Passive Intuition 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. Passive 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 Passive Intuition Passive Intuition is calculated as:
Passive Intuition = Perception Modifier + Intelligence Modifier + Wisdom Modifier + Charisma Modifier + Level-Based Proficiency Bonus + Relevant Skill Modifiers
Using Passive Intuition In-game, Passive 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 a Passive Intuition check when characters might notice important details, detect hidden motives, or receive a hunch about something.
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. Passive Intuition in Play Passive Intuition checks are mostly done by the GM, who can compare the character’s Passive Intuition to a hidden DC (Difficulty Class). If the Passive Intuition score meets or exceeds the DC, 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 Passive 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 Passive 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 Passive Intuition.
Example Passive Intuition Calculation Lydia is a Level 4 rogue with the following modifiers:
Perception Modifier: +2 Intelligence Modifier: +1 Wisdom Modifier: +0 Charisma Modifier: +3 Level-Based Proficiency Bonus: +2 (half of her level) Society Proficiency: +1 (Trained) In a social setting where Lydia is trying to read the room, her Passive Intuition would be calculated as follows:
Passive Intuition = +2 (Perception) + +1 (Intelligence) + +0 (Wisdom) + +3 (Charisma) + +2 (Level Proficiency) + +1 (Society Proficiency) = +9
If the GM determines the DC to pick up on subtle shifts in a conversation is 15, Lydia doesn't notice anything unusual. But if the DC is 9 or lower, she instinctively understands the situation.
Optional Rule: Passive Intuition Contest In some situations, Passive Intuition might be used in opposition to another creature’s skill. For instance, a character’s Passive Intuition might be used to counter another creature’s attempt to deceive, sneak, or manipulate the environment.
Deception vs. Passive Intuition: A character’s Passive Intuition might oppose a creature’s Deception skill check to detect a lie.
Stealth vs. Passive Intuition: Passive Intuition can be used against a creature’s Stealth check when trying to sense an unseen enemy.
The GM would compare the Passive Intuition of the defender to the active roll of the aggressor to determine success.
GM Tips for Passive Intuition Keep it Fluid: Passive 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 Passive Intuition for every minor detail. Let players actively use their skills when it matters but keep Passive Intuition in reserve for hints or instinctual awareness.
Blend Mechanics and Storytelling: Use Passive 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 Passive 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.
Passive Perception is a score that reflects a creature’s general awareness of its surroundings. The DM uses this score when determining whether a creature notices something without consciously making a Wisdom (Perception) check.
A creature’s Passive Perception equals 10 plus the creature’s Wisdom (Perception) check bonus. If the creature has Advantage on such checks, increase the score by 5. If the creature has Disadvantage on them, decrease the score by 5. For example, a level 1 character with a Wisdom of 15 and proficiency in Perception has a Passive Perception of 14 (10 + 2 + 2). If that character has Advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks, the score becomes 19.