darkvision and hiding [Archive] - Wizards Community

darkvision and hiding [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
burnt_to_crisp
06-18-05, 04:29 PM can a monster that has darkvision automatically see you if you'r hiding in shadows or does it see you as part of the shadows? and what if you have taken levels in shadowdancer and therefore have the hide in plain sight ability? it lets you hide even when being directly observed as long as there is a shadow near you, so does it also let you hide when the enemy can see through that shadow?
Kursk
06-18-05, 05:32 PM can a monster that has darkvision automatically sees you if your hiding in shadows or does it see you as part of the shadows? and what if you have taken levels in shadowdancer and therefore have the hide in plane sight ability? it lets you hide even when being directly observed as long as there is a shadow near you, so does it also let you hide when the enemy can see through that shadow?

If you are really relying on a shadow to hide you then no, you can't hide.

Won't comment on the Shadowdancer as it's a Prc and not a core class.
burnt_to_crisp
06-18-05, 05:45 PM Won't comment on the Shadowdancer as it's a Prc and not a core class.

why not?
how about the ranger's hide in plain sight?
Wayward Son
06-20-05, 09:46 AM Darkvision sees into the shadows as if they were normal illumination (albiet, without color), so the shadows would not provide concealment enough to allow the character to hide. If you are feeling very generous, you can still let him hide, but give the monster a +20 to his Spot check (because the character is effectively hiding without concealment).

Shadowdancers are a different matter. They use their class feature to hide without concealment, so you would follow the normal hiding rules (as stated in their class ability) as long as a shadow is within range. It doesn't matter if the spotter can see into the shadow, the shadow is still there and still allows the class ability to function.

A ranger's ability is a bit different, relying on camouflage rather than darkness, but the mechanic is the same. As long as the requisite conditions are met, allow the hide check. Hiding isn't perfect, and there is always the chance of a low roll to hide and a high roll to spot, so letting the PCs get good use out of their class abilities is the best course.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
burnt_to_crisp 06-18-05, 04:29 PM	can a monster that has darkvision automatically see you if you'r hiding in shadows or does it see you as part of the shadows? and what if you have taken levels in shadowdancer and therefore have the hide in plain sight ability? it lets you hide even when being directly observed as long as there is a shadow near you, so does it also let you hide when the enemy can see through that shadow?
Kursk 06-18-05, 05:32 PM	can a monster that has darkvision automatically sees you if your hiding in shadows or does it see you as part of the shadows? and what if you have taken levels in shadowdancer and therefore have the hide in plane sight ability? it lets you hide even when being directly observed as long as there is a shadow near you, so does it also let you hide when the enemy can see through that shadow? If you are really relying on a shadow to hide you then no, you can't hide. Won't comment on the Shadowdancer as it's a Prc and not a core class.
burnt_to_crisp 06-18-05, 05:45 PM	Won't comment on the Shadowdancer as it's a Prc and not a core class. why not? how about the ranger's hide in plain sight?
Wayward Son 06-20-05, 09:46 AM	Darkvision sees into the shadows as if they were normal illumination (albiet, without color), so the shadows would not provide concealment enough to allow the character to hide. If you are feeling very generous, you can still let him hide, but give the monster a +20 to his Spot check (because the character is effectively hiding without concealment). Shadowdancers are a different matter. They use their class feature to hide without concealment, so you would follow the normal hiding rules (as stated in their class ability) as long as a shadow is within range. It doesn't matter if the spotter can see into the shadow, the shadow is still there and still allows the class ability to function. A ranger's ability is a bit different, relying on camouflage rather than darkness, but the mechanic is the same. As long as the requisite conditions are met, allow the hide check. Hiding isn't perfect, and there is always the chance of a low roll to hide and a high roll to spot, so letting the PCs get good use out of their class abilities is the best course.