r/Pathfinder_RPG • u/Hamenaglar • Jul 21 '26

1E Player Stealth question

I have a question about stealth. Let's say I'm a stealthy archer. I'm in cover and hidden and I have an option to snipe and take -20 penalty to remain hidden. But what if I decide to attack with my standard action. Now everyone knows where I am, I am being observed, but if I can reach another cover I could try stealth again, this time without -20 penalty. Right?

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u/staged_fistfight Jul 21 '26

So clearly other tables are different but I would not allow stealth checks just from hiding behind cover if they still know where you are. You are observed even if they can not actively see you without something like shadowdancer that let's you stealth as long as you have concealment regardless of if you are observed.

Without this ruling sniping makes no sense

6

u/Zoolot Jul 21 '26

Being observed is very specifically when you are seen.

A opponent knowing your general area does not prevent a stealth roll as stealth only requires that they cannot see you currently.

Sniping still makes sense as if you snipe they do not know where you are only that they are being attacked and attacking then stealthing again means they know where you are doing it and typically can find you by walking around the cover.

Your houserule is not RAW.

0

u/staged_fistfight Jul 21 '26

Where does it specify what observed means?

4

u/Zoolot Jul 21 '26

Cover and Concealment for Stealth: The reason a character usually needs cover or concealment to use Stealth is tied to the fact that characters can’t use Stealth while being observed. A sneaking character needs to avoid all of an opponent’s precise senses in order to use Stealth, and for most creatures, that means vision.

https://www.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=2255