| Material required? | None |
| 80/100 giving extra checks? | Yes |
| Obtainable in game? | No |
| Wishable | No |
The Alertness skill greatly increases the PC's chance of dodging combat magic and somewhat increases the chance of detecting traps and invisible monsters.
Manual info[]
This skill is used automatically. It can help to sense traps and invisible monsters although it is not too effective at either (which basically means that an active search for traps with the respective skill has a much higher chance of success). It can save your character from some nasty surprises at times. However, it's also *very* helpful when trying to dodge combat magic since high reflexes (as created by a high alertness skill) will help to dodge combat magic with lightning speed. Finally, a high skill value grants some minor DV bonuses: +1 at 75+, +2 at 90+ and +4 at 100.
Basics[]
The DV bonus works as described by the manual.
Alertness is very effective against combat magic, especially after the 80 and 100 thresholds. Having Alertness at 100 (triple check) allows the PC to dodge a large percentage of incoming magical attacks, even with low DV.
Advanced uses[]
The PC's Alertness score seems to have an influence on his/her chance of stepping on a trapped square for the first time without triggering it ("You discover a(n) x trap, hidden at this place!"). With 100 Alertness, there seems to be a 50% chance of avoiding traps in this way.
The PC's score in Alertness also influences how regularly the message "You sense some motions in the air in your vicinity" appears when an invisible monster is close by; the monsters still can't be seen, though (without the appropriate intrinsic).
Obtaining[]
Races: Dark Elves, Drakelings and Mist Elves.
Classes: Archer, Assassin, Duelist, Healer, Monk, Ranger, Thief.
Notably, the skill is difficult to obtain for any other PCs as it cannot even be wished for — a wish for "Alertness" increases Perception instead. This is intentional[1].
Potions or scrolls of education and Mushrooms of the inner light are possible methods to receive Alertness, RNG willing.
Training[]
Avoiding combat magic; using the skill to evade traps without triggering them.