How Does Naturally Stealthy Work? A Comprehensive Guide
Naturally Stealthy is a racial trait that significantly enhances a character’s ability to hide in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), particularly for lightfoot halflings. In essence, it allows a character to attempt to hide behind a creature that is one size larger than them, effectively turning any such creature into potential cover. This is a unique benefit that sets halflings apart from other races when it comes to stealth and can significantly impact gameplay.
Here’s a detailed breakdown: Normally, the Stealth skill (based on a character’s Dexterity) is used to conceal oneself within an environment, like shadows, bushes, or behind objects. Without a racial benefit like Naturally Stealthy, you would require something larger than yourself and with an adequate level of opacity to plausibly hide behind it. However, with Naturally Stealthy, a lightfoot halfling can use another creature as cover, even if that creature isn’t providing complete concealment by conventional standards. This means if the halfling has a reasonable line of sight to attempt to hide behind, or is near enough to a creature one size category larger to plausibly be obscured by them, the halfling can attempt their Stealth check. This allows for far more flexible tactical positioning and the ability to disappear from sight in unexpected ways.
The significance of this trait is that it opens up opportunities for halflings to engage in stealth tactics that would be unavailable to other races. It provides a massive advantage to a character who needs to break line of sight, or sneak past opponents in scenarios where there is no traditional cover available. Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions that often come up regarding Naturally Stealthy and the use of the Stealth skill in D&D 5e.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturally Stealthy and Stealth
How does a Stealth Check work in D&D?
A Stealth check is a Dexterity (Stealth) check that characters use to avoid detection. It’s rolled whenever a character tries to move quietly, conceal themselves, or sneak past enemies. The result of the roll is compared against the passive Perception score of creatures that could potentially notice them. If the Stealth check is higher, the character remains hidden.
What is a Passive Perception Check?
A passive Perception check is a fixed score that represents a character’s general awareness of their surroundings. Rather than being actively rolled, this check is calculated as 10 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient in perception). It acts as the baseline for detecting hidden creatures. When a character attempts to hide using a Stealth check, their result needs to exceed a creature’s passive Perception score in order to be successful.
Can you Hide Behind a Creature That Is Not Providing Complete Cover?
Yes, if you are a lightfoot halfling with the Naturally Stealthy trait, you can attempt to hide behind a creature that is one size category larger than you, even if that creature doesn’t offer complete concealment. This ability is specific to the Lightfoot halfling race. This ability does not make you invisible, and a creature who’s actively looking for you can still find you, even when using Naturally Stealthy.
Does Attacking Break Stealth?
Yes, attacking breaks stealth. As soon as you attack a target, all creatures that can see you (or your attack) know your location, and you are no longer considered hidden. You would need to use the Hide action again to try and hide from them once more.
Does Moving Break Stealth?
Moving does not automatically break stealth. As long as you remain within your hiding spot, and no opponents become aware of you, your stealth is maintained. However, some DMs may rule that certain movement should require another Stealth check. If you are attempting to maintain a hiding position, the key is to not be seen or heard.
Is Stealth an Action in Combat?
The Hide action is a standard action in combat. Unless a character has other abilities which allow them to perform the action as a bonus action, hiding uses an entire action. This means that it is a trade off between moving to a new location, taking an action, or hiding to break line of sight with your opponent.
How is Stealth Different from Invisibility?
Stealth relies on a successful Dexterity (Stealth) check against the passive Perception of your opponents. Invisibility is a condition, meaning that unless certain counter measures are put in place, your opponents are automatically unable to see you. Stealth is not an invisible state, but instead provides the Unseen Attackers and Targets benefit if the result of your stealth check is not surpassed.
Can you use your bonus action to Hide?
Some classes, such as the Rogue with their Cunning Action feature, can use a bonus action to hide. However, this is not a universal ability, and will depend on your character’s class features and racial traits.
What happens if a Creature Actively Searches For you While You Are Hidden?
If an opponent actively tries to search for you with the Search action, they will make a Wisdom (Perception) check. If this roll exceeds your Stealth check, they are able to discover your location, and you are no longer considered hidden.
Can you use Stealth to Get Advantage on Attacks?
Yes, if you are hidden from your opponent and then make an attack, you will generally have advantage on that attack roll. This is because the opponent is unaware of the threat from your location, and is thus unable to effectively defend themselves against it. This makes Stealth a great strategy for classes like Rogues who can take maximum advantage of the opportunity.
Can you use Stealth in Social Situations?
Absolutely. Stealth isn’t just for combat situations; it can be used in a variety of social interactions. Successfully sneaking past guards, overhearing a private conversation, or slipping away unnoticed can all use the Stealth skill.
What is a Disadvantage on Stealth Checks?
Certain conditions can give you disadvantage on Stealth checks. This means that you roll the check twice and take the lower result. A common cause is wearing armor that has the “disadvantage” tag in the Stealth column. Heavy or bulky armor often makes it harder to move quietly.
Does a Halfling’s Size Affect Their Stealth?
While halfling’s are small, making them easier to hide in some instances, their size alone doesn’t directly provide a bonus to Stealth checks, other than the Naturally Stealthy trait for Lightfoot halflings. While being smaller can make hiding behind cover easier, it is ultimately down to the result of the Stealth check if a character is hidden.
Can Stealth Be Used to Surprise an Enemy?
Yes, stealth plays a key role in surprising enemies. If you are hidden and the enemy is unaware of your presence, you can launch a surprise attack. A surprise round can give your party a huge advantage in combat.
Does Terrain Affect Stealth?
Yes, terrain can significantly affect stealth checks. Difficult terrain can make movement noisy and clumsy, increasing the chance of being detected. Conversely, environments like dense forests or shadowy alleys may provide more opportunities to blend in. A DM can call for disadvantage or advantage on stealth checks depending on the terrain.
By mastering the principles of stealth and leveraging racial traits like Naturally Stealthy, characters can dramatically alter the course of an adventure. It is a powerful tool that allows for more strategic positioning, surprise attacks, and the ability to complete missions unseen. Understanding these mechanics makes for a more engaging D&D experience.