Stealth, Lies, and Shadows: Skipping Encounters Like a Professional Coward
Mike’s Personal Experience
During a treacherous trek through the Undercrawl, we faced a choice: fight three basilisk guardians or sneak around them. The party looked to me. “Lads,” I said, “I’d rather finish this dungeon with my limbs un‑petrified.” We used Pass Without Trace, sneaked past, and reached the treasure without losing a soul. Sometimes skipping a fight is the bravest thing you can do.
Here’s how to avoid trouble without looking like a coward.
1. Invest in Stealth
Rogues and rangers aren’t the only ones who can hide. Boost your Dexterity or take the Terrain Stalker feat in PF2e. And always move at half speed when sneaking.
2. Magic Makes It Easy
Spells like Pass Without Trace, Invisibility, or PF2e’s Chameleon Coat let whole parties vanish. Remember, moving quietly is easier when you can’t be seen.
3. Use Distractions
Throw a rock, cast Dancing Lights, or use a summoned creature to draw attention away. Lure the guards away from the path you need. The Tiefling Who Was Never Really There is a master of these tricks.
4. Lies and Disguises
Sometimes the best stealth is social. A good lie can get you past guards without drawing a blade. The Disguise skill and spells like Alter Self can save you hours of combat.
5. Know When to Run
If stealth fails, have an escape route planned. Use Dimension Door or simply retreat back to a choke point you control.
A Quick Word Over Ale
Ready to embrace your inner shadow? Flip through the Player Tips on roleplaying without feeling silly, explore the Tavern Toolshed for environments that favor stealth, and tell us your sneakiest triumph on the Contact page. Not all heroes wear glowing armor.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding fights isn’t cowardice — it’s strategy. Pick your battles, choose your victims, and leave the rest scratching their heads.
Your Next Victory Starts Here
For more on staying out of sight, read Ye Don’t Have to Cry to Be a Character and meet the Goblin Cleric Who Hates Healing but Does It Anyway. They both know a thing or two about disappearing. May your footsteps be silent and your loot heavy.
