After reading multiple threads in the Rules section, and giving strong consideration to how I think it should work in play -and how the RAW can be read to achieve my intentions - here is how I intend to implement stealth. Although I have attempted to justify my Rules with the RAW, there are a few places where I have 'filled in the gaps', as it were.
One intended goal, the direct consequence of seeing how my players wanted stealth to work in the game, was to allow the characters to use stealth as it was in the original versions of the game. To quote from the 1st AD&D PHB:
As I read the 4E RAW, this function is completely lost, because if the rogue does not have actual cover or concealment, they cannot use stealth. Note: I have no intend to allow stealthy movement in the absence of cover, only to allow the party to plan and execute ambushes using stealth.
In addition to the changes designed to allow this, I have attempted to put my own spin on the RAI in the name of clarity. I have tried to indicate House Rules added for clarity but which are not intended to contradict or add to the existing rules are noted in yellow text, and Rules added to fill perceived gaps in the stealth rules are noted in green text.
Note: For clarity, the following is written with the assumption that the hiding/stealthy character is a rogue and the opponents are NPCs. Obviously, any character - including NPCs - can use stealth, and the same rules would typically apply (barring specific rules overrideing the general rules given here.)
Feel free to comment on either "why this doesn't match the RAW/RAI" - although I don't feel obligated to adhere to the RAW, I do prefer to conform as far as possible without sacrificing my own 'vision' as well as "why this will lead to problems X, Y and Z" in play.
One intended goal, the direct consequence of seeing how my players wanted stealth to work in the game, was to allow the characters to use stealth as it was in the original versions of the game. To quote from the 1st AD&D PHB:
Hiding in shadows
is the ability to blend into dark areas, to
flatten oneself, and by remaining motionless when in sight, to
remain unobserved. It is a function of dress and practice.flatten oneself, and by remaining motionless when in sight, to
In addition to the changes designed to allow this, I have attempted to put my own spin on the RAI in the name of clarity. I have tried to indicate House Rules added for clarity but which are not intended to contradict or add to the existing rules are noted in yellow text, and Rules added to fill perceived gaps in the stealth rules are noted in green text.
Note: For clarity, the following is written with the assumption that the hiding/stealthy character is a rogue and the opponents are NPCs. Obviously, any character - including NPCs - can use stealth, and the same rules would typically apply (barring specific rules overrideing the general rules given here.)
Feel free to comment on either "why this doesn't match the RAW/RAI" - although I don't feel obligated to adhere to the RAW, I do prefer to conform as far as possible without sacrificing my own 'vision' as well as "why this will lead to problems X, Y and Z" in play.
- New Concepts
- Passive Stealth.
- Passive Stealth.
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