Using a Hex from stealth / concealment?


Rules Questions


I can think of several RP instances where being able to use a Hex but not being caught using a Hex would be very useful.

So is a) possible to use a Hex on someone from hiding without revealing yourself and possible more important b) is it possible to hex someone without them knowing about it.

I mean what does -2 to saves feel like if anything ?

Dark Archive RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

Hexes are (for the most part) Supernatural abilities.

PRD wrote:
Supernatural Abilities (Su): Supernatural abilities are magical but not spell-like. Supernatural abilities are not subject to spell resistance and do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated (such as an antimagic field). A supernatural ability's effect cannot be dispelled and is not subject to counterspells.

Since they do not provoke attacks of opportunity, I have always interpreted that to mean that there is no obvious outward sign of using a (Su) ability. However, people who know what to look for could theoretically make an appropriate Knowledge check to recognize "that look in your eye" or something to tell you are using such a power.

As for what something "feels" like, it's a curse (of sorts). I would say that the target, if he feels anything at all, just feels a slight sense of forboding and may be ever-so-slightly paranoid.


Fatespinner wrote:

Hexes are (for the most part) Supernatural abilities.

PRD wrote:
Supernatural Abilities (Su): Supernatural abilities are magical but not spell-like. Supernatural abilities are not subject to spell resistance and do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated (such as an antimagic field). A supernatural ability's effect cannot be dispelled and is not subject to counterspells.

Since they do not provoke attacks of opportunity, I have always interpreted that to mean that there is no obvious outward sign of using a (Su) ability. However, people who know what to look for could theoretically make an appropriate Knowledge check to recognize "that look in your eye" or something to tell you are using such a power.

As for what something "feels" like, it's a curse (of sorts). I would say that the target, if he feels anything at all, just feels a slight sense of forboding and may be ever-so-slightly paranoid.

So say your hiding using stealth and use a Hex , would that break stealth ?

heh I should specify would using say misfortune or evil eye break it, because I have no doubt cackle would probably give you away ;)

Grand Lodge

To use a Hex, you make no noise, and make no movements.

It may break invisibility, but does not interfere with stealth.


blackbloodtroll wrote:

To use a Hex, you make no noise, and make no movements.

It may break invisibility, but does not interfere with stealth.

I seem to recall a feat or class ability that would let you increase the DC of your spell/ability when attacking a foe who flatfooted/denied dex ?


blackbloodtroll wrote:

To use a Hex, you make no noise, and make no movements.

It may break invisibility, but does not interfere with stealth.

Only if you're using a hex that requires an attack roll, like using the healing hex vs. undead.


3E had the Beguiler class, similar in spell list to the Witch, with that class feature, Phasics.

As for noticing the hex...the general rule for effects without obvious signs (like a giant fireball) is that if you make the saving throw, you realize you were targeted by something. If you fail the save, you do not. Likewise, the person using said ability is aware if the target saved or not.


Martiln wrote:
blackbloodtroll wrote:

To use a Hex, you make no noise, and make no movements.

It may break invisibility, but does not interfere with stealth.

Only if you're using a hex that requires an attack roll, like using the healing hex vs. undead.

No. This is completely wrong. If I cast Hold Person or Baleful Polymorph on someone, it is just as much an attack as if I shoot an arrow or ray spell at them. The invisibility spell pretty clearly lays out the sorts of things it means by an "attack." Better term probably would have been "offensive actions."


Just had this idea that I'd be hiding somewhere in the shadows with a hefty stealth check and then use a Hex like Evil Eye/misfortune, then use the message cantrip to relay an evil cackle which would make finding the source tricky and the whole experience unnerving as hell.

Since the guy who was the target of the attack would be the only one hearing the evil cackle, and everyone near him would be looking at him like a crazy person.


StreamOfTheSky wrote:
Martiln wrote:
blackbloodtroll wrote:

To use a Hex, you make no noise, and make no movements.

It may break invisibility, but does not interfere with stealth.

Only if you're using a hex that requires an attack roll, like using the healing hex vs. undead.
No. This is completely wrong. If I cast Hold Person or Baleful Polymorph on someone, it is just as much an attack as if I shoot an arrow or ray spell at them. The invisibility spell pretty clearly lays out the sorts of things it means by an "attack." Better term probably would have been "offensive actions."

My bad, am kinda sleepy and forgot to check myself before posting :S


blackbloodtroll wrote:

To use a Hex, you make no noise, and make no movements.

It may break invisibility, but does not interfere with stealth.

As it is an attack, you'd be making a snipe attempt so unless you have a really high stealth you'd probably fail to stay hidden.

Grand Lodge

I was unaware that supernatural abilities broke stealth(not invisibility).

Could someone provide a link to source of RAW support?


It's an attack, you are targeting someone with a harmful effect within your hex's range are you not? An attack is an attack regardless of it being an EX, SP, SU or some other unclassified ability. Making a ranged attack while trying to maintain stealth would cause you to try sniping. If you need more information you can read sniping under the stealth skill.

Grand Lodge

Attacks require attack rolls. No attack roll, no need to snipe.

Shadow Lodge Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8

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blackbloodtroll wrote:

I was unaware that supernatural abilities broke stealth(not invisibility).

Could someone provide a link to source of RAW support?

Well, some of them should, based purely on common sense. A dragon's breath weapon for example. It doesn't say so anywhere in the RAW, but you can't expect to remain unnoticed while spitting lightning bolts at people. That's silly.

Grand Lodge

Hmm, I suppose you are right, but without a visual or audible effect, I am unsure what exactly breaks stealth.

It seems like some kind of "spidey sense" effect happening, which prompts a Perception check.


okay stupid question

if invisibility grants total concealment and that grants a +40 stealth bonus or +20 if moving.

Then what stealth bonus do you get for concealment ?

Grand Lodge

Phasics wrote:
Then what stealth bonus do you get for concealment ?

Concealment doesn't grant a stealth bonus. You must have either cover or concealment to use stealth at all.


Gjorbjond wrote:
Phasics wrote:
Then what stealth bonus do you get for concealment ?
Concealment doesn't grant a stealth bonus. You must have either cover or concealment to use stealth at all.

seems counter intuitive that you go from a +0 with concealment to a +20 with total concealment and there's nothing in between


blackbloodtroll wrote:

Hmm, I suppose you are right, but without a visual or audible effect, I am unsure what exactly breaks stealth.

It seems like some kind of "spidey sense" effect happening, which prompts a Perception check.

Generally stealth requires cover or concealment from those you are hiding from. In order to attack someone the vast majority of abilities require you to have line of effect (not just line of sight) to your target. Think of it as poking your head around the corner to get a view and them possibly catching sight of you when you do.

The "spidey sense" occurs when a target has to make a save. The perception/snipe attack occurs before that technically.


Phasics wrote:
Gjorbjond wrote:
Phasics wrote:
Then what stealth bonus do you get for concealment ?
Concealment doesn't grant a stealth bonus. You must have either cover or concealment to use stealth at all.
seems counter intuitive that you go from a +0 with concealment to a +20 with total concealment and there's nothing in between

I don't think it is counter intuitive, concealment is the bare minimum required to even use stealth, why should the minimum of something provide a bonus? Total concealment means the observer cannot actually "see" you through whatever is granting the concealment, which is why you get such a significant bonus.


Skylancer4 wrote:
Phasics wrote:
Gjorbjond wrote:
Phasics wrote:
Then what stealth bonus do you get for concealment ?
Concealment doesn't grant a stealth bonus. You must have either cover or concealment to use stealth at all.
seems counter intuitive that you go from a +0 with concealment to a +20 with total concealment and there's nothing in between
I don't think it is counter intuitive, concealment is the bare minimum required to even use stealth, why should the minimum of something provide a bonus? Total concealment means the observer cannot actually "see" you through whatever is granting the concealment, which is why you get such a significant bonus.

No I'm saying there should be something in between concealment and total concealment as far as a stealth bonus goes


Which makes me question why? Anything besides total concealment means they can actually see you and make out your form if not features. Why should there be a bonus to hide from someone who can actually see you? Short of total concealment all any other type of concealment does is give you the chance to hide, a brief breaking of sight that someone can take advantage of.

Grand Lodge

The alternate Stealth rules presented in the Paizo Blog make a lot more sense.


blackbloodtroll wrote:
The alternate Stealth rules presented in the Paizo Blog make a lot more sense.

Agreed. It makes me sad that the Stealth blog rules weren't adopted as RAW. Not perfect, but a lot of really good developer effort went into them.

Grand Lodge

Much like other alternate rules, I believe the alternate stealth rules should be released in a book as well.

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