You use Stealth when you attempt to conceal yourself from enemies, slink past guards, slip away without being noticed, or sneak up on someone without being seen or heard.
| Name | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Fine | +16 |
| Diminutive | +12 |
| Tiny | +8 |
| Small | +4 |
| Medium | +0 |
| Large | −4 |
| Huge | −8 |
| Gargantuan | −12 |
| Colossal | −16 |
Larger creatures have a more difficult time being stealthy, as they are simply easier to notice. Similarly, smaller creatures are naturally more stealthy. A creature’s size category can apply a modifier to all of that creature’s Stealth checks, as shown on Table: Stealth Size Modifiers.
Avoid Notice
Your Stealth check is opposed by the Perception check of anyone who might see or hear you. You can move up to one-half your normal speed and stealth at no penalty. When moving at a speed greater than one-half but less than your normal speed, you take a −5 penalty. It’s practically impossible (−20 penalty) to be stealthy while attacking, running, or charging.
You need cover or concealment in order to attempt a Stealth check. Enemies that fail to beat your Stealth check treat you as if you had total concealment.
If people are observing you, even casually, you can’t use Stealth. You can run around a corner or behind cover so that you’re out of sight and then hide, but the others then know at least where you went. You may use Deception to create a momentary distraction and gain an opportunity to use Stealth, but the Stealth check is made at a -10 penalty because you have to move fast. As a general guideline, the hiding place you move into while creating a distraction has to be within 1 foot per rank you have in Stealth (minimum 5 feet).
If you are already stealthed, you may leave cover or concealment and remain unnoticed as long as you make another successful Stealth check and end your turn in cover or concealment.
Sniping
Attacking normally breaks your stealth; however, if you’ve already successfully used Stealth at least 10 feet from your target, you can make one ranged attack, then immediately hide again. You take a -20 penalty on your Stealth check to conceal yourself after the shot. Using Stealth in this way requires a move action.