Intuition

See also: Contested score.

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Is a contested score represents a character's ability to perceive subtle details, read between the lines, and trust their instincts. It reflects their natural awareness, cognitive sharpness, emotional insight, and social fluency. Intuition is used when the character is not actively focusing on their surroundings but still has a chance to notice or intuit information that might be hidden or unobvious.

Formula for Intuition

Intuition is calculated as:

Intuition = Perception Modifier + Dexterity Modifier + (2 × Wisdom Modifier)

Using Intuition

In-game, Intuition can be employed for a variety of situations where a character might naturally pick up on something without intentionally looking for it. The GM can call for an Intuition check when characters might notice important details, detect hidden motives, or receive a hunch about something.

Examples

Some examples include:

• Social Settings: Intuiting someone's true feelings, detecting subtle lies, or gauging the mood of a crowd.
  • Bonus: Apply Society proficiency to the score in formal gatherings, political environments, or urban settings.

• Wilderness Settings: Sensing an unseen predator, noticing an unnatural silence, or realizing you're being followed in the wild.
  • Bonus: Apply Nature proficiency when deep in forests, mountains, or any natural environment.

• Dangerous Areas: Realizing the presence of traps or feeling the tension in a hostile area.
  • Bonus: Apply Dungeoneering proficiency in ruins, caves, or dungeons.

• Magical Settings: Intuiting the presence of magic or noticing subtle arcane fluctuations in the environment.
  • Bonus: Apply Arcana proficiency when in arcane towers, magical rituals, or enchanted locations.

• Investigations: Sensing a clue in a crime scene, or detecting an inconsistency in someone's story.
  • Bonus: Apply Investigation proficiency when analyzing complex or detailed situations.

Intuition in Play

Intuition checks are mostly done by the GM, who can compare the character’s Intuition to a hidden DL (Difficulty Level). If the Intuition score meets or exceeds the DL, the character picks up on the detail or instinct. These checks don't require the character to spend any Action Points (AP).

Automatic Successes: If a character's Intuition equals or exceeds the difficulty of detecting something, they automatically notice it. This is useful for keeping the game flowing without needing constant rolls for minor details.

Situational Advantage: A GM might grant an advantage (i.e., a bonus) on Intuition in certain circumstances. For instance, if a character is in a familiar environment or interacting with someone they've known for a long time, they may have heightened awareness or understanding.

Compounding Bonuses: In contexts where multiple skills could apply (e.g., trying to gauge someone's intentions during a negotiation while also being in an urban setting), the GM may allow the player to add multiple relevant skill bonuses to their Intuition.

Example Intuition Calculation

Lydia is a Level 4 Rogue with the following modifiers:

Perception Modifier: +2 Dexterity Modifier: +1 Wisdom Modifier: +3

In a social setting where Lydia is trying to read the room, her Intuition would be calculated as follows:

Intuition = +2 (Perception) + +1 (Dexterity) + +6 (2 × Wisdom) = +9

If the GM determines the DL to pick up on subtle shifts in a conversation is 15, Lydia doesn't notice anything unusual. But if the DL is 9 or lower, she instinctively understands the situation.

Optional Rule: Intuition Contest In some situations, Intuition might be used in opposition to another creature’s skill. For instance, a character’s Intuition might be used to counter another creature's attempt to deceive, sneak, or manipulate the environment.

Deception vs. Intuition

A character's Intuition might oppose a creature’s Deception skill check to detect a lie.

Stealth vs. Intuition

Intuition can be used against a creature's Stealth check when trying to sense an unseen enemy.

The GM would compare the Intuition of the defender to the active roll of the aggressor to determine success.

GM Tips for Intuition

Keep it Fluid: Intuition allows players to be more aware of their surroundings without needing to constantly roll checks. This speeds up play and allows the GM to subtly hint at important details.

Use It Sparingly: Don't over-rely on Intuition for every minor detail. Let players actively use their skills when it matters but keep Intuition in reserve for hints or instinctual awareness.

Blend Mechanics and Storytelling: Use Intuition to give players subtle clues. For example, describe a "nagging feeling" or a "suspicion about the silence in the woods" based on their score. Keep it vague to encourage exploration without giving away too much.

This system of Intuition empowers players to be engaged with the world even when they aren't actively trying to uncover secrets, making their characters feel more perceptive and in-tune with their surroundings.