View source for Stalking and Hiding

[[Stalking and Hiding]] is the primary [[skill]] considered with the [[stealth mode|stealth]] system.  It is also a factor in the success of [[Rogue Gambits#Stealth|Rogue Gambits Stealth]].

== Ranks and Training Costs ==
{{skill|
  | Bardranks     = 2 || Bardcost     = 3/2
  | Clericranks   = 1 || Clericcost   = 5/4
  | Empathranks   = 1 || Empathcost   = 5/4
  | Monkranks     = 2 || Monkcost     = 3/2
  | Paladinranks  = 1 || Paladincost  = 4/4
  | Rangerranks   = 2 || Rangercost   = 2/1
  | Rogueranks    = 3 || Roguecost    = 1/1
  | Sorcererranks = 1 || Sorcerercost = 5/4
  | Warriorranks  = 2 || Warriorcost  = 3/2
  | Wizardranks   = 1 || Wizardcost   = 5/4
|}}

== Mechanics ==
{{#section:Stealth|race table}}
To enter stealth, use the [[HIDE]] verb. To track a specific target while being hidden, use the [[STALK]] verb. To move to another room while remaining hidden, use the [[SNEAK]] verb.

=== Success factors ===

Success in hiding and remaining hidden is determined by hidden rolls. Stalking and Hiding [[skill bonus]] adds directly to the roll result. For example, a character with 50 [[rank|skill rank]]s gains a bonus of 150 to each roll. There are also potentially large bonuses based on the hider's [[profession]] and [[race]]. For example, at level 100, a [[rogue]] with 100 skill ranks can hide slightly better than a [[warrior]] with 200 skill ranks. Rogues and [[ranger]]s are the only professions for whom hiding is typically useful in combat.

Characters or creatures can attempt to [[SEARCH]] for someone who is hidden. There is a bonus based on the searcher's [[Perception]]. For player characters, searching incurs some minor [[roundtime]] and does not reveal the hider even on a success unless the searcher uses the [[POINT]] verb afterwards; for creatures, a ''successful'' search incurs no roundtime, reveals instantly, and they can attack immediately after revealing a hidden character. Generally, wild animals and the undead have very high perception and are much more difficult to stay hidden from.

Your success during the initial hide attempt is based on your [[Discipline]] bonus and your Racial modifier. Your ability to remain hidden is based on [[Discipline]] bonus and [[Dexterity]] bonus. Racial modifiers do not apply while attempting to remain hidden.

[[Discipline]] bonus is a 1:1 bonus to hiding, and is equivalent to 1 bonus in Stalking and Hiding. This makes Dwarves exceptional hiders, and Elves not so exceptional.

=== Ambush and sniping ===

[[Melee]] combatants can attack from stealth with the [[AMBUSH]] verb, receiving a [[stance]] pushdown and [[critical weighting]] if trained in the [[Ambush]] skill. Using the [[ATTACK]] verb from stealth automatically uses ambushing mechanics. Ambushing reveals the attacker, so to reuse this ability it is necessary to hide again afterwards. The [[Silent Strike]] combat maneuver available to rogues allows them to attack while remaining hidden, and with additional training they may also use the [[Cutthroat]] and [[Subdue]] maneuvers in such a manner.

Two-handed [[polearms]] cannot be used to ambush from hiding.

When using [[ranged weapons]], using the [[FIRE]] verb from stealth (also known as ''sniping'') will make an automatic hiding check. If successful, the attacker will stay hidden after the attack.

===Roundtime Benefits===
Training in Stalking and Hiding reduces {{boldmono|[[SNEAK]]}} and {{boldmono|[[HIDE]]}} [[roundtime]]s at the following ranks:
*30 ranks: -1 sneak RT
*60 ranks: -1 hide RT
*90 ranks: -1 sneak RT
*120 ranks: -1 hide RT

== See Also ==
* [[/saved posts|Saved posts]]
* [[Unpresence and hiding (saved post)]]
* [[Player System Manager - Phase 3]]