Stealth
(Silent Movement, Hide, Ambush, Shadowing)
Stealth represents a character’s ability to move and act undetected by others. The player makes a Stealth check to determine the success of their attempt at staying hidden, and the GM can set the difficulty based on factors such as the environment, the awareness of potential observers, and the character’s equipment. Stealth is usually opposed by Notice [SP].
A high Stealth skill can allow the character to sneak past guards, escape from danger, or gather information undetected. It can play a critical role in various situations such as infiltration, reconnaissance, and escape. The skill can also impact a character’s reputation, with potential social consequences depending on how others view stealthy behavior.
Characters can move up to half their normal Speed and use Stealth with no penalty. Attempting to move faster imposes a (flip-1) penalty on the Stealth check. To hide, the character must have something that interferes with the observer’s senses, such as partial cover, deep shadows, etc. Success on the opposed check renders the character hidden. If noticed, an opponent can attempt to find the character again using an opposed skill check on their turn.
Silent Movement
This specialization covers the ability to move quietly to avoid detection. It is often used when sneaking past guards, patrolling enemies, or through environments where noise could alert others.
| Situation | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Moving silently across solid ground | Average (12+) |
| Moving silently across uneven or debris-laden ground | Hard (15+) |
| Moving silently while carrying a load | Hard (15+) |
| Moving silently in difficult conditions (e.g., rain, wind) | Very Hard (18+) |
| Moving silently at full speed | Very Hard (18+) |
Potential modifiers:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Noise-canceling environment (e.g., loud ambient noise) | (flip+1) |
| Creaky or unstable surfaces | (shift-1) |
| Distracted or unaware observers | (flip+1) |
Results:
- Success: You move silently and remain undetected by others.
- Failure: You make noise, possibly alerting nearby observers.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You cause a significant disturbance, drawing immediate attention to yourself.
Hide
This specialization focuses on finding and utilizing cover to remain unseen. It is used when attempting to hide behind objects, blend into the environment, or otherwise avoid visual detection.
| Situation | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Hiding in light cover (e.g., behind a tree, under a table) | Average (12+) |
| Hiding in heavy cover (e.g., thick brush, behind a wall) | Easy (9+) |
| Hiding in an area with minimal cover | Hard (15+) |
| Hiding in an area with no cover (relying on darkness or camouflage) | Very Hard (18+) |
| Hiding in plain sight (e.g., using disguise or misdirection) | Near Impossible (21+) |
Potential modifiers:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Observers are distracted or preoccupied | (flip+1) |
| You have specialized camouflage or equipment | (flip+1) |
| Observers are actively searching for you | (shift-1) |
Results:
- Success: You successfully hide and remain unseen.
- Failure: You are partially exposed, and observers may notice you.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You fail to hide effectively and are immediately spotted.
Ambush
This specialization involves setting up a surprise attack by hiding and then striking when your target is unaware. It requires both positioning and timing to maximize the impact of your assault.
| Situation | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Setting up an ambush in a well-covered area | Average (12+) |
| Setting up an ambush in a partially covered area | Hard (15+) |
| Setting up an ambush in an open area | Very Hard (18+) |
| Ambushing multiple targets simultaneously | Very Hard (18+) |
| Ambushing a target who is on high alert | Near Impossible (21+) |
Potential modifiers:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| You have detailed knowledge of your target’s movements | (flip+1) |
| The environment provides natural cover (e.g., a forest, ruins) | (flip+1) |
| Observers are actively searching for you | (shift-1) |
Results:
- Success: You successfully set up an ambush, catching your target off guard.
- Failure: Your ambush is less effective, and your target may have time to react.
- Failure by a Large Margin: Your ambush fails entirely, and you lose the element of surprise.
Shadowing
This specialization focuses on following someone without being noticed. It is often used in investigative or reconnaissance scenarios where the goal is to track a target while remaining undetected.
| Situation | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Following a target through a crowded area | Average (12+) |
| Following a target through an open area | Hard (15+) |
| Following a target at a close distance | Very Hard (18+) |
| Following a target who is aware of being pursued | Near Impossible (21+) |
| Shadowing multiple targets | Very Hard (18+) |
Potential modifiers:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| The environment provides plenty of cover | (flip+1) |
| Your target is moving slowly or making frequent stops | (flip+1) |
| You are familiar with the area | (flip+1) |
Results:
- Success: You successfully follow your target without being noticed.
- Failure: You lose track of your target or are spotted, leading to potential confrontation.
- Failure by a Large Margin: Your target is fully aware of your presence, and any element of surprise is lost.