Perception
| Name | Perception |
|---|---|
| Ability | Wisdom |
Perception measures your awareness of your surroundings and ability to notice subtle details. It represents how well you can detect hidden objects, creatures, or dangers using your senses.
Common Uses
- Spot Hidden Objects: Notice concealed items, secret doors, or traps
- Detect Creatures: Notice hidden or invisible creatures
- Listen: Hear quiet sounds or distant noises
- Keep Watch: Maintain vigilance during travel or rest
- Notice Details: Observe important details in your environment
Example DCs
| DC | Task |
|---|---|
| 10 | Notice an obvious detail or loud noise |
| 15 | Spot a hidden creature or object |
| 20 | Detect a nearly invisible creature or extremely well-hidden trap |
| 25 | Notice minute details or extremely faint sounds |
Passive Perception
Your passive Perception score (10 + Perception modifier) is used when you're not actively searching but might notice something. This is the most commonly referenced passive skill.
Perception vs. Investigation
- Perception: Noticing things with your senses (Wisdom)
- Investigation: Actively searching and deducing (Intelligence)
Related Features
- Rangers often have high Perception
- The Observant feat significantly boosts Perception
- Alert feat helps with ambushes
- Keen senses (many ancestries) grant advantage
Synergies
Characters proficient in Perception often benefit from:
- High Wisdom scores
- Ranger or rogue class levels
- Observant feat
- Alert feat
- Keen senses or similar racial traits
- See Invisibility spell