Perception
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