Master deception, misdirection, and secrecy to achieve goals without direct confrontation or detection.
Roll 1d100 + Subterfuge bonus vs DR 100
Opposed Roll vs skills like:
Insight, Sense Motive, Lie Detection, Detect Pressure, Tactical Deception
On success, you deceive, mislead, or manipulate others through indirect action—whether that’s bypassing security, planting misinformation, smuggling items, or subtly shifting events in your favor without being caught or confronted.
Your actions leave minimal trace and deflect suspicion. This skill excels in covert missions, espionage, and setup for more visible actions like betrayal, theft, or infiltration.
–20 DR if target is distracted, trusting, or not expecting deception
–10-30 DR if plan includes good preparation or is supported by disguise/forgery
+10 DR if environment is well-lit, secure, or heavily monitored
+20 to +50 DR if the deception involves multiple targets or dangerous factions
+15 DR if attempted repeatedly against same target
Plant false information to redirect a patrol away from your location: DR 100 – 10 (supporting info) = 90
Roll = 95 → Success
Pose as a technician while disabling a surveillance node: DR 100 + 20 (restricted zone, high alert) = 120
Roll = 122 → Success
Subterfuge is the art of veiled action. It allows characters to operate under the radar—circumventing obstacles, manipulating perceptions, and laying the groundwork for larger operations without drawing attention.
Rather than directly lying or impersonating, subterfuge focuses on doing the unexpected without being seen or understood. It supports stealth, infiltration, sabotage, espionage, and intricate manipulation of groups or systems.
Often combined with other skills like Disguise, Diversion Tactics, or Forgery, Subterfuge enables silent victories and the slow unraveling of enemy plans.
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