Engelian Adventures 2

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand keeps following and listening.

[[ Are there areas ahead that he is more familiar with, or less; I'm looking here for a differentiator for places to act, if he chose to. eg. an old haunt he knows really well, vs. an area he knows is well lit and/or well patrolled by guards etc? Even just an area he knows is less populated or poorly lit.

[[The Western End District is an area that Brand knows well, but not in a good way. It is the home ground of a criminal gang called the Axemen who are very protective of their turf. He has been there before and might be recognised by some of the members as being associated with a rival gang. Of some relevance to this, and If you haven't already seen it, you might like to take a look at the article 'Changes to the rogue class' in the Homebrew rules section on the world site. It has a slight effect on Brand in that Thieves Cant is not a universal language, which I have always considered somewhat silly anyway.]]

My impression of quarters of the city so far is that they are about 20 minutes across; is that correct?

[[No. The different sections of the city tend to conform with the tributaries of the river and tend to be shorter going between tributaries and longer in the direction of the tributaries.]]

Also, the next bridge you said has guards. Is that normal? Or is it just between quarters?

[[Not normal. There are guard posts in various places throughout the city. This one just happens to be near the bridge.]]

You said the next bridge after this one is 5-ish minutes again; is it also likely to be guarded? ]]

[[No. I was wondering if I had misunderstood what you meant. It was five minutes to the nearest bridge and about the same distance to be in earshot. It is much further to the next bridge. Travelling south, in the direction of the Brand estate, the next place you cross the river is the Southern Crossing where the barge is. Travelling west, you pass through the middle-class residential area and then through the Western End District to cross back across the river to join the western road to Galth that parallels the northern bank of the main run of the river before it breaks up into its delta.]]

The closer they approach the bridge, and the guard post that is near to it, the more the men become quieter and resume their roles as two drunks being escorted home.

[[And that's it for the night. Ciao.]]

[[

He has been there before and might be recognised by some of the members as being associated with a rival gang

He was likely disguised when working with Dalshar. This one is easy to do, no shaving (if I shaved back then):

https://www.worldanvil.com/media/cache/heroes_feed_image/uploads/images/935dc5ab7808916728b984a14edd0536.jpg

(perhaps no scar)

These are some left-over questions from last night (italics):

What is the range of their lantern vs. his Darkvision? And what kind of lantern is it? eg. could he put it out with the TK stone?

For the next two, see below, I think I have answers:

And what is the mechanic for the attack with the TK stone? Is it an attack? What is his roll? Would he get advantage being invisible? And does sneak attack apply (it applies to light melee and missile weapons, IIRC.

fwiw, I think you said he'd use INT as the ability, and had proficiency for things he's practiced. Does INT add to damage? From this I'd assume he has +5 (2+3) to hit, not sure about damage.

[[And that's it for the night. Ciao.]]

[[ cya. I appreciate you hanging in... [[

[[

He has been there before and might be recognised by some of the members as being associated with a rival gang

He was likely disguised when working with Dalshar. This one is easy to do, no shaving (if I shaved back then):

https://www.worldanvil.com/media/cache/heroes_feed_image/uploads/images/935dc5ab7808916728b984a14edd0536.jpg

(perhaps no scar)

[[I think it more likely that he was unshaven back then because of his youth and now has a beard and scar. However, something to take into account is that members of the Axemen might have seen him in other parts of the city when not in his 'working' disguise. Anyway, the chance is very unlikely because it has been some time.]]

These are some left-over questions from last night (italics):

What is the range of their lantern vs. his Darkvision? And what kind of lantern is it? eg. could he put it out with the TK stone?

[[They are using a hooded lantern, which gives them dim light out to 60' (bright light to half that distance) when fully open. Brand's Darkvision also has a range of 60'. He could certainly extinguish a flame as an Action with the Mage Hand capability of the Stone of Far Reaching, but to do so while it is in a lantern being carried by someone would require an Attack roll with his general proficiency and using his Intelligence for his to-hit bonus.]]

For the next two, see below, I think I have answers:

And what is the mechanic for the attack with the TK stone? Is it an attack? What is his roll? Would he get advantage being invisible? And does sneak attack apply (it applies to light melee and missile weapons, IIRC.

[[The Ray of Sickness capability of the Stone of Far Reaching doesn't require a to-hit. It is a Constitution save versus a DC of 15 (i.e. based on Brand's proficiency and Intelligence bonuses with him effectively reaching invisibly inside the victim and trying to squeeze something vital). Sneak attack normally wouldn't apply in such a case, but I might allow it if the timing is good and the victim were in a situation that they would take extra damage because they had been interfered with at a critical moment (e.g., falling down stairs), which would mean the Sneak Attack damage might still apply even if they succeeded with their Con save. However, dependent on circumstances, I might give them another save against the Sneak Attack damage.]]

fwiw, I think you said he'd use INT as the ability, and had proficiency for things he's practiced. Does INT add to damage? From this I'd assume he has +5 (2+3) to hit, not sure about damage.

[[The attack does 2D8 damage and the victim gains the Poisoned condition until the end of the attacker's next turn, if they fail their Constitution save, which is why I chose this spell as the basis for the effect. I don't see Intelligence bonus adding to damage, but I do see him be able to use the effect at a higher level in the future to roll more damage die.]]

From my reading, it seems likely he is +5 attack, +0 damage, gets advantage if appropriate, but no sneak attack. Is that correct?

[[See above.]]

And before I forget: his face is covered again.

[[Check.]]
]]

[[ Confirming Ray of Sickness spell uses con for poison effect, but attack roll for damage effect. Stone is different?

Re: lantern, is Advantage appropriate?]]

Brand continues following and listening.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Confirming Ray of Sickness spell uses con for poison effect, but attack roll for damage effect. Stone is different?

[[The stone requires a Con save against a DC of 15. On a failed save, the victim takes 2D8 and gains the Poisoned condition until the end of your next turn.]]

[[With regard to using the Cantrip level effect of the Stone of Far Reaching, I would be happy to consider Brand using it as a re-skinned version of the Vicious Mockery cantrip. The save would be based on Dexterity rather than Wisdom (DC of 15) and the damage type would be classed as Bludgeoning rather than Psychic. This would represent using the invisible Mage Hand to do things like:  move things so people can trip over them, throw items at a person's eyes, etc. The effect, if they don't save, would only do minor damage and give the victim disadvantage for their next attack roll, but it might prove useful in combat.]]

Re: lantern, is Advantage appropriate?]]

[[Against a lantern not in somebody's hands, yes. But not if someone were holding it. However, if the stone is used while Brand is also Invisible, then Advantage would be gained anyway, and such a non-attacking action would not void the Invisibility created by the Stone (another advantage they have as normally casting a spell would break the Invisibility).]] 

Brand continues following and listening.

Brand continues to follow the three villains along the riverside road as they approach the guard post. They aren't talking much, but the tallest one does remind his companions that if anything happens and they get separated that they are to meet up at the watering hole.

[[Make a Wisdom check.]]

[[Make a Wisdom check.]]

1

With regard to using the Cantrip level effect of the Stone of Far Reaching, I would be happy to consider Brand using it as a re-skinned version of the Vicious Mockery cantrip.

[[ Checking: so that would be a repeatable thing, unlike the Ray of Sickness? ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

With regard to using the Cantrip level effect of the Stone of Far Reaching, I would be happy to consider Brand using it as a re-skinned version of the Vicious Mockery cantrip.

[[ Checking: so that would be a repeatable thing, unlike the Ray of Sickness? ]]

[[Correct. As a cantrip it can be cast a will, just like Mage Hand, but it will take an action. And, now that I think about it, It should also probably be constrained by the range and  movement limitations of Mage Hand.]]

When he hears the three talking about a watering hole, Brand remembers that there is tavern of that name in the Western End District.

 [[ So if they keep going west, they go through residential then Western End. How far does the residential extend, and how far to Watering Hole ? ]]

Brand continues following. [[ At least until they pass the guards ]]

[[ Where are they in relation to Brand residence? ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

 [[ So if they keep going west, they go through residential then Western End. How far does the residential extend, and how far to Watering Hole ? ]]

[[The residential area immediately across the river isn't that big. It's probably about a five-minute walk from the bridge to where the timber-based light industries begin.]]

Brand continues following. [[ At least until they pass the guards ]]

[[ Where are they in relation to Brand residence? ]]

[[On foot, probably getting up to a 15- to 20-minute walk.]]

Brand follows the three up to the guard post, where there is a single overhead magical streetlight lighting the area. With his darkvision, he can see four Constantine city guards seated around a lit metal brazier under a shelter. The guards are talking quietly amongst themselves, but from their position they can see up and down the road for a fair distance.

Rawl and his men do a pretty good job of appearing innocent and at first it seems the guards don't see anything particularly strange about the them either.

However, just as they draw level, one of the guards turns and pays the group more attention. "Rawl?" he calls, sounding a little uncertain. "Is that you?"

Rawl and his two confederates immediately stop and the guard who called out gets to his feet.

[[ With regard to using the Cantrip level effect of the Stone of Far Reaching, I would be happy to consider Brand using it as a re-skinned version of the Vicious Mockery cantrip. The save would be based on Dexterity rather than Wisdom (DC of 15) and the damage type would be classed as Bludgeoning rather than Psychic. This would represent using the invisible Mage Hand to do things like:  move things so people can trip over them, throw items at a person's eyes, etc. The effect, if they don't save, would only do minor damage and give the victim disadvantage for their next attack roll, but it might prove useful in combat.]]

[[ This does sound good; and makes the stone useful in combat, kind of like 'Dodge' but with a little damage on top. 30' seems a low-ish range, but I actually can't recall if Brand used the TK stone at any longer ranges.

So, in the current circumstances, he could:

- start invisible, but hide somewhere
- make a +5 attack at advantage to snuff out the lantern -- how long to relight?
- would appear, hopefully hidden -- would we be in 'combat' at this point?
- next round could TK/Sickness (from hiding) + put away TK stone
- following round could invis and draw sword or dagger
- next round: attack, appear, run away & hide (MAYBE!)

Not that this is the plan, but checking I understand mechanics adequately...

]]

Rawl and his two confederates immediately stop and the guard who called out gets to his feet.

[[ Interesting to see where this goes! From their behaviour were they continuing in direction of Western End, or trying to cross the bridge?

Any of the guards have auras? ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Rawl and his two confederates immediately stop and the guard who called out gets to his feet.

[[ Interesting to see where this goes! From their behaviour were they continuing in direction of Western End, or trying to cross the bridge?

[[To get to the Western End District, you need to cross the bridge. Staying on this side just takes you on to more residential area until you run into the river.]]

Any of the guards have auras? ]]

[[The guard who called out to Rawl is just within the 30' range of Brand's Stone of Unseeing's ability to see magical auras and he does have an aura, but not a very strong one. The others are out of range.]] 

[[That's it for me tonight. Sorry.]]

Brand hears Rawl softly curse in the name of Donai.

 [[ Where is Tinkerbell? ]]

[[ Interesting to see where this goes! From their behaviour were they continuing in direction of Western End, or trying to cross the bridge?

[[To get to the Western End District, you need to cross the bridge. Staying on this side just takes you on to more residential area until you run into the river.]]

[[ So, did Rawl & Co head toward the bridge as if to cross? Or were they trying to skirt around and avoid the guards? I'm not sure of the geometry here. ]]

[[No. I was wondering if I had misunderstood what you meant. It was five minutes to the nearest bridge and about the same distance to be in earshot. It is much further to the next bridge. Travelling south, in the direction of the Brand estate, the next place you cross the river is the Southern Crossing where the barge is. Travelling west, you pass through the middle-class residential area and then through the Western End District to cross back across the river to join the western road to Galth that parallels the northern bank of the main run of the river before it breaks up into its delta.]]

[[ This also confuses me in relation to the Western End and the small residential area across the bridge. The two statements *seem* to be at odds. ]]

Crossing the bridge takes us to the Western End.

The "next bridge" to me is the one they would get to after crossing this bridge. Maybe you mean then next, assuming they don't cross.

Is that what I've misunderstood?]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

 [[ Where is Tinkerbell? ]]

[[At this moment, Tinkerbell is in the process of moving in between Rawl and the guard who has called to him.]]

[[ Interesting to see where this goes! From their behaviour were they continuing in direction of Western End, or trying to cross the bridge?

[[To get to the Western End District, you need to cross the bridge. Staying on this side just takes you on to more residential area until you run into the river.]]

[[ So, did Rawl & Co head toward the bridge as if to cross? Or were they trying to skirt around and avoid the guards? I'm not sure of the geometry here. ]]

[[There are residential areas on both sides of the bridge. To get to the Western End District you have to cross the bridge and pass through the residential area on the other side. The road to the bridge along the river's edge goes past the guard post on its way there. It is possible to have gone the long way round to avoid passing the guard post, but it seems Rawl & Co haven't done that, for whatever reason.]]

[[No. I was wondering if I had misunderstood what you meant. It was five minutes to the nearest bridge and about the same distance to be in earshot. It is much further to the next bridge. Travelling south, in the direction of the Brand estate, the next place you cross the river is the Southern Crossing where the barge is. Travelling west, you pass through the middle-class residential area and then through the Western End District to cross back across the river to join the western road to Galth that parallels the northern bank of the main run of the river before it breaks up into its delta.]]

[[ This also confuses me in relation to the Western End and the small residential area across the bridge. The two statements *seem* to be at odds. ]]

[[There are two residential areas, Brand, Rawl & Co are currently in the one on this side of the bridge. To get to the Western End District you have to cross the bridge and pass through the smaller residential area on the other side heading west for about five minutes before you reach the light-industry area known as the Western End District. The bridge roughly separates the residential areas into upper class (when Brand is now) and upper middle class (across the bridge)]]

Crossing the bridge takes us to the Western End.

[[Yes. You have to cross the bridge to go to Western End, but the Western End is not immediately across the river, it's about five minutes walk through the upper middle class residential area mentioned above.]] 

The "next bridge" to me is the one they would get to after crossing this bridge. Maybe you mean then next, assuming they don't cross.

[[Your 'next bridge' is a fair way away, no matter whether they go south or west once crossing the closest bridge. In fact, the one to the south is not a bridge at all, it is the Southern Crossing where a barge is needed to make the crossing.]]

Is that what I've misunderstood?]]

[[And now I have to get ready to go to work. I have changed my normal workday because Jennifer and I are going to dinner tonight with Lucy and her partner to meet her partner's parents. I will try, but I don't see my chances of doing anything else today as being high until later tonight. Ciao.]]

[[ Is this a meet the parents thing? Sounds serious. Also a scary reminder of the passage of time! ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Is this a meet the parents thing? Sounds serious. Also a scary reminder of the passage of time! ]]

[[Sort of. Lucy's same-sex partner, Amy, has just graduated with a BA from ADFA—she's an army officer cadet—and her parents came down from Darwin for the graduation ceremony. Amy and Lucy thought it high time that their parents got to meet each other. Amy's folks are a nice couple, about ten years younger than Jennifer and I, but we got along fine. As to whether anything comes of the girl's relationship, we will have to wait and see. ]]

[[Nothing tonight, I'm afraid; I'm making up NPCs, just in case something happens]]

[[ Rough gig in armed forces. Definitely worthy of respect. ]]

[[ Had an interesting thought...assuming sacks contain money, can brand jiggle them? Will he become visible? Are there good hiding places? ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Rough gig in armed forces. Definitely worthy of respect. ]]

 

[[ Had an interesting thought...assuming sacks contain money, can brand jiggle them? Will he become visible? Are there good hiding places? ]]

[[One of the constraints of the Invisibility spell is that an attack will make the caster visible. Mage Hand says it specifically can't be used to do an attack. Therefore, by definition, anything you are allowed to do with Mage Hand won't spoil your Invisibility to fail. So I would say jiggling a sack (if it is less than 10 pounds in weight; the weight limit for Mage Hand [50 coins weigh a pound.]) won't spoil the Invisibility. However, if you want to use the Stone of Far Reaching to achieve a cantrip level effect that does do damage and requires a to-hit roll, then the Invisibility would be broken, which means the re-skinned Vicious Mockery I suggested wouldn't cause the Invisibility to be broken. However, I think the involvement of something that can't be seen moving objects around so that people could possibly hurt themselves is something of a giveaway.]]

[[With regard to hiding places, I can think of two. There is a drop from the level of the road to the river of about four feet, which means Brand could try to hide on the steep river bank. Also, the guard post itself would have some places where Brand could hide.]]