Disguise Skill Modifiers

[GreenDragon1133]

According to the book there are a few modifiers that apply to basic disguise. Different gender, race, age, and size (which are cumulative) and minor details (which is not).

So my question is: Is it really the same modifier (-2) for a Half-Elf to disguise as Human or Elf as it is for the same Half-Elf to pose as an Orc?

I would think the Minor Details Only modifier would apply for the first two. But Minor Details Only modifier doesn't have the super-scripted 1, indicating it can be a cumulative modifier.

[Guardianlord]

By RAW, yes, there would be a cumulative difference (race -2). Technically those familiar with Elves can spot a half-elf from a mile away, even when both have long hair covering their ears. There are myriad minute physical, cultural, and personality differences that all contribute to the check.
In my opinion if the half-elf in question is familiar with Elves/Humans then I would allow the minor differences only to apply (as the Half-Elf could easily fake the cultural and personal differences he is aware of). (No -2 race penalty).

[Peregrino Gris]

No.

Hal-Elf Racial Traits

Elf Blood: Half-elves count as both elves and humans for any effect related to RACE.

[Lemartes]

Thread Necro!

So while I would like to agree with Peregrino Gris as both Half-Elves & Half-Orcs count as Humans & Orcs/Elves respectively for any effect related to race.

However, this feat calls that into question:

Pass For Human

You’re easily mistaken for a human rather than a member of your own race.

Prerequisite: Half-elf, half-orc, or halfling (see Special).

Benefit: You receive a +10 bonus on Disguise checks to disguise yourself as a human, and do not receive the penalty for disguising yourself as a member of another race when you do so. In areas largely populated or settled by humans, you can take 10 on your Disguise check, meaning most people tend to assume you are human unless given a reason to think otherwise.

That line doesn't make sense unless it's a halfling.

I'm asking because I have an idea for a Vigilante that's half-orc who is human in his social identity and orc in his vigilante identity.

There is also the Almost Human trait.

Almost Human (Half-Orc)

You have enough human features that it’s easy for you to pass for a pureblooded human.

Benefits: You gain a + 4 trait bonus on Disguise checks to pass as human, and Disguise is always a class skill for you.

So currently minus any traits, or feats or skill ranks, class skill bonuses and attributes his disguise should look like this:

Human: +20(Vigilante Bonus)-2 race = +18

Orc: +20(Vigilante Bonus)-2 race = +18

Correct? (Note: This the main question I want answered. The rest are more bonus.)

Which brings up 3 more situations:

1, With Pass for Human:

Human: +20(Vigilante Bonus)+10 feat = +30

Orc: +20(Vigilante Bonus)-2 race = +18

2, With Almost Human

Human: +20(Vigilante Bonus)-2 race +4 Trait = +22

Orc: +20(Vigilante Bonus)-2 race = +18

3, With Pass for Human & Almost Human:

Human: +20(Vigilante Bonus)+10 feat +4 Trait = +34

Orc: +20(Vigilante Bonus)-2 race = +18

Is this all correct? If so I think I'll pass on both of those as they seem pointless.

[KingGramJohnson]

I'm playing a Kitsune Vigilante in a game right now. Because of the way I play it, she has three personas: Kiara the kitsune (her true self and her social identity), Jesse the human (the vigilante), and The Sapphire Lady--her human form without costume (her alter ego, but also technically the vigilante). I did that way so she has two layers to her secret identity. They'll see her as the Sapphire Lady (vigilante) or as Jesse (alter ego), but she's really Kiara (kitsune).

The best part about the Kitsune/Vigilante combo is the insane disguise bonus.

+10 from kitsune human form
+20 from vigilante
+ her skill ranks, DEX, and class skill bonus (currently 13).

I get a +43 when making disguise checks to appear as some kind of human so long as she's in human form and is the vigilante (which is whenever she's in human form). And she's like that most of the time as kitsune can remain in human for for as long as they like and it doesn't drop if she's knocked out.

She's a fun character, and she uses disguise all the time. She had to pretend to be a sick homeless woman to infiltrate a sketchy hospital once and I rolled a 17 on my disguise check, giving me a total bonus of 60! She uses disguise a lot, and only dons her "vigilante costume" when she's wandering around, prowling the rooftops at night, or fighting. Otherwise she's either her real self and tending bar at the inn she owns (she's an innkeeper by trade), or pretending to be someone else to infiltrate or get information. It's pretty great.

[Lemartes]

Thanks but that doesn't really answer my question.

Cool character though. :)

[KingGramJohnson]

Lemartes wrote:

Thanks but that doesn't really answer my question.

Cool character though. :)

So sorry! I got so wrapped up in the story that I forgot to answer!

Everything on that looks correct to me on all three scenarios. Pass as Human will remove the -2 detriment to pretending to be a different race.

[Lemartes]

Thanks. :)