Perception (PER, 
) is one of the primary attributes in Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.
Overview[ | ]
Perception represents a character's senses as well as their instinctive ability to pick up on details. In interactions, it can be used to catch someone in a lie, to make an observant comment about their appearance, or to notice something happening in the background. In combat, it contributes to the accuracy, Reflex defenses and grants a bonus to Interrupt.
- Ratings:
- 5 - Oblivious
- 10 - Average
- 15 - Observant
- 20 - Eagle-Eyed
Effects[ | ]
| Bonuses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflex | Interrupt | Accuracy | |
| 2 | -16 | -24 | -8 |
| 3 | -14 | -21 | -7 |
| 4 | -12 | -18 | -6 |
| 5 | -10 | -15 | -5 |
| 6 | -8 | -12 | -4 |
| 7 | -6 | -9 | -3 |
| 8 | -4 | -6 | -2 |
| 9 | -2 | -3 | -1 |
| 10 | no change | ||
| 11 | +2 | +3 | +1 |
| 12 | +4 | +6 | +2 |
| 13 | +6 | +9 | +3 |
| 14 | +8 | +12 | +4 |
| 15 | +10 | +15 | +5 |
| 16 | +12 | +18 | +6 |
| 17 | +14 | +21 | +7 |
| 18 | +16 | +24 | +8 |
| 19 | +18 | +27 | +9 |
| 20 | +20 | +30 | +10 |
| 21 | +22 | +33 | +11 |
| 22 | +24 | +36 | +12 |
| 23 | +26 | +39 | +13 |
| 24 | +28 | +42 | +14 |
| 25 | +30 | +45 | +15 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
Combat[ | ]
Per point of Perception above/below 10, a character gains:
- ±2 to their Reflex defense.
- ±3 to the Interrupt potential of their attacks (Pillars of Eternity only)
- ±1 to the Accuracy of their attacks.
See Combat for more explanation on how bonuses are calculated and applied.
Dialog and scripted interactions[ | ]
In conversations, the protagonist's perception is commonly checked for noticing a lie or other relevant detail about the dialog partner.
In scripted interactions, any party member's perception may be checked to notice hidden objects or minor details that would otherwise be missed.
See Uses of Perception in interactions for a detailed list.
Detection[ | ]
In Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Perception is used to detect hidden objects. This was changed from Pillars of Eternity, where detection was based on the character's Mechanics skill. The higher a party member's Perception, the larger the distance in which they will detect traps and hidden objects, like stashes, switches or items.
Objects that are more difficult to detect require the character to be closer to them in order to be detected, though if the character's Perception is less than the object's difficulty level, it will not be able to be detected at all.
Unlike in Pillars of Eternity, characters do not get a debuff to the detection skill by not being in scouting mode.
The range at which a hidden object is detected is calculated using the lowest value of 12 (maximum detection range), the current line-of-sight distance (a dynamic value which determines the fog clear radius) and a calculated value using:
(perception + 1) - difficulty
Given the above, if the detectable object's difficulty is greater than the character's Perception, the detectable range for the object will be <= 0, and therefore the object will be unable to be detected by that character. Note that an object must be within a character's line of sight in order to be detected.
Allocation[ | ]
A player character's Perception score is allocated during character creation, and does not progress with levels. By default you may put between 3 and 18 points in it, but the character's race and culture can modify those limits - for example for an Orlan from The White that Wends, it would be between 6 and 21:
| Elf | +1 |
| Orlan | +2 |
| The White that Wends | +1 |
Buffs in Pillars of Eternity[ | ]
There are various ways to (temporarily) increase a character's Perception beyond their base score. These buffs are not restricted to the upper limit that is imposed during character creation - so a temporary score of 30 or more is not impossible.
Passive abilities/talents[ | ]
unlimited – permanently active once learned
| Type | Ability | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Quest reward talent | Hylea's Boon | +1 |
| Quest reward talent | Song of the Heavens | +1 |
| Rewarded talent | Effigy's Resentment | +1 |
Weapons[ | ]
unlimited – bonus while equipped
| Weapon type | Name | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting bow | Prey Maker | +1 |
Equipment[ | ]
one – bonus while equipped
| Slot | Item | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Iverra's Diving Helmet [WM2] | -1 |
| Head | Footpad's Hood | +1 |
| Neck | Glanfathan Adraswen | +1 |
| Head | Liripipe of Thinking | +1 |
| Hands | Spiderfingers | +1 |
| Head | The Pilgrim's Lasting Vigil | +1 |
| Armor | Elryn's Jacket [WM2] | +2 |
| Armor | Husk of the Great Western Stag | +2 |
| Armor | Scales of the Raven | +2 |
| Head | Helmet of Darksee | +2 |
| Neck | Ruphec's Watchful Cloak MKII [WM1] | +2 |
| Neck | The Core | +2 |
| Neck | Torc of the Falcon's Eyes | +2 |
| Neck | Lilith's Shawl | +3 |
| Neck | Mantle of the Excavator [WM2] | +4 |
| Armor | Of Perception 1 Enchantment | +1 |
| Armor | Of Perception 2 Enchantment | +2 |
Resting bonuses[ | ]
| Location | Inn | Room | PER modifier | Lasts for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilded Vale | Blackhound Inn | Laborers Rest | +1 | 2 rests |
| Copperlane | Fox and Goose | Merchant's Stay | +1 | 2 rests |
| Brackenbury | Charred Barrel | Criminal's Getaway | +2 | 2 rests |
| Ondra's Gift | Salty Mast | Broad Beam | +1 | 2 rests |
| Caed Nua | Brighthollow | Tower | +3 | 3 rests |
Prostitute boons[ | ]
one – for the protagonist only
| Location | Brothel | Prostitute | PER modifier | Lasts for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ondra's Gift | Salty Mast | Aldwyn | +2 | 1 rest |
| Ondra's Gift | Salty Mast | Orico | +1 | 1 rest |
Modal or active buffs[ | ]
one – which includes:
Active abilities/spells
– temporary bonus when used
| Type | Ability | PER modifier | Duration | Affected characters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spell | Crown of the Faithful | +6 | 30 sec | 1.25m Radius |
Consumable items
– temporary bonus when used
| Type | Item | PER modifier | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | Chocolate Biscuit | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Darkest Rauatai Cookies | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Ixamitl Ricepan | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Savory Pie | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Speckleback Jerky | +1 | 200 sec |
| Food | Stew | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Vegetable | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Vegetable Dish | +1 | 150 sec |
| Food | Stalwart Rabbit Stew | +2 | 150 sec |
| Drug | Blacsonn | +3 | 600 sec |
| Drug | Snowcap | −2 | 600 sec |
| Drug | Svef | −2 | 600 sec |
Buffs in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]
Most perception buffs are applied via one of the three Perception Inspirations; Insightful, Aware, and Intuitive. Stacking rules apply depending on whether the effect is passive or active. Generally, all passives stack - but actives do not and will instead use the highest bonus. In the case of inspirations, a Tier 1 inspiration will always be superseded by a Tier 2 one of the same type, and so on.
Passive effects[ | ]
unlimited – obtained during gameplay
| Name | PER modifier | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alchemic Guile | +2 | Until rest |
| Berath's Blessing - Champion Stats | +2 | Permanent |
| Cauldron Brew | +1 | Permanent |
| Effigy's Resentment: Sagani | +1 | Permanent |
| Fortune: Intuition | +1 | Until rest |
| Galawain's Blessing | +2 | Until rest |
| Savage Cunning | +1 | Permanent |
Abilities/spells[ | ]
one – temporary bonus when used, mostly combat only
| Type | Ability | PER modifier | Duration | Affected characters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Level Chanter Invocation 7th Level Chanter Invocation |
The Bride Caught their Ruse and Set to Make them Pay Set to Their Purpose, They All Knew Their Part |
+5 (Insightful) | 30.0 sec | Allies AoE + Self |
| 1st Level Cipher Spell | Valorous Echoes | +5 (Insightful) | 20.0 sec | Allied Target |
| 4th Level Cipher Spell | Wild Leech | +5 (Insightful)* | 45.0 sec | Self (Random Effect) |
| 5th Level Cipher Spell | Tactical Meld | +5 (Aware) | 30.0 sec | Allied Target + Self |
| 1st Level Fighter Ability 3rd Level Fighter Ability 3rd Level Fighter Ability |
Disciplined Barrage Tactical Barrage Disciplined Strikes |
+5 (Aware/Intuitive) | 15.0 sec | Self |
| 8th Level Fighter Ability | Inspired Discipline | +5 (Insightful) | 30.0 sec | Self |
| 1st Level Priest Spell | Blessing | +5 (Insightful) | 20.0 sec | Friendly AoE |
| 3rd Level Priest Spell | Dire Blessing | +5 (Aware) | 30.0 sec | Friendly AoE |
| 7th Level Priest Spell | Minor Avatar | +5 (Insightful) | 30.0 sec | Self |
| 8th Level Priest Spell | Crowns for the Faithful | +5 (Insightful) | 30.0 sec | Friendly AoE |
| 8th Level Ranger Ability | Bonded Fury | +5 (Aware) | 30.0 sec | Animal Companion |
| 1st Level Wizard Spell | Conjure Familiar: Bird | +3 | 60.0 sec | Self |
| 1st Level Wizard Spell | Eldritch Aim | +5 (Aware) | 10.0 sec | Self |
| 7th Level Wizard Spell | Berkana's Midnight Daydream [FS] | +5 (Nimble)* | 12.0 sec | Allied Target (Random Effect) |
| Watcher-only Ability | Mien of Death's Herald | +5 (Insightful/Aware/Intuitive) | 30.0 sec | Self |
Weapons[ | ]
unlimited – bonus only in combat, and either triggers under certain conditions or granted as a castable ability
| Weapon type | Name | Enchantment | PER modifier | Condition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mace | Magistrate's Cudgel | Fair Trial | +5 (Insightful) | 1-in-6 chance upon being afflicted | 15.0 sec |
| Rapier | Squid's Grasp | Certain Mutiny | +5 (Intuitive) | To self if any party members are Charmed or Dominated |
Equipment[ | ]
unlimited – bonus only in combat, and either triggers under certain conditions or granted as a castable ability
| Type | Item | Enchantment | PER modifier | Condition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amulet | Cog of Cohh | Sight of the Coalition | +5 (Aware) | Whenever an ally scores a killing blow | 8.0 sec |
| Belt | Least Unstable Coil [SSS] | Empowered Being | +5 (Intuitive) | 1-in-6 chance after using an Empowered Spell or Ability | 10.0 sec |
| Plate armor | Blackened Plate Armor | Contentment in Pain | +5 (Insightful)* | When the wearer becomes Bloodied (25-50% Health), once per encounter | 30.0 sec |
| Ring | Ring of Clenched Muscle [FS] | Test Subject | +5 (Insightful) | 10% chance to trigger random tier 1 Inspiration on being hit. 1-in-6 chance for it to be Insightful. | 10.0 sec |
unlimited – bonus while equipped
| Type | Item | Enchantment | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amulet | Protective Eothasian Charm | Darkest Before Dawn | +1 |
| Amulet | Torc of the Falcon's Eyes | Of Perception +2 | +2 |
| Cloak | Ajamuut's Stalking Cloak | Tracker | +1 |
| Hat | Blackblade's Hood | Hawk-eye | +1 |
| Hat | Cowl of the Piercing Gaze | Woedica's Wisdom | +1 |
| Helm | Blackened Plate Helm | Pallid Countenance | +1 |
| Helm | Horns of The Bleak Mother | Beast's Cunning | +1 |
| Helm | The Maw of Ingimyrk [SSS] | Keen Senses | +2 |
| Helm | Serpent Crown | Royal Plumage | +1 |
| Ring | Chameleon's Touch | Versatile | +1 (as Cipher/Ranger) |
| Ring | Kuaru's Prize | Jewel of Clarity | +1 |
Pets[ | ]
unlimited – bonus while equipped to either self or party
| Pet | Target | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Atlas | Self | +1 |
| Ginger Demon | Self | +1 |
| Gosha | Self | +1 |
| Jules | Self | +1 |
| Ludde | Self | +1 |
| Nebula | Party (in AoE) | +5 (Insightful) 1-in-6 chance for 10.0 sec every 12 seconds |
| Onyx | Self | +1 |
| Sheba | Self | +1 |
| Toby | Self | +1 |
Resting bonuses[ | ]
one - until next rest
| Location | Room | Cost | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunnage, The King's Coffin | Captain's Cabin |  800 |
+3 |
Prostitute boons[ | ]
one – for the protagonist only, lasts until next rest.
| Location | Prostitute | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Queen's Berth, The Wild Mare | Aenalys | +2 |
| Queen's Berth, The Wild Mare | Konstanten | +1 |
| Dunnage, The King's Coffin | Cabin Boy | +1 |
Consumable items[ | ]
one – for the user until next rest
| Type | Item | PER modifier |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Candied Nuts | +2 |
| Food | Murkberries | +2 |
| Food | Seafood Stew | +1 |
| Food | Vegetables | +1 |
| Drink | Murkbrew | +2 |
unlimited – for the user for a duration (sometimes only in combat)
| Type | Item | PER modifier | Duration | Combat only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug | Ripple Sponge | +3 | 180 sec | |
| Drug | Svef | +3 | 180 sec | |
| Potion | Nature's Bounty | +2 | 30 sec | |
| Potion | Potion of Mental Prowess | +2 | 45 sec | 
|
| Potion | Vial of Starlight [DMT] | +5 | 10 sec |
|
| Scroll | Deck of Endless Possibilities [DMT] | +5 (Insightful)* | 30 sec |
|
| Scroll | Scroll of Blessing | +5 (Insightful) | 20 sec |
|
Class[ | ]
unlimited – permanently to the character, sometimes under a condition
| Type | Name | PER modifier | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass | Wild Mind | +5 (Intuitive) | Small chance on casting ability |
Debuffs in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]
Most perception debuffs are applied via one of the three Perception Afflictions; Distracted, Disoriented, and Blinded. Stacking rules apply depending on whether the effect is passive or active. Generally, all passives stack - but actives do not and will instead use the highest penalty. In the case of afflictions, a Tier 1 affliction will always be superseded by a Tier 2 one of the same type, and so on.
Abilities/spells[ | ]
one – temporary penality when used, mostly combat only
| Type | Ability | PER modifier | Duration | Affected characters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Level Cipher Spell | Eyestrike | -5 (Blinded) | 12.0 sec | Foe Target + Foe AoE |
| 1st Level Druid Spell
1st Level Priest(Eothas) Spell |
Sunbeam | -5 (Blinded) | 8.0 sec | AoE |
| 1st Level Wizard Spell
3rd Level Druid(Watershaper) Spell |
Chill Fog | -5 (Blinded) | 15.0 sec | AoE
Foe AoE |
| 2nd Level Wizard Spell | Miasma of Dull-Mindedness | -10 | 20.0 sec | AoE |
| 2nd Level Rogue Ability
3rd Level Rogue Ability |
Blinding Strike | -5 (Blinded) | 15.0 sec | Target |
| 3rd Level Rogue Ability | Debilitating Strike | -5 (Distracted) | 15.0 sec | Target |
| 3rd Level Fighter Ability | Mule Kick | -5 (Disoriented) | 8.0 sec | Target |
| 3rd Level Paladin Ability
5th Level Paladin Ability |
Glorious Beacon | -5 (Blinded) | 8.0 sec | Foe AoE |
| 4th Level Cipher Spell | Wild Leech | -5 (Distracted) | - | Target (Random Effect) |
| 4th Level Rogue Passive Ability | Persistent Distraction | -5 (Distracted) | - | Attackers |
| 5th Level Cipher Spell | Borrowed Instinct | -8 | 20.0 sec | Foe Target |
| 5th Level Priest Spell | Searing Seal | -5 (Blinded) | 15.0 sec | Hazard AoE |
| 5th Level Rogue Ability
7th Level Rogue Ability |
Smoke Cloud | -5 (Distracted) | 12.0 sec | AoE |
| 7th Level Rogue Ability | Pernicious Cloud | -5 (Distracted) | 18.0 sec | AoE |
| 7th Level Cipher Spell | Screaming Souls | -5 (Distracted) | 18.0 sec | AoE |
| 8th Level Priest(Magran) Spell | Symbol of Magran | -5 (Blinded) | 4.0 sec | Foe AoE |
| 9th Level Priest Spell | Revenge of Skaen | -5 (Blinded) | 6.0 sec | AoE |
| 9th Level Priest Spell | Blessing of Wael | -5 (Blinded) | 8.0 sec | Attackers |
Class[ | ]
unlimited – permanently to the character, sometimes under a condition
| Type | Name | PER modifier | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass | Wild Mind | -5 (Blinded) | Small chance on casting ability |
| |||||