Perception

[Braden Campbell]

I use them all the time.

[Spinachcat]

I do not like Perception rules. Too much "roll to spot" vs. stuff that the GM would have described outright in the days before Perception rolls.

Seriously.

I much prefer Perception to be Search or Study. If something happens in a scene within eyeline of your hero, then he sees it. Just like when you play a video game. You don't make any special action to see whats on the screen. It's there in front of you. If not, you need to clean your screen!

However, if the PC says that he wants to do a visual search for something. AKA, taking an action to look about intently for something that may be hidden or tiny or camouflaged, then I say roll Perception.

Or if the PC is visually studying a target. He is intently staring at someone, working over to pick up every nuance and motion and fiber to get some kind of information about them. Then I say roll.

But overall, less rolls the better. Assume competance of the heroes. Also, I suggest that the PCs (not NPCs) get to use their level as a Perception bonus. Why? To increase their success. Remember, as a GM, you WANT them to notice cool bits because the cool bits move the story alone.

NEVER never NEVER never let Perception rolls hide cool stuff from your scenes. You thought up the coolness and the players came to the table to experience the coolness so do not hide the coolness.

[sasha]

Any time a character needs to perceive something tricky, I use it.

Taste tests, nose to the wind, etc.

[mobuttu]

I like to use it as a "filler" skill when there is no such as Detect Ambush, ID Undercover agent, Detect concealment, etc.

[Vrykolas2k]

Any time a character needs to perceive something tricky, I use it.

Taste tests, nose to the wind, etc.

Yep. Ditto.