Did the druid in the DnD movie avoid the wizard at first, then get caught, due to die rolls?

Question

Is that how it would have played out in a game? Like in the first room, while a fly, the druid is not detected, due to a successful die roll. But then in the next room, the druid is detected, due to a failed die roll. Would that be the best explanation why the druid wasn't detected at first? Or was there like a time limit before the druid would be caught, or another explanation?

Answer 1

DnD Beyond released official stats blocks for each of the film's main characters, including Sofina. Note that her Perception is a 'passive' skill, which means that there isn't a need to continually roll for checks.

Assuming the makers of the film were following the rules, the DM would have performed a (passive) Perception check to see whether she could sense the fly. Being distracted with other tasks lowered her score sufficiently that the fly went undetected in the first room, but once she moved to the other room and the distractions were gone, her perception score would have risen, allowing her to see the disguised threat.

Passive Perception. When you hide, there's a chance someone will notice you even if they aren't searching. To determine whether such a creature notices you, the DM compares your Dexterity (Stealth) check with that creature's passive Wisdom (Perception) score, which equals 10 + the creature's Wisdom modifier, as well as any other bonuses or penalties. If the creature has advantage, add 5. For disadvantage, subtract 5. For example, if a 1st-level character (with a proficiency bonus of +2) has a Wisdom of 15 (a +2 modifier) and proficiency in Perception, he or she has a passive Wisdom (Perception) of 14.

_{^{DND Beyond: Using Ability Scores}}

Characters who turn their attention to other tasks as the group travels are not focused on watching for danger. These characters don’t contribute their passive Wisdom (Perception) scores to the group’s chance of noticing hidden threats.

_{^{DND Beyond: Basic Rules - Adventuring}}

Doric has a combined Dexterity score of 19. Sofina has a Perception check score of 22 (12+10). When Doric has 'Advantage' she gains 5 stealth points and would remain undetected (24 versus 22). When she loses that advantage, she would be detected (19 versus 22).

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To some extent this ties in with the official novelisation. Doric seems to have lost her advantage because she came too close to Sofina.

“Truth is,” Forge explained, “the Games bring the city together like nothing else. It’s not the role of government to deny the people what they crave.” He paused. “Or to deny you stinking-rich gentlemen the right to profit off them.”

Piradost and Caldwell laughed. The fly buzzed closer—close enough to see Sofina’s markings under her hood. The Red Wizard grew alert, sensing an intruder.

“Now, who wants refreshments?” Forge asked, rubbing his hands together.

“Silence!” Sofina hissed. “A Wild Shape is among us!”

The men looked around, puzzled. They saw nothing out of the ordinary. But Sofina spotted the fly and let out a bloodcurdling shriek. Immediately, the fly slipped into a crack in the wall.