The summary of ‘Pathfinder (2e): Basics of Stealth’

The YouTube video discusses the intricacies of stealth in Pathfinder second edition, focusing on key concepts such as the four states of detection (unnoticed, undetected, hidden, and observed), the role of the Stealth skill and Dexterity, and actions like concealing objects, hiding, and sneaking. It emphasizes the importance of cover and concealment, Perception DCs, and the dynamic interactions between hidden and observed states. Character examples like Mauricio and Marissa illustrate successful stealth maneuvers in various scenarios within the context of a role-playing game. Overall, the video provides detailed guidance on stealth mechanics and the nuanced gameplay involved, encouraging viewers to engage further with related content.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the basics of stealth in Pathfinder second edition are explained. The four states of detection are detailed: unnoticed, undetected, hidden, and observed. Stealth skill is used to avoid being noticed, with dexterity being the key ability score. The calculation for stealth DC is discussed, as well as the situations when to roll for stealth or use stealth DC. Three core stealth actions are included: conceal an object, sneak, and hide. It is recommended to watch the video on perception for further understanding.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the focus is on the Stealth skill in relation to hiding objects and lowering your state of detection. When hiding an object, you compare your Stealth check total against the Perception DCs of those you are hiding the item from. If your check total exceeds their Perception DC, they won’t detect the hidden object. You only roll this check once, not separately for each creature. When actively searched, like by an alert guard, they roll Perception against your Stealth DC. Hiding objects in the environment involves one action without a Stealth check, challenging seekers with your Stealth DC. To pick up items unnoticed, use the Palm an Object thievery application. The second Stealth action, Hide, is to lower your detection level from observed to hidden. Roll a Stealth check against observers’ Perception DCs, with cover adding a bonus if between you and them. Without cover or concealment, the attempt automatically fails.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, it is explained that in a role-playing game, actions other than sneak, step, or hide can make a character instantly observed. However, there are exceptions: using the strike action allows a hidden character to attack before being observed, and certain unobtrusive actions may be allowed by the GM without immediate detection. Tricks like creating a diversion using deception can lower the character’s detection from observed to hidden, but the success depends on a deception check against the observers’ perception DC. If successful, the hidden condition lasts until the end of the turn.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, it explains how to create a diversion on a creature to receive a +4 circumstance bonus to their perception DC against future diversion attempts. To sneak effectively, you need to be hidden or undetected. Once hidden, you can lower your detection state to undetected and then move away using the sneak action. The GM rolls your stealth check in secret at the end of your movement, comparing it to the perception DCs of those undetected or hidden from you. Cover or concealment can affect your stealth check. Failure against a creature with cover/concealment makes you hidden to them, but any sound may reveal your location. Critical failure allows the creature to observe you as long as they have line of sight. After a successful sneak action, any action other than hide step or another sneak makes you observed. Striking makes your target flat-footed for that attack.

00:12:00

In this segment of the video, Mauricio, a fifth-level rogue with stealth and perception bonuses, is sneaking through a wizard’s academy to steal a rare tome. She successfully observes a student reading in a dormitory and then moves to a door, where she listens for activity on the other side. Mauricio’s perception bonus helps her hear voices, but not clearly. Lastly, she quietly opens the door, needing a stealth check to avoid revealing her presence to the room.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, a character named Mauricio is described as successfully sneaking past three students in a room. The GM describes the dynamics of being hidden, undetected, and having cover or concealment, which are necessary for a successful sneak. Mauricio manages to move silently and undetected past the students, using distraction to her advantage. Through careful positioning and timing, Mauricio successfully remains unnoticed and undetected by all three students, with the reading student being observed by her. The concept of cover or concealment when starting and ending movement for a successful sneak attempt is highlighted.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, the characters are in a situation where they must remain undetected. Marissa decides not to attack and instead takes a step action towards a door. Mauricio attempts to quietly open the door to peer inside, successfully remaining unnoticed due to a higher Stealth check than the teacher’s Perception DC. A guard patrols past, using the Seek action to detect Marissa, but fails to notice her due to her high Stealth DC. It is highlighted that individuals not actively using the Seek action are unlikely to detect Mauricio. However, Mauricio would instantly be spotted if she loses cover from those around her.

00:21:00

In this segment of the video, the character Marissa is being chased by a guard in the Academy library. The player must first spend an action to hide before attempting to sneak away. Marissa successfully hides behind a shelf of books and performs a sneaking action while maintaining cover. The guard attempts to detect Marissa with perception checks, needing to beat her stealth DC. Marissa must continue to hide and sneak to avoid detection, utilizing cover to her advantage. If the guard successfully detects her, Marissa can hide again to regain the hidden state. The guard’s actions, such as seeking or moving, impact Marissa’s ability to remain hidden or undetected.

00:24:00

In this segment of the video, the key points discussed include:

– Dexterity being the key ability for stealth.
– Stealth actions can be used untrained.
– Hiding characters have a Stealth DC calculated as 10 + stealth bonus.
– Seeking characters roll Perception when challenged by a hiding character’s Stealth DC.
– Three stealth actions are mentioned: conceal an object, hide, and sneak.
– Concealing an object involves challenging Perception DCs.
– Hiding requires cover or concealment and can be achieved by creating a diversion with the Deception skill.
– Sneaking allows for movement if hidden or undetected, with cover or concealment, and involves comparing Stealth checks to enemies’ Perception DCs.

00:27:00

In this segment of the video, the focus is on the concept of being detected or hidden in the game. If you fail your check, you become hidden; if you critically fail, you become observed. You can only take certain actions without revealing yourself, like hiding, stepping, or sneaking. Taking the strike action makes you observed after the attack. To stay hidden or undetected, you must be cautious about your actions. The video ends with a reminder to like, subscribe, and comment on future topics, as well as offering access to featured maps for games.