Unveiling the Shadows: A Deep Dive into Hiding in D&D

Hiding in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a crucial mechanic that allows characters to conceal themselves from enemies, opening up opportunities for strategic advantages, surprise attacks, and avoiding perilous encounters. Successfully hiding requires a Dexterity (Stealth) check, contested by the Wisdom (Perception) checks of creatures who might notice you. While hidden, a character is effectively unseen and unheard, offering benefits like advantage on attack rolls when breaking stealth and the potential to move undetected. However, the act of hiding, and maintaining that hidden state, is governed by specific rules and conditions that DMs and players alike must understand to utilize it effectively.

The Nuts and Bolts of Hiding

Let’s break down the core mechanics of hiding in D&D 5th Edition:

• The Action Economy: Attempting to hide requires an action in combat. This is a significant cost, as it prevents you from taking other actions like attacking or casting a spell during that turn.

• Visibility is Key: You cannot hide from a creature that can clearly see you. This seems obvious, but it’s important! Line of sight and clear vision are prerequisites for being perceived. Factors like dim light, foliage, or other forms of cover can create the opportunity to hide.

• The Stealth Check: When you attempt to hide, you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check. The Dungeon Master (DM) sets the difficulty class (DC) based on the circumstances. This check is then compared to the passive Perception or active Wisdom (Perception) check of any creature that might notice you.

• Staying Hidden: Once hidden, your Stealth check total becomes the benchmark against which creatures actively searching for you will test their Perception. You must maintain quiet and avoid actions that would reveal your presence. Moving into plain sight immediately breaks your hidden condition.

• Breaking Stealth: The act of attacking, casting a spell that has obvious effects, or otherwise revealing your presence will immediately end the hidden condition.

The Benefits of Staying in the Shadows

Successfully hiding can grant significant advantages in D&D:

• Advantage on Attack Rolls: As the rules state, if you are hidden when you make an attack, you gain advantage on the attack roll. This significantly increases your chance to hit, potentially turning the tide of a battle. Note that this advantage is only for one attack. After the attack, you are no longer hidden.

• Sneak Attack (Rogues): For Rogues, being hidden is often a crucial requirement for delivering Sneak Attack damage. This can drastically increase their damage output.

• Unseen Movement: Hiding allows you to move undetected, potentially bypassing enemies, scouting ahead, or positioning yourself for a surprise attack.

• Avoiding Encounters: Sometimes, the best strategy is to avoid combat altogether. Hiding can be invaluable for sneaking past dangerous creatures or avoiding detection in hostile territory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hiding

1. Can I hide behind another creature?

Generally, no. Another creature does not provide enough concealment to allow you to hide. You need something substantial that obscures vision, like a wall, thick foliage, or darkness.

2. What happens if I’m invisible? Does that mean I’m automatically hidden?

Not necessarily. Invisibility makes you unseen, but not unheard. If you’re clanking around in plate armor, enemies might still hear you and know your general location. To be truly hidden while invisible, you still need to make Stealth checks.

3. Does having cover automatically make me hidden?

No. Cover provides a bonus to your Armor Class (AC) and Dexterity saving throws, but it doesn’t automatically hide you. You still need to take the Hide action and succeed on a Stealth check.

4. Can I re-hide after attacking?

Yes, but you need to meet the requirements for hiding again. You need to be out of sight or have some form of concealment, and you need to use your action to attempt a Stealth check.

5. How does darkness affect hiding?

Darkness provides heavy obscurement, which can make it easier to hide. However, creatures with darkvision can see in dim light and darkness, reducing the effectiveness of this strategy against them.

6. What is passive Perception, and how does it work with hiding?

Passive Perception is a creature’s default level of awareness. It is calculated as 10 + Wisdom modifier + any relevant proficiency bonuses. When you attempt to hide, the DM often compares your Stealth check to the passive Perception of nearby creatures. This determines whether they notice you without actively searching.

7. What if a creature is actively searching for me?

If a creature is actively searching, it makes a Wisdom (Perception) check, contesting your Stealth check. The creature adds its Wisdom modifier and any relevant proficiency bonuses to its roll.

8. Can I hide in plain sight with the right skills?

Some classes and feats, like the Rogue’s Assassin subclass, grant abilities that allow you to attempt to hide even when lightly obscured or in situations where it would normally be impossible. However, these are exceptions to the general rule.

9. What happens if I fail my Stealth check?

If you fail your Stealth check, the creatures that beat your check know your location. You are not hidden from them.

10. How does the Skulker feat affect hiding?

The Skulker feat provides several benefits related to stealth. It allows you to try to hide even when lightly obscured, and it prevents your location from being revealed if you miss with a ranged attack while hidden. It also grants advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to hear.

11. Can I hide while moving?

You can move while hidden, but you must continue to succeed on Stealth checks to avoid being detected. Moving quickly or through difficult terrain may impose disadvantage on your Stealth checks.

12. Does being hidden give me advantage on saving throws?

No, being hidden only grants advantage on attack rolls when you break stealth. It does not affect saving throws.

13. How does hiding interact with spells like Silence?

The Silence spell creates an area of silence, making it easier to hide from creatures that rely on hearing to detect you. However, creatures can still see you, so you still need to be obscured in some way to attempt to hide.

14. As a DM, how do I adjudicate hiding in a fair and consistent way?

As a DM, it’s important to be consistent in how you apply the rules for hiding. Consider the environment, the creatures involved, and the characters’ abilities. Provide clear descriptions of the surroundings and be transparent about the DCs for Stealth checks. Remember Rule Zero, and don’t be afraid to adjust the rules to fit the situation, as long as it is fair and consistent.

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics and theory behind role-playing games?

The Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to learn more about the theories and mechanics of games in general. They look into the research into how games and gaming principles can impact learning and the way we approach education.

Mastering the Art of Stealth

Hiding is a powerful tool in D&D, but it’s not a magic bullet. Understanding the rules, the environment, and your character’s abilities is essential for using it effectively. By mastering the art of stealth, you can gain a significant advantage in combat, exploration, and social encounters. So, embrace the shadows, hone your skills, and become a master of deception in your next D&D campaign!