03-20-2006, 08:41 AM | #11 |
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Denmark
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
I'm glad to get this many replies as it seems others have been in doubt how to use the skill as well.
Now, would a GM ever say "roll against Observation", or wouldn't it rather be a choice by the player, if they want to "just" spot (with perception) or to Observe (with observation). It seems to me that the most simple difinition on the two is that Perception is instantanious and Observation is for a longer duration. |
03-20-2006, 09:58 AM | #12 | |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: U.K.
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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03-20-2006, 10:41 AM | #13 | |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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Thus, there are effectively two distinct uses of Observation: 1. Roll against the higher of Observation or Perception in any Contest against a stealth or concealment skill such as Camouflage, Shadowing, or Stealth, and to notice Filch, Pickpocket, or Sleight of Hand attempts. This is the "tactical" use of Observation. 2. Roll against Observation (default: Per-5) to gather intelligence for later analysis with Intelligence Analysis, typically to avoid penalties for unprepared breaking and entering, military action with Strategy or Tactics, etc. This is the "strategic" use of Observation. In essence, the uses in the first category are a "perk" for being expert at the second category.
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Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> GURPS Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just GURPS News] |
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03-20-2006, 10:58 AM | #14 | |
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Czech Rep. Pilsen
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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Second that I am not as dumb :o)
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Keep Walking |
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03-22-2006, 04:20 PM | #15 | |
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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Also, I never ask players to roll versus Observation but I almost always ask, "What is your Observation skill?" and then roll in secret. Asking this question regardless of the skill helps the players understand what each skill is used for and can point out deficiencies in their skill set. The only time I don't ask this question is when I don't want to tip the player off - like rolling to see someone sneaking past. |
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03-22-2006, 04:25 PM | #16 | |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Behind You!
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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Patrick Ley "If your hand touches metal, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you." --Mal in "Our Own Mrs. Reynolds" Firefly |
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03-22-2006, 07:02 PM | #17 | |
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: in your pocket, stealing all your change
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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03-22-2006, 07:10 PM | #18 | |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Behind You!
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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My players love telling the others untrue things that their characters believe are true. It's a different playstyle, but it hardly destroys the whole gaming experience if the players always know when the have failed a roll. And it doesn't "ruin" the drama of failures with a later impact, it enchances them. The player doesn't know when the forged item will give out, but that it will. The character, not knowing, uses the item. voila tension.
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Patrick Ley "If your hand touches metal, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you." --Mal in "Our Own Mrs. Reynolds" Firefly |
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03-22-2006, 07:20 PM | #19 | |
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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GM: A critical failure in you observation roll you say? That's ok, things were pretty obvious anyway... By the position of the camp, it looks as thought they camped as soon as they entered the valley. The men seem to be tired of wearing their armor and will likely soon take it off. The number of horses indicates that they are pretty well off since they have remounts. They are lightly armed, and looks like some minor nobles personal amateur force. The fire pit is billowing a lot of smoke, they are probably signalling to invite who wants to join them for dinner. By the way they patrol, it seems that their leader, or whoever they want to protect is in the second tent from the right. (Then sit back and enjoy the PC interaction.) |
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03-23-2006, 05:41 AM | #20 | |
Join Date: May 2005
Location: France
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Re: When to use Observation skill and not Perception roll?
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