Skill Hide

From Wiki.ADnD.com

Hide (Dex., Armor Check, General)

This is a skill for those that do not want to be seen. Whether seeking to ambush others, or not be attacked by raiders, this skill reflects one's ability to prevent being visually detected. Note that something to hide behind is expected, although there are several versions of hiding in plain sight.

This skill is opposed by Spot in the short run, although the user of this skill is not invisible, so can be discovered. A number of factors can work in favor of, or against the one seeking to hide. It takes a move action to use this skill.

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Some DMs with support from WotC allow this skill to be all important. DMs should however not allow those sneaking to simply allow visual data to rule. Move Silently rolls should be made as well, along with Smell (ESPECIALLY if dogs or other animals/monsters with the Scent special ability).

Yes, this makes sneaking into enemy territory more problematic, but since when is it supposed to be easy? Also, how many questions come up when the DM has an enemy sneak into the party's camp ("I didn't see him run between the tents?", "Why didn't the horses make a noise?", "We were swatting mosquitoes, why wasn't the thief?")? Basically, the DM should do everything to make the covert activities of the characters demanding more than simple audacity.
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Taking '10' and '20' is possible for this skill. Those that have time to calm their anxiety and perfect their position can improve their chance not to be seen.

• Moving over Half Normal Speed' -- DC +5
• Running or Charging -- DC +20
• Creature Size --

Fine +16, Diminuative +12, Tiny +8, Small +4, Large -4, Huge -8, Gargantuan -12, Colossal -16

Sniping is NOT allowed with this skill. WotC again groveled before munchkins when they allowed it in 3.5, but any idiot could have told them that such should only be allowed by those with the feat Spring Attack, WHICH IS WHAT THAT FEAT WAS MEANT TO ALLOW. The DC -20 seems correct, but it still goes against basic rules of one move action and one standard action. A second move action should force magic (ex. Haste) or a feat (ex. Spring Attack).

Retries cannot occur, although characters can hide AGAIN. Once someone has hidden, the roll should reflect the quality of the positioning.

Special items really do not help with this skill. In fact, DMs should consider light (is that character hiding with a light brightly shining?), notability of the cover (is that character hiding behind the ONLY tree in the plain), or other detail. Note that magical spells, potions, and items replace this skill and do not help this skill.