Stealth in Combat?

[Trentin Bergeron]

So, we had a confusing situation this past game;

Monk wants to run into the battle but behind the enemies. Then he stops within "sneaking" range (1AP = 5'). Then he wants to Stealth in behind the foes to get the Sneak Attack bonus (of 1 boon).

Can you combine movement with a Stealth action?

How would you adjudicate that?  Also, I think some Stealth advice would make for a great FAQ entry. With only the reference to a TN18 1AP = 5' movement in the common tasks table, there are some corner cases a FAQ might help work out.

Thanks!

[imported_Rasyr]

As for your specific situation, a couple of questions first...

1) Was the enemy aware of the party(and Monk) prior to combat?
2) Was the Monk visible to the enemy as he ran towards them (i.e how did the Monk get behind them)?

Basically, it would depend upon the specifics of the situation. If the enemy is not aware of the Monk at the time of his approach, then his chances of sneaking up behind them shouldn't be too bad (see below for caveats).

However, if they were aware of him, and then he ran around behind them, you basically cannot sneak up on somebody who knows you are there (especially in a hostile melee where there is constant motion, just because we do not choreograph every step, that does not mean that combat is not filled with back and forth, twisting and turning. Simply look at the fight scenes from ANY movie regarding this, so there is always a chance of being spotted and it takes nothing to yell at friend, "Behind you!"

And don't forget the Common Modifiers table -- in melee is +10; surrounded by melee is +5. Under the most ideal conditions, I would say that the TN is increase by +5.

Also, Stealth is basically a movement action. You make the roll, and you have moved 5' for each AP spent making the movement.

And perhaps some FAQ entries might be a good idea... just have to figure out how to phrase things properly... (not to mention have the time available)

[Fidoric]

Tim, you may also want to clarify Tim, or at least put together in the same place (chapter on special situation I think) all modifiers applying to sneaking attacks.
As far as I know, from what I have gathered from stealth skill and special situations those modifiers would be :

• flank (AB+2) or rear (AB+4)
• succesful stealth : one additional boon point + 4AB for the surprise attack.

So, if I am right, total bonus would be +6/+8 to AB + 1 free boon point.

I would apply the same combat modifiers you suggest + maybe a light penalty for running.
Depending on the situation (engaged in combat, no friend to check your six...) the opposing perception roll could receive hefty modifiers.
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[imported_Rasyr]

Last week, Mon -Wed, I worked 12 hours per day, and then on Thurs & Fri (my scheduled days off), I worked 2 hours each, with 10 hours on Saturday, 8 on Sun, and then 10 each Mon-Wed of this week...

So, my apologies if my previous response wasn't quite as coherent as it should have been..  I mentioned previously that Stealth used in this manner is a movement action and it is. As such, it may be combined with Combat Moves that include movement. However, be careful as you can run and sneak at the same time, so I would not allow combining it with Combat Moves that require movement above base rate (remember Stealth movement is essentially 1/2 base movement rate per AP spent -- well, I guess that means that you could run/sneak (move at base rate), but it would increase the difficulty of the sneak by at least +3 (minor complication on Common Modifiers Table, and continue on from there)).

[Trentin Bergeron]

This is good stuff Tim. If this is in the errata, then I think you made this easier to use.

[imported_Rasyr]

I need to do something along the lines of a GM's Guide that better explains how to handle situations like these and others along similar lines.

Perhaps I should start a thread where folks can submit ideas for inclusion in a GM's PDF of rules/situations that could use a little more explanation...

[Trentin Bergeron]

A GM's guide could be immensely useful! A great place to put some of the LN optional stuff as well....