Size categories and the concealment of weapons

This page is about one of the special rules.

In the weapon descriptions, there are two values that do not directly relate to combat: the "Size Category" and the rarity, listed in the section “Available Versions.”

Let’s start with the size category, which is not just a simple description but also determines how well a weapon can be concealed on one's person. There are a total of six size categories:

- very small
- small
- medium
- large
- very large
- oversized

These size categories are important not only to give a rough idea of how large a weapon is, but they also help determine how easily a weapon can be concealed during a simple search—for example, when you're in a place where openly carrying weapons is not allowed or if you need a concealed weapon for any other reason.

When hiding weapons on your body, you use the disguising skill. When searching a person for hidden weapons, you roll Perception.

However, there are several factors to consider:
- Not every check is equally thorough.
- Larger bodies, like those of Super Mutants, can hide larger weapons.

Since many factors are at play again, here are some examples instead of strict rules:

1. Case: Brief inspection by visual scan

With a quick inspection by just looking, many weapons can be concealed. A human or ghoul can hide knives, pistols, small submachine guns, or even a small rifle under a thick, long coat. It helps if the weapon has a foldable stock or something that makes it more compact. Generally, weapons up to medium size can be hidden.

Disguise rolls are significantly easier, while Perception rolls are correspondingly harder.

2. Case: Quick pat-down

A quick pat-down will find most weapons. To successfully hide a weapon, it helps if it's small enough to fit into a boot (which is possible for almost all very small or small weapons) or if it is long and flat and lies against the body in such a way that it’s easy to conceal—such as a stiletto strapped to the forearm.

Disguise rolls are only slightly harder, and Perception rolls are a bit—but not excessively—easier.

3. Case: Professional search

Almost nothing is safe from a professional. If the pro takes their time, checks the boots, and has the character remove part of their clothing, it becomes nearly impossible to hide anything. At most, very small weapons can be sewn into clothing very well. And even those aren’t impossible to find.

The Disguise roll is extremely difficult, while the Perception roll is heavily simplified.