Post/Author/DateTime	Post
FuzzyWuzzy 09-11-06, 11:20 PM	I am wondering if someone could give me an example of how the disguise skill would be used by a Changeling. Maybe a little play example with several different circumstances. Specifically, I am cunfused about disguising oneself without changing clothes, as that is inevitable with a changeling. Also, I have always been a little confused about impersonating a specific individual. I hope someone can shed a little light on this subject for me. Thanks.
DarkPawn 09-11-06, 11:33 PM	I am wondering if someone could give me an example of how the disguise skill would be used by a Changeling. Maybe a little play example with several different circumstances. Specifically, I am cunfused about disguising oneself without changing clothes, as that is inevitable with a changeling. Also, I have always been a little confused about impersonating a specific individual. I hope someone can shed a little light on this subject for me. Thanks. Well I would assume that the use of robes or a cloak could conceal specific armor types, etc... As for impersonating someone specifically, the difficulty would be effected by how well the person knew them. If it was a friend or family member, a business associate, a passing acquaintance, etc...
Nived 09-12-06, 12:25 AM	The same way the disguise skill would be used. If you don't often roll disguise in your games Changlings are at a significant disadvantage.
Sereno 09-12-06, 09:27 AM	My wife plays a changeling rogue, and when she arrived in Sharn she went to a number of different tailors and purchased numerous pieces of specially-designed clothing. She usually dresses in layers with reversible tunics and cloaks so she can quickly change colors; with easily removable sleeves. She usually wears trousers (reversible, of course), but she keeps a wrap-type skirt in her backpack. She has a couple of different hats, too. Footgear is the biggest problem; since you can't make reversible boots, she usually just carries one extra pair of shoes. When the guards are looking for a tall man in black long-sleeved tunic and trousers, and they find a small woman in blue sleeveless tunic and skirt; they rarely look twice. I've ruled that she can accomplish a change of clothing in 1d6 rounds (depending on how "complete" the change). It seems fair; it seems about as fast as actors and actresses change costumes during a play.
JayceMD 09-12-06, 10:38 AM	Example: The PC is a 1st level changeling rogue with a +6 modifier to disguise (4 ranks, +2 from Charisma). This gives a +16 modifier when you factor in the racial bonus. The PC decides to try and shoplift an item from a shop. The shopkeeper is a 2nd level human expert who selected spot as a class skill. Spot modifier: +5 (5 ranks, no Wisdom bonus, didn't select Alertness as a feat). The PC takes 10 on her disguise check, giving her a total disguise check of 26. The shopkeeper rolls a 12 on his spot check, giving a total check of 17. This isn't good enough to notice that it is a disguise, but is certainly good enough for the shopkeeper to give an accurate description of what the PC looks like (the disguise) to the watch. The PC runs out of the shop and the shopkeeper yells for the watch. The PC has time to alter her appearance, but not change clothes. This is considered a stressful situation, so the PC cannot take 10 on this check. She's a little unlucky, and rolls an 8, so the total check is a 24. The watchman who responds has a +2 modifier to his spot (1st level warrior, no ranks, no Wisdom modifier, took Alertness). He rolls a 12, giving a total 14 to his check. He doesn't even notice the PC, even though she hasn't changed her clothes. On the other hand, if the responding officer had been one of the watch's elite investigators (half-elf, 3rd level rogue, +1 Wisdom modifier, 6 ranks, +1 half-elf bonus, +2 Alertness), he might have a +10 to his spot check. He rolls a 12, giving a total check of 22. This isn't enough to penetrate the disguise, but is certainly enough to notice the same clothing, even if the person wearing the clothes looks different. Since changelings aren't an unknown population, this would be enough for "probable cause" and the watchman would probably try to apprehend the PC for questioning. If the investigator had rolled a 14 or higher (thus beating the PC's disguise check), not only would he notice the PC, but would also realize that the PC was a changeling in disguise (i.e., something looks a little "off" about the form that the PC chose. Maybe her eyes are set just a little too far apart or the jawline is off or something.) Does that help?
FuzzyWuzzy 09-12-06, 03:00 PM	Thanks Jayce that helps a lot. What would you say is the magic number that allows the spotter to notice that the changeling hasn't changed clothes? Obviously this might change... like if he had a chance to throw on a cloak or ditch his overcoat, but in general would you say the spotter has to get within 5?
JayceMD 09-12-06, 04:24 PM	I would say that getting within 5 is a good baseline assumption. The DM should use his discretion modifying that. If the changeling was wearing a very distinctive outfit (a one-of-a-kind glamerweave evening gown designed by one of Sharn's most prominent clothiers), the odds of not noticing it would be so trivial as to at least allow the spotter to get within 15 (if a roll is even needed). On the other hand, if the clothing is completely non-descript (wearing the same uniform as ten other people in the same area), then the spotter would have to beat the set DC, anything less just isn't going to cut it.
DarkPawn 09-12-06, 04:45 PM	Just wanted to add, there are laws against impersonating people throughout the nations. This has been a hard lesson to learn for a few changelings in my campaign. They seemed to think impersonating the captain of the watch or a warehouse owner, were all perfectly legal affairs. ;)