborn, post: 7617470, member: 6987520"] The character is always observing life, just as we are. However, if the DM describes an odd smell, the characters already notice it. To determine the source of the smell is the check in this case. Just like a person notices shadows everywhere we go, whether or not we notice something hidden in the shadows is passive unless we put forth the effort to do it actively. Passive means you might notice it, but it shouldn't be automatic. The DM might describe as part of a room an area of deep shadow. A player might ask "I look at it closely, do I see anything unusual there?" creating the need for a Wisdom (Perception) check if the DM wants one. Passive scores shouldn't replace active game play IMO. However, it works well for cases when the DM feels a character [I]might[/I] notice something when a player doesn't think of it. Used this way, Observant works fine. Since it isn't automatic, and doesn't add to active checks, we like it. Used RAW it is too powerful. My elf rogue has a passive perception of 24 with expertise and observant. With RAW she would basically automatically find nearly every secret door or hidden object, etc. Even without it in our active checks she is +9 and has a good chance for finding stuff, but she can still fail if I roll low enough. Sorry about the snipe with regards to the discussion. I get tired of forums trying to show their way is "best" and convince me our house-rules work for us and might for others. I'm not saying they will, but for people disappointed with passive check scores, it solved the issue we had. And yes, thankfully, the site seems to be fixed. :) [/QUOTE]
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