Concealed Weapons and Objects
It’s assumed that, when attempting to conceal a weapon or other object, a character is wearing appropriate clothing.
Drawing a concealed weapon is more difficult than drawing a regularly holstered weapon, and normally requires an attack action. Keeping the weapon in an easier-to-draw position makes concealing it more difficult.
Sleight of Hand Checks
To conceal a weapon or other object, make a Sleight of Hand check. A character concealing an object before he or she heads out into public can usually take 10 unless he or she is rushed, trying to conceal it when others might see, or under other unusual constraints. Sleight of Hand can be used untrained in this instance, but the character must take 10.
Size and Concealment
The object’s size affects the check result, as shown on Table: Concealing Weapons and Objects. The type of holster used or clothing worn, and any attempt to make a weapon easier to draw, can also affect the check.
| Condition | Sleight of Hand Modifier |
|---|---|
| Size of weapon or object | |
| Fine | +12 |
| Diminutive | +8 |
| Tiny | +4 |
| Small | +0 |
| Medium-size | –4 |
| Large | –8 |
| Huge or larger | can’t conceal |
| Clothing is tight or small | –4 |
| Clothing is especially loose or bulky | +2 |
| Clothing is specifically modified for concealing object | +2 |
| Weapon is carried in concealed carry holster | +4 |
| Weapon can be drawn normally | –2 |
| Weapon can be drawn as free action with Quick Draw feat | –4 |
Spotting Concealed Objects
Noticing a concealed weapon or other object requires a Spot check. The DC varies: If the target made a roll when concealing an object, the DC of the Spot check to notice the object is the same as the target’s check result (an opposed check, in other words). If the target took 10 on his or her Sleight of Hand check, use this formula:
Spot DC = Target’s Sleight of Hand skill modifier (including modifiers from Table: Concealing Weapons and Objects) + 10
An observer attempting to spot a concealed object receives a –1 penalty for every 10 feet between him or herself and the target, and a –5 penalty if distracted.
Patting someone down for a hidden weapon requires a similar check. However, the skill employed is Search, and the searcher gets a +4 circumstance bonus for the hands-on act of frisking the target. Some devices may also offer bonuses under certain circumstances (a metal detector offers a bonus to Search checks to find metal objects, for example).
Spotting Concealable Armor
Concealable armor can be worn under clothing if the wearer wants it to go unnoticed. Don’t use the modifiers from Table: Concealing Weapons and Objects when wearing concealable armor. Instead, anyone attempting to notice the armor must make a Spot check (DC 30).