or What constitutes "aware"?
Scenario: Someone who is an erstwhile "ally" decides to not-so-metaphorically backstab a companion. Both know the other exists -- and they could be arguing -- or interacting in a non-violent fashion prior to one of them deciding the other needs a lesson.
Just how is initiative determined when this sort of thing happens? Can the attacker gain a surprise round and all it's fun and games or is it simply an initiative-off?
Inquiring minds want to know.
No strict rules that I am aware of of how to deal with two or more parties are aware of each other in non-violent interactions but one side is trying to get the drop on the other, but I use an opposed check to determine whether there is a surprise round:
bluff vs sense motive if trying to act innocent
perception vs sleight of hand if drawing a weapon surreptitiously.
etc.
I would not allow one side or the other a surprise round without some kind of chance for the opposition to react (without a very good reason anyway). Even shadows popping out of the walls within 5' of you give you a perception check to avoid surprise.
Well, in this situation one side was trying to intimidate the other -- without actually having the intimidate skill. He was simply making threats.
Every published scenario I've seen called for an opposed bluff vs. sense motive check.
Well, in this situation one side was trying to intimidate the other -- without actually having the intimidate skill. He was simply making threats.
That is using the intimidate skill untrained.
Perfectly legal, the PC gets to roll a d20 and add his CHA modifier.
I ask if the one that declared they were going to attack is trying to get a surprise round and if so have them roll a bluff vs sense motive to achieve surprise, otherwise initiative.
Do you have any sort of rules citation you can give that supports this that I can point out to others? I like the idea -- one question would be given the circumstances, what kind of action economy is in place prior to hostilities commencing.
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Ultimate Intrigue, page 184:
Quote:
Surprise: Not every surprise round begins with an ambush from unseen assailants. If a character or several characters unexpectedly attack in the midst of a conversation or other normal activity, their victims might be surprised. To determine if a victim is surprised, he should attempt a Sense Motive check opposed by the assailant’s Bluff check rather than a Perception opposed by the assailant’s Stealth check. This is also a good way to adjudicate several abilities, including several vigilante talents that trigger when the target thinks the vigilante is an ally.
Ok, that works. Thanks.