Spot

[Trellian]

Almost all spot checks are done involuntary, right? But what about spotting invisible? Is that also automatically checked for when in the vicinity of an invisible creature, or only when the player actively tries to spot for it?

 

[whatisitgoodfor]

Ya ever seen Predator or Predator II?


I've always imagined Invisibility just like the cloaking device that the Hunter uses. You really can't see it (so it still has 100%concealment) but you still know that it's there.

So, IMO, you get to automatically roll Spot whenever the Invis Critter walks by.

 

[trentonjoe]

I make the characters ask for it. They may not actually say that but if they see a door open for no reason or hear footsteps them may say "I look around" or " I try to figure that what made the sound" I give them a spot check.

ALso, if someone is sneaking around invisibly I do the move silently vs listen check. That may aid the character in asking for a spot check.

 

[Ciaran]

Can't you use Search instead of Spot if you're actively looking for an invisible target?

- Eric

 

[whatisitgoodfor]

I don't recall ever seeing that rule before, but I don't think that it would apply to animate objects.

Any critter worth its salt isn't going to stand around for 5 minutes while you and your buddies all poke sticks into every corner of the room looking for it. (That is unless the monster just needs a good laugh. )

 

[LostSoul]

I assume that all characters are Taking 10 when they aren't actively looking for something. That makes spotting invisible creatures impossible unless you've got a +10 Spot. Once you start to look, you might get lucky and look right at the thing (high roll), or you might turn away (poor roll).

This makes everything easier and you don't have to call for Spot rolls all the time.

 

[Trellian]

So all spot checks are 10 + skill bonus? I usually let my players roll for spot, if not, it would be practically impossible to spot something at lower levels.

 

[LostSoul]

Unless they're actually looking for something, on their guard, etc., yeah.

 

[Trellian]

As I see it, dungeoneering down in dangerous caves often warrant the term "alert", so I cannot see a reason for taking 10 while you know there can be danger. The life of adventurers are so fraught with peril that there cannot be many occasions they are not expecting trouble. Just sitting in a tavern eating or drinking can be dangerous for somebody with many enemies.

 

[LostSoul]

As I see it, dungeoneering down in dangerous caves often warrant the term "alert", so I cannot see a reason for taking 10 while you know there can be danger. The life of adventurers are so fraught with peril that there cannot be many occasions they are not expecting trouble. Just sitting in a tavern eating or drinking can be dangerous for somebody with many enemies.

Whatever works. The Take 10 thing will still help you for NPCs eating their lunch or orcs taking a bath in barghest piss.