2024 D&D PHB: STEALTH - An Enemy Finds You, This is very Important

RPGBOT.Podcast

Are Stealth checks getting you down? Line of sight confusing the heck out of your game? We’ve got you covered! In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into the wild world of 2024 D&D stealth mechanics, share some good old-fashioned frustration over D&D 5e's hiding rules, and debate how loud a whisper really is. Oh, and we also reveal our favorite shiny items from Baldur’s Gate 3 – spoiler: someone’s got a thing for the Cracked Wand of Fireballs. Tune in for laughs, rants, and lots of poof you're invisible!

Summary

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts explore the updates to stealth mechanics in the upcoming 2024 D&D rules and the challenges surrounding their implementation. They analyze the flaws and inconsistencies in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition (5e) stealth system, focusing on the low success rate of hiding at early levels and the minimal improvement as characters progress. The conversation highlights confusion stemming from unclear rules about line of sight, cover, and invisibility, which often lead to frustration and arguments at the table. In the latter part of the episode, the hosts discuss stealth-breaking conditions and share their favorite items from Baldur's Gate 3, including the Staff of the Magi, Gauntlets of Ogre Strength, and the Cracked Wand of Fireballs, while touching on the limitations of stealth mechanics, especially with spells like Fairy Fire.

Links

• 2024 DnD
• 2024 Player’s Handbook (affiliate link)
• Free Rules on DnDBeyond
• Tales of the Valiant
• BFRD.net
• Tales of the Valiant Player Guide and Monster Vault (affiliate link)
• Content from RPGBOT.net
• 5e to ToV Transition Guide

Takeaways

• The stealth mechanics in Tales of the Valiant and the 2024 D&D rules have changed, with passive skills and fixed perception scores for NPCs
• The hosts discuss the challenges and potential solutions in implementing stealth mechanics The hiding and stealth mechanics in 5e have flaws and inconsistencies, particularly in the success rate of hiding at low levels and the lack of improvement as characters level up.
• The language and rules regarding line of sight, cover, and the invisible condition are confusing and contradictory.
• The attempt to make the rules more explicit has resulted in more confusion and potential arguments at the gaming table.
• DMs may need to make rulings and interpretations to clarify and resolve the issues with hiding and stealth in 5e. The stealth rules in D&D 5e have limitations and inconsistencies, particularly regarding line of sight and the Fairy Fire spell.
• Conditions that can break stealth include making a sound louder than a whisper, being found by an enemy, making an attack roll, or casting a spell with a verbal component.
• Favorite items from Baldur's Gate 3 mentioned by the hosts include the Staff of the Magi, Gauntlets of Ogre Strength, and the Cracked Wand of Fireballs.

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