Perception Tests

A common example of a skill test that is encountered frequently is the Perception Test. This is used to determine if a character sees or notices a feature of his surroundings. Perception tests involve sense abilities that are complex; vision, discernment, expected actions, hearing, smell, even the sense of touch, but have no specific attribute in BtM.

The general rule is to use a Proficiency (Stealth, Combat, Magic or Miracle) that most closely models the situation. Proficiencies are easily and frequently improved upon so this also allows the character to get better at noticing things in the context of his experience.

Stealth is the most broadly useful Proficiency for perception. With the ability is the implication of the ability to notice others doing the same.

Combat Proficiency should be used in combat situations such as noticing a new combatant, surprise attack, etcetera.

Magic Proficiency is used to perceive magical castings, enchantments, magical traps, etcetera.

Many FRP systems rely on the Intelligence (or equivalent) attribute to resolve this kind of test, however, in BtM this would only be appropriate for deduction rather than observation. In other words, it is appropriate for figuring something out but not for noticing it in the first place.

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