Conceal your identity or intentions using improvised outfits, body language, or minimal tools - suitable for infiltration, escape, or on-the-go deception.
Roll 1d100 + Alter appearance skill bonus vs DR 80 + General Perception
May involve an opposed roll against Sense Motive, Insight, or Lie Detection when a specific individual is attempting to scrutinize you.
On success, the disguise is convincing under general scrutiny.
You:
- Pass as a different person, role, or rank
- Avoid suspicion or detection for the purpose of bypassing barriers or gaining access
- Gain temporary bonuses to related infiltration or interaction skills
- Can influence the DR of a follow-up action (e.g. using Bluff, Shadowing, etc.)
–20 DR if target role is similar to your own or requires little transformation
–10 DR with supporting items (badges, uniforms, relevant documents)
-10 to -30 DR if you are not under close scrutiny
+10 to +50 DR if impersonating a known figure or official under scrutiny
+10 DR per social tier between your true identity and the assumed one
+15 to +30 DR in suspicious environments (guarded entrances, interrogations)
+10 to +30 DR if time is severely limited or the disguise must be improvised
Pretending to be a warehouse loader to pass a security post: DR = 100 – 10 (common role) + 10 (active guard) = 100
Roll = 122 → SR = 22 → Pass granted
Escaping from a noble estate dressed as a servant: DR = 100 + 10 (scrutiny) – 20 (similar role) = 90
Roll = 108 → Success
Alter appearance is the applied art of deception in motion. Unlike elaborate or permanent disguises, this skill focuses on short-notice identity concealment using what is available: uniforms, posture, props, and speech patterns.
It’s a practical survival and infiltration skill, especially valuable for spies, thieves, rebels, or agents operating deep behind enemy lines. It's also key when you need to disappear into a crowd or assume a temporary cover.
While it lacks the flourish of artistic disguise, it is fast, functional, and often good enough to get you past the next obstacle.
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