[[ the line between the shrine and the cistern doesn't necessarily reach the river whereas the first line I described definitely does ]]
[[ Interesting. Which is nearer (by boat) to the estate? ]]
[[The Temple Ward is upriver from the Brand city residence and the shrine is further away than the outflow pipe from the cistern.]]
- Does he know of any other egress points once he's at the cistern?
[[Going to have to explain what you mean here, but if you can enter the cistern from the square, then you can certainly leave the cistern by the stairs
[[ Being cautious, and wondering if there were one-way routes: overflow areas (not scalable, but drop-able), slimy slipways etc. Or just one-way gates.]]
[[The lines on map—presumably drawn by Fazal—are the only details of the city's water-based infrastructure shown, so anything else Brand would know would depend on personal experience in the area, which I consider unlikely, but not impossible. So, I will let you roll a straight Wisdom check at Disadvantage, to see if Brand has at any stage picked up any knowledge of city's infrastructure in the area. The DC is 10, and if you make the roll, how much you make it by, will influence the amount of extra information I will give.]]
Brand returns to the attic, writes a short note [[will add later]] which he leaves under his bed, then checks his gear and heads to the kitchen, and tries to be his normal annoying self. ]]
Brand walks into the kitchens, looking like he might pounce on available food, "I can't believe that I was un-invited!"
He shakes his head and looks around at the food being prepared, "What are they having for desert? I really hope father won't be giving then the '33 with desert...there's only a few bottles left!"
He waits, surveying the scene and hoping for a response, and assessing the progress of the meal.
[[ Sealed and folded note, hurriedly written, and hidden in Brand's satchel (at least for the time being) ]]
On the outside is written: To be opened by Lord Koric Brand in the event of my Untimely Death -- Alaric Brand
I have not much time, and there is too much unsaid to attempt to say any of it here; thus, I will limit myself to practicalities.
If you were not already aware of the fact by your own means, I have some considerable investments in both the Bank of Constantine and the Bank of Sorendon, as well as with Uncle Malacai's shipping enterprise. I would hate to see it go to waste. Perhaps some could be left for my brother/sister when they are of age.
- Alaric.
P.S. My lockbxes also contain various tools, as well as copies of a shared title to a tower near Ilbarsis.
]]
[[Note: Before Brand leaves the building, I would like an exact list of what he is carrying please. I am also assuming he has left most of it in his attic room for the moment, as the response below would be very different if he were carrying all his gear on his person.]]
Abrams turns away from where he has been supervising servants preparing trays of fruit, cheese, and hot beverages.
"Master Alaric," he says, "Are you after more food? I can put together another sandwich, if you like?"
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
observation of Palace bridge As long as the second storey on the river side looks out over the surrounding wall, this shouldn't be a problem.
suites (sitting room+bed room) for Koric, Brand, Mum and 1 (more?) guests?
stables
rooms for servants Jon Lazlo has his own small apartment near the front door, separate from the rest of the servants, so he is close to the front entrance. This should also allow him to monitor the comings and goings through the second entrance.
library/meeting room This was the room where Brand spied on the participants with his father, so don't forget the secret passage between it and his father's bedroom. This would probably double as the meeting room referenced above.
dinining
kitchen
various dayrooms/conservatory/whatever etc
cellar Perhaps there should be a secret tunnel leading from the cellar to the river bank outside the walls for emergency evacuation, if necessary. This could be an extension of the sewer and is likely something Fazal Ahmet would have been involved in the building of. Actually, he would have been involved in a lot of this as he is also a general builder.
storage
laundry
baths
attic (=3rd story?)
There would also be a secure room where a small cache of arms were kept and a small safe.
Boilers, drying room etc: For future reference, there is a drying room used for laundry when the weather is inclement and a heated bathing room. Both are near the boilers for the internal heating system. (link)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The lines on map—presumably drawn by Fazal—are the only details of the city's water-based infrastructure shown, so anything else Brand would know would depend on personal experience in the area, which I consider unlikely, but not impossible. So, I will let you roll a straight Wisdom check at Disadvantage, to see if Brand has at any stage picked up any knowledge of city's infrastructure in the area. The DC is 10, and if you make the roll, how much you make it by, will influence the amount of extra information I will give
[[ Cool, more than I expected. I'm sure you're just punishing me for my reduced wisdom ;-) ]]
Wisdom: 11 (Edit: HAH!)
[[Note: Before Brand leaves the building, I would like an exact list of what he is carrying please. I am also assuming he has left most of it in his attic room for the moment, as the response below would be very different if he were carrying all his gear on his person.]]
[[See [[ SOE List ]]; this is what I expect him to carry when he leaves. The bolded stuff is what has changed since you last saw it.
Bye the rules he is unencumbered, and has wrapped things that might rattle in cloth. Does this seem a reasonable list to you for me to expect to sneak, fight etc? ]]
"Master Alaric," he says, "Are you after more food? I can put together another sandwich, if you like?"
Brand considers for a moment, noting what looks like preparations for the end of the meal. "On second thoughts... it's been a long day. Perhaps I shall just get some rest. Good night, Abrams" he says, as he turns and head back to the attic.
[[He will try to leave surreptitiously. If the attic has a window, that he can close (perhaps using mage hand), he will leave that way; is the roof steep, flat, somewhere between? Otherwise, if there is a courtyard, he will go there, hide, go invisible, and levitate out. If no courtyard, is there an egress point that does not involve going through kitchens and lots of people?
The basic plan would be: get to somewhere in house near the egress that has few people. Hide. Go invisible. Invis. stone (left glove), Levitate stone (right glove), leave...heading toward the tunnel. Once clear of the house and general area (100m?) he will hide, become visible, and put the levitate stone back in the bandolier, freeing up his right hand.]]
The lines on map—presumably drawn by Fazal—are the only details of the city's water-based infrastructure shown, so anything else Brand would know would depend on personal experience in the area, which I consider unlikely, but not impossible. So, I will let you roll a straight Wisdom check at Disadvantage, to see if Brand has at any stage picked up any knowledge of city's infrastructure in the area. The DC is 10, and if you make the roll, how much you make it by, will influence the amount of extra information I will give
[[ Cool, more than I expected. I'm sure you're just punishing me for my reduced wisdom ;-) ]]
Wisdom: 1 (Edit: HAH!)
[[Seems I don't need to... ;-)]]
[[Note: Before Brand leaves the building, I would like an exact list of what he is carrying please. I am also assuming he has left most of it in his attic room for the moment, as the response below would be very different if he were carrying all his gear on his person.]]
[[See [[ SOE List ]]; this is what I expect him to carry when he leaves. The bolded stuff is what has changed since you last saw it.
[[Ta.]]
Bye the rules he is unencumbered, and has wrapped things that might rattle in cloth. Does this seem a reasonable list to you for me to expect to sneak, fight etc? ]]
[[Not sure how a backpack, a sword on his back, and a cloak can work in any sensible way. Suggestions?]]
"Master Alaric," he says, "Are you after more food? I can put together another sandwich, if you like?"
Brand considers for a moment, noting what looks like preparations for the end of the meal. "On second thoughts... it's been a long day. Perhaps I shall just get some rest. Good night, Abrams" he says, as he turns and head back to the attic.
[[He will try to leave surreptitiously. If the attic has a window, that he can close (perhaps using mage hand), he will leave that way; is the roof steep, flat, somewhere between? Otherwise, if there is a courtyard, he will go there, hide, go invisible, and levitate out. If no courtyard, is there an egress point that does not involve going through kitchens and lots of people?
The basic plan would be: get to somewhere in house near the egress that has few people. Hide. Go invisible. Invis. stone (left glove), Levitate stone (right glove), leave...heading toward the tunnel. Once clear of the house and general area (100m?) he will hide, become visible, and put the levitate stone back in the bandolier, freeing up his right hand.]]
[[The attic has shutters (glass is too expensive to use it for all windows) and the roof is steep, but he could leave that way. Otherwise, the stones make it very easy to leave the residence at this time of night and in this weather (It is still raining) when there are few people out and about. Note he will want to leave by the front of the house unless he is planning to travel by river in some way.]]
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[Hmmm. Would Guilliame not know Dworkin? Andrew seems to think he would. I can however appreciate that Brand might not know Guilliame, so assume he doesn't.]]
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[Not sure how a backpack, a sword on his back, and a cloak can work in any sensible way. Suggestions?]]
[[ Next to the 10' pole?
My assumption is that:
(a) backpack is outside cloak. Otherwise he gets soaked every time he wants something from pack (ditto satchel, when he wears it). (b) backpack is more like a day pack than a multi-day hiking pack. (c) as per current DnD incarnation, Scimitar is a light weapon (nothing like the ones in HeroForge) (d) one sword could slip into side-straps on backpack, or just across the back of the pack as per HeroForge (though I really dislike the HeroForge placement). (e) The second sword would also be wrapped in cloth.
FWIW, I have more difficulty with the side-worn sword than one strapped to his pack (any time he crouches it scrapes, ISTM), and was originally toying with having one each side of the pack...which might be a better option in fact.
If this is too implausible, then I can leave the second sword behind, or wear one on each side, or both on the pack.]]
[[The attic has shutters (glass is too expensive to use it for all windows) and the roof is steep, but he could leave that way. Otherwise, the stones make it very easy to leave the residence at this time of night and in this weather (It is still raining) when there are few people out and about. Note he will want to leave by the front of the house unless he is planning to travel by river in some way.]]
[[He will leave the residence in whatever way make it plausible he is still in the attic. I assume that means not visibly going down stairs where someone might see him.
With respect to front or back, he can just levitate over house to get where he needs to go. By the time he is outside he will be invisible.
He does plan to walk. He would like to get there ahead of the main party, and choose a location to watch from if possible. Under-cover, even better...but not IN the tunnel.
Bearing in mind the limitations above:]]
Brand becomes invisible and leaves the attic, moving cautiously through the house heading for [[nearest emptiest available exit point]].
[[ He levitates as necessary to get to the front ]]
...then moves stealthily down the road in the direction of the tunnel. When he is far enough away from the house, and away from likely prying eyes, he puts the levitation stone away, becomes visible again, then moves stealthily in the direction of the tunnel. When he nears the tunnel he looks for signs of guards and the party from the estate, while scanning for a good vantage point.
[[Hmmm. Would Guilliame not know Dworkin? Andrew seems to think he would. I can however appreciate that Brand might not know Guilliame, so assume he doesn't.]]
The Guillame timeline is a bit of a blur for me; we interacted but I don't even know who I was playing at the time. Does Andrew think Guillame knows Brand?
[[Not sure how a backpack, a sword on his back, and a cloak can work in any sensible way. Suggestions?]]
[[ Next to the 10' pole?
My assumption is that:
(a) backpack is outside cloak. Otherwise he gets soaked every time he wants something from pack (ditto satchel, when he wears it).
[[Which makes the cloak pretty useless as protection against the weather because it will be constrained by the backpack's straps and only protect the back of the wearer and the back of their legs.]]
(b) backpack is more like a day pack than a multi-day hiking pack. (c) as per current DnD incarnation, Scimitar is a light weapon (nothing like the ones in HeroForge)
[[Agreed. More like a sabre.]]
(d) one sword could slip into side-straps on backpack, or just across the back of the pack as per HeroForge (though I really dislike the HeroForge placement).
[[I have no issue with strapping the sword to the backpack and the scimitar as I see it, with its shorter, curved blade, should be easily drawn from this position if the placement is correct for easy reaching. (Unlike longer swords which don't really work at all if carried on the back in a scabbard; people's arms just aren't that long).]]
(e) The second sword would also be wrapped in cloth.
[[Not sure a cloth is necessary. The fitting of the sword into the sheathe or scabbard should be tight enough so that casual rain isn't going to penetrate inside. The wrapping is also not going to disguise what the weapon is either.]]
FWIW, I have more difficulty with the side-worn sword than one strapped to his pack (any time he crouches it scrapes, ISTM), and was originally toying with having one each side of the pack...which might be a better option in fact.
[[Agreed. Swords can be damned inconvenient, says he who in the old days wore replica swords to SCA events and more often than not took them off to sit at a table.]]
If this is too implausible, then I can leave the second sword behind, or wear one on each side, or both on the pack.]]
[[As above, it's the cloak that make this combination make no sense to me. If I were Brand, I would be wearing the backpack under the cloak to protect its contents (the backpack is unlikely to be completely waterproof) and have the sword(s) at his side. Or, trust to the waterproofing of the backpack, strap the sword(s) to the backpack (hoping I get the chance to draw them if I am attacked), and not wear the cloak at all because it is effectively useless under the backpack.]]
[[The attic has shutters (glass is too expensive to use it for all windows) and the roof is steep, but he could leave that way. Otherwise, the stones make it very easy to leave the residence at this time of night and in this weather (It is still raining) when there are few people out and about. Note he will want to leave by the front of the house unless he is planning to travel by river in some way.]]
[[He will leave the residence in whatever way make it plausible he is still in the attic. I assume that means not visibly going down stairs where someone might see him.
With respect to front or back, he can just levitate over house to get where he needs to go. By the time he is outside he will be invisible.
He does plan to walk. He would like to get there ahead of the main party, and choose a location to watch from if possible. Under-cover, even better...but not IN the tunnel.
Bearing in mind the limitations above:]]
Brand becomes invisible and leaves the attic, moving cautiously through the house heading for [[nearest emptiest available exit point]].
[[ He levitates as necessary to get to the front ]]
...then moves stealthily down the road in the direction of the tunnel. When he is far enough away from the house, and away from likely prying eyes, he puts the levitation stone away, becomes visible again, then moves stealthily in the direction of the tunnel. When he nears the tunnel he looks for signs of guards and the party from the estate, while scanning for a good vantage point.
Brand successfully leaves the house undetected and is soon walking through the streets in the dark in the light rain. Before him in the distance he can see the first of the ever-burning torches of the Temple Ward, but here in these streets it is very dark. Just ahead of him he can see a group of people—one of whom is carrying a lantern hanging by a chain from a pole—making their way slowly through the streets, heading in the same direction that he is going. He has recently heard the faint calling of the second candle of the night.
[[Is Brand using a light source of any kind? Or perhaps something else? What does he do with regard to the group of people?]]
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[Which makes the cloak pretty useless as protection against the weather because it will be constrained by the backpack's straps and only protect the back of the wearer and the back of their legs.]] ... not wear the cloak at all because it is effectively useless under the backpack.
[[ This may be a point of diffrerent reality: I see the cloak as a long rain coat. When I bushwalk I always wear the backpack outside the raincoat.
In this instance I see the cloak has several functions:
(a) a hood (b) Rain protection at front and back (can wrap) (c) Camouflage (night-blue or green) (d) can theoretically dump the backpack (non-essential items, if I carry the swords (e) Potential for pockets carrying light items (none currently)
However, we may differ on the backpack also; I see it as waterproof, and you do not...perhaps water-sensitive stuff in a sack? Or a waxed inner-sack?]]
[I have no issue with strapping the sword to the backpack and the scimitar as I see it, with its shorter, curved blade, should be easily drawn from this position
I agree with this thinking, also, when he crouches, the swords will be much less likely to unbalance him or clatter.
Not sure a cloth is necessary.
That's mainly for sound-proofing; perhaps even only wrapped around the bottom of the scabbard.
replica swords to SCA events and more often than not took them off to sit at a table.
lol. yeah. I can imagine!
[[Is Brand using a light source of any kind? Or perhaps something else? What does he do with regard to the group of people?]]
When he can no longer trust night vision...is there diffuse moonlight? You did say there were street lights...he will use Darkvision. In any case, when he gets near the tunnels, I assume he will have to.
In the intervening time, he will either use available light, or use darkvision. Though delaying that is best.
He will avoid all people wherever possible. Not the mish.
[[Which makes the cloak pretty useless as protection against the weather because it will be constrained by the backpack's straps and only protect the back of the wearer and the back of their legs.]] ... not wear the cloak at all because it is effectively useless under the backpack.
[[ This may be a point of diffrerent reality: I see the cloak as a long rain coat. When I bushwalk I always wear the backpack outside the raincoat.
In this instance I see the cloak has several functions:
(a) a hood (b) Rain protection at front and back (can wrap) (c) Camouflage (night-blue or green) (d) can theoretically dump the backpack (non-essential items, if I carry the swords (e) Potential for pockets carrying light items (none currently)
[[So... It's not a cloak, it's something more like a trench coat, which I'm fine with—except for the reversibility, because a trench coat and a rain coat both have sleeves.]]
However, we may differ on the backpack also; I see it as waterproof, and you do not...perhaps water-sensitive stuff in a sack? Or a waxed inner-sack?]]
[[It's not so much the material that is the problem, it's the means of securing the bag. Even with modern fasteners, the rain's going to get in either directly or through soakage, especially when the pack is not upright. And, if the backpack is completely sealed, or the goods to be kept dry are in an inner pack, then reaching them quickly is going to be impossible, just saying.]]
[[Is Brand using a light source of any kind? Or perhaps something else? What does he do with regard to the group of people?]]
When he can no longer trust night vision...is there diffuse moonlight? You did say there were street lights...he will use Darkvision. In any case, when he gets near the tunnels, I assume he will have to.
[[It is a very dark night and there are no streetlights in most of the city. The ever-burning torches, I mentioned previously are found in the Temple Ward and the Scholar's Ward. It is considered a major crime against Mithra to steal one of these in the Temple Ward and those in the Scholar's Ward have been known to call for help by themselves and so are left very much alone.]]
In the intervening time, he will either use available light, or use darkvision. Though delaying that is best.
He will avoid all people wherever possible. Not the mish.
Using the available light from the few buildings he is passing that are showing lights, Brand makes his way through the streets avoiding contact with other people. His travel is slow, but uneventful.
After a while he is once more starting to feel cold, but he has reached the point where he needs to work out how he is going to reach the tunnel that is his destination (To be exactly sure, please tell me which one: the outflow or the one starting at the shrine of Oannes). To get to either of these tunnels, he has two choices: a)he can enter the ward as normal and head to the tunnel through the streets; or b)he can divert to the river's edge to avoid the public areas.
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---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[So... It's not a cloak, it's something more like a trench coat, which I'm fine with—except for the reversibility, because a trench coat and a rain coat both have sleeves.]]
There's capes, there's cloaks and there's coats. This is a cloak.
Maybe that's not what you thought Brand was wearing -- and maybe it's not. I'd probably go with something slightly shorter, and without the silly collar. Definitely a hood tho. It's why I've been saying "he opens/closes" the cloak; they are not small.
Even with modern fasteners, the rain's going to get in either directly or through soakage
I carry cameras and laptop and my modern (Goretex + moisture repellent + 2 layers) backpack. Only time I worry is when I open it. Older tech, yeah...it's an issue.
the goods to be kept dry are in an inner pack, then reaching them quickly is going to be impossible, just saying.
This I can live with; he's gotta take it off, probably shake off the water (or risk contents getting somewhat wet, which he might do), undo straps, and get to inner bag. His backpack is for when he's recovering, recuperating, resupplying, or after a battle to heal people.
those in the Scholar's Ward have been known to call for help by themselves and so are left very much alone
[[ lol. Shades of Terry Pratchet! ]]
...he has reached the point where he needs to work out how he is going to reach the tunnel that is his destination (To be exactly sure, please tell me which one: the outflow or the one starting at the shrine of Oannes). To get to either of these tunnels, he has two choices: a)he can enter the ward as normal and head to the tunnel through the streets; or b)he can divert to the river's edge to avoid the public areas.
[[ IIRC, the outflow was the nearest one. Let me know if not. ]]
[[ I think you said it was a 10 minute walk, or 5 minute boat ride; when he gets withing 4 minutes walk, he will divert to the river, levitating and invisible if necessary. It would be nice to get a bit of the lay of the land on the streets, but not essential.
Main task: He wants to be sure that the boat does not pass him, and does not want to meet any members of the public. He would also be scanning for hiding places near the tunnel entrance.
He will also keep an eye out for the boat passing him by, in case he picked the wrong entrance (he's gone to nearest, unless I misunderstood above): sanity check again, the rats were on the Oasnnes route? ]]
[[So... It's not a cloak, it's something more like a trench coat, which I'm fine with—except for the reversibility, because a trench coat and a rain coat both have sleeves.]]
There's capes, there's cloaks and there's coats. This is a cloak.
Maybe that's not what you thought Brand was wearing -- and maybe it's not. I'd probably go with something slightly shorter, and without the silly collar. Definitely a hood tho. It's why I've been saying "he opens/closes" the cloak; they are not small.
[[This is not a biggy. I just can't imagine what this thing looks like and how a backpack can be worn with it sensibly. Can you show me another picture? The one behind the link doesn't help me understand me understand how a backpack can be worn on the outside and still allow the cloak to provide any sort of protection from the elements.]]
Even with modern fasteners, the rain's going to get in either directly or through soakage
I carry cameras and laptop and my modern (Goretex + moisture repellent + 2 layers) backpack. Only time I worry is when I open it. Older tech, yeah...it's an issue.
[[It's an issue. This is not modern tech.]]
the goods to be kept dry are in an inner pack, then reaching them quickly is going to be impossible, just saying.
This I can live with; he's gotta take it off, probably shake off the water (or risk contents getting somewhat wet, which he might do), undo straps, and get to inner bag. His backpack is for when he's recovering, recuperating, resupplying, or after a battle to heal people.
[[Fair enough. As long as you realised I'm not going to let you get something out of your backpack as an action in a combat round.]]
those in the Scholar's Ward have been known to call for help by themselves and so are left very much alone
[[ lol. Shades of Terry Pratchet! ]]
...he has reached the point where he needs to work out how he is going to reach the tunnel that is his destination (To be exactly sure, please tell me which one: the outflow or the one starting at the shrine of Oannes). To get to either of these tunnels, he has two choices: a)he can enter the ward as normal and head to the tunnel through the streets; or b)he can divert to the river's edge to avoid the public areas.
[[ IIRC, the outflow was the nearest one. Let me know if not. ]]
[[Correct.]]
[[ I think you said it was a 10 minute walk, or 5 minute boat ride; when he gets withing 4 minutes walk, he will divert to the river, levitating and invisible if necessary. It would be nice to get a bit of the lay of the land on the streets, but not essential.
[[Slower because of the conditions, but I will assume he is going to approach it along the river bank.]]
Main task: He wants to be sure that the boat does not pass him, and does not want to meet any members of the public. He would also be scanning for hiding places near the tunnel entrance.
He will also keep an eye out for the boat passing him by, in case he picked the wrong entrance (he's gone to nearest, unless I misunderstood above): sanity check again, the rats were on the Oasnnes route? ]]
[[Correct.]]
It is hard and slow moving along the edge of the river in the dark and in the rain and as Brand gets closer to where he is expecting to find the outflow channel from the cistern he sees that this might be harder than expected because there are many outlets spewing storm-water run-off into the river along this length of the riverbank. The one good thing, is that there has been no boat activity up this side of the river, so he believes he has beaten Fazal and the others here.
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Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
This is not a biggy. I just can't imagine what this thing looks like and how a backpack can be worn with it sensibly
[[ OK. I need to think. I have a cloak, and a long coat. I will experiment. Tench coat is also very appleaning. Pockets are also good.]]
As long as you realised I'm not going to let you get something out of your backpack as an action in a combat round.
That sounds fine. Best I can imagine in one combat round is throwing the backpack, and running. I do expect to be able to draw sword tho!
The one good thing, is that there has been no boat activity up this side of the river, so he believes he has beaten Fazal and the others here.
Brand regrets leaving quite so early, realizing that it could be a long night. He should have had some of the fortified wine his father has recently been experimenting with. It's not up to the Brand standard, but it's definitely got value on a cold night.
He casts around for a secluded spot with a view of the river and some shelter, waiting for a likely boat to pass.
[[ He noted nearby buildings, does he have a reasonable view on the likely tunnel, or is he completely unsure? ]]
[[ I admit, arms/sleeves are a possible problem. But it's not toally useless, and can certainly wrap around even with pack on.
Some cloaks actually have arm holes, which I assume might be mandatory for wearing a pack.They are actually useful for when the cloak is closed and you need to use an arm, for example top open a gate.
Edit: I asked a while ago about drizabone...trench coat is probably pretty close, though a leather(?) version with polish/oil/wax to avoid water absorption seems like it might be a better option. My army Great Coat (wool) is actually great in the rain...until it gets *totally* soaked...then it's much too heavy. It does take many hours to get soaked tho.
This: " Period advertisements from World War I reveal that the trench coat was sized to wear over the British Warm, to offer water protection when the temperature was cold enough to require the heavier coat, which explains the traditionally generous sizing of trench coats" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_coat )
...sounds pretty good. Maybe more like an oilskin; warm stuff underneath. It could also be double-sided.
I should note tho that in Brand's case, he'd probably go for something that looks relatively 'normal']]
[[ I admit, arms/sleeves are a possible problem. But it's not toally useless, and can certainly wrap around even with pack on.
[[Fair enough. Cloak it is, but in practice, the cloak isn't going to do much protecting at the front.]]
Some cloaks actually have arm holes, which I assume might be mandatory for wearing a pack.They are actually useful for when the cloak is closed and you need to use an arm, for example top open a gate. ]]
[[I've seen cloaks with the arm holes, but I don't think that would help much because you wouldn't be able to withdraw your arms inside the cloak.]]
Brand regrets leaving quite so early, realizing that it could be a long night. He should have had some of the fortified wine his father has recently been experimenting with. It's not up to the Brand standard, but it's definitely got value on a cold night.
He casts around for a secluded spot with a view of the river and some shelter, waiting for a likely boat to pass.
[[ He noted nearby buildings, does he have a reasonable view on the likely tunnel, or is he completely unsure? ]]
[[The bit of the river bank he is on is between the river and the temple of Aieda. The temples themselves sit on a high point of ground that the river flows around. The bank here is quite steep and rises about four metres to the level of the bottom of the wall around the temple. Of the many outlets Brand has seen, there are only three that he thinks could be the outflow pipe of the cistern; the only ones large enough for a man to be able to enter. However, at the moment, all of them have torrents of water spilling out of them.
In the end, he finds shelter under the mouth of the largest of them. He is out of the rain but behind the cascading water. It is almost pitch black on the bank of the river at this point with the only lights visible being far away across the river. I feel at this point he would need to be using his Darkvision spell.]]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ I feel at this point he would need to be using his Darkvision spell. ]]
[[ I agree. How wide is this branch of the river? Can he see far enough across to be sure no boat is slipping by.
If he waits 30 min, and still no boat, then he might move a little up the river (levitate/invis) to see what he can see...10 min walk is probably less than 1km from house...probably less as crow flies... if he starts heading that way (via river), are there any sounds of commotion?
While waiting he has invis and levitate in gloves again]]
[[ I feel at this point he would need to be using his Darkvision spell. ]]
[[ I agree. How wide is this branch of the river? Can he see far enough across to be sure no boat is slipping by.
[[With the Darkvision spell in operation, he can see well enough to be sure there is no boat passing within 60 feet of him. He is also sure that there are no living things larger than a frog around him, above the water. The river is a lot wider than 60' though, more like four times that.]]
If he waits 30 min, and still no boat, then he might move a little up the river (levitate/invis) to see what he can see...10 min walk is probably less than 1km from house...probably less as crow flies... if he starts heading that way (via river), are there any sounds of commotion?
While waiting he has invis and levitate in gloves again]]
[[Is the Stone of Unseeing active?]]
Brand has just begun to think he needs to get out of his crouched position, so as to give his legs a rest, when he becomes aware of a dim light coming towards him from downriver.
[[And I'm afraid that's it for the night. cya.]]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[Not while in tunnel unless he hears something unexpected.]]
Brand has just begun to think he needs to get out of his crouched position, so as to give his legs a rest, when he becomes aware of a dim light coming towards him from downriver.
[[ Down-, or up- river? My image had the temples being nearer the mouth...you probably mentioned this before and I had comprehension failure.
In any case, would that be the right direction for the light to be coming along the river from the house? ]]
[[ If from house, or if they seem to be making their way towards him, Brand waits until they are a minute or so away then uses the Stone on Unseeing and Levitation and leaves the tunnel so that they can enter without him obstructing their progress...he will seek out shelter under a tree, if possible. Somewhere he can actually 'hide' in the traditional sense as well.
Before he leaves, he glances around...(should have done this before)...how wide and tall is the tunnel, and it is just a single 'tube', or are there other features visible? There's a possibility (eg. if it's 18' tall or has many branches) that he might stay, but I doubt it. He's not going to go far into tunnel, he'll just rely on 60' vision to check. ]]
Abrams turns away from where he has been supervising servants preparing trays of fruit, cheese, and hot beverages.
"Master Alaric," he says, "Are you after more food? I can put together another sandwich, if you like?"
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ Links Index ]]
The Residence
Constraints
As long as the second storey on the river side looks out over the surrounding wall, this shouldn't be a problem.
Jon Lazlo has his own small apartment near the front door, separate from the rest of the servants, so he is close to the front entrance. This should also allow him to monitor the comings and goings through the second entrance.
This was the room where Brand spied on the participants with his father, so don't forget the secret passage between it and his father's bedroom.
This would probably double as the meeting room referenced above.
Perhaps there should be a secret tunnel leading from the cellar to the river bank outside the walls for emergency evacuation, if necessary. This could be an extension of the sewer and is likely something Fazal Ahmet would have been involved in the building of. Actually, he would have been involved in a lot of this as he is also a general builder.
+ whatever else seems to work?
[[ Ignore ]]
[[ Cool, more than I expected. I'm sure you're just punishing me for my reduced wisdom ;-) ]]
Wisdom: 11 (Edit: HAH!)
[[See [[ SOE List ]]; this is what I expect him to carry when he leaves. The bolded stuff is what has changed since you last saw it.
Bye the rules he is unencumbered, and has wrapped things that might rattle in cloth. Does this seem a reasonable list to you for me to expect to sneak, fight etc? ]]
Brand considers for a moment, noting what looks like preparations for the end of the meal. "On second thoughts... it's been a long day. Perhaps I shall just get some rest. Good night, Abrams" he says, as he turns and head back to the attic.
[[He will try to leave surreptitiously. If the attic has a window, that he can close (perhaps using mage hand), he will leave that way; is the roof steep, flat, somewhere between? Otherwise, if there is a courtyard, he will go there, hide, go invisible, and levitate out. If no courtyard, is there an egress point that does not involve going through kitchens and lots of people?
The basic plan would be: get to somewhere in house near the egress that has few people. Hide. Go invisible. Invis. stone (left glove), Levitate stone (right glove), leave...heading toward the tunnel. Once clear of the house and general area (100m?) he will hide, become visible, and put the levitate stone back in the bandolier, freeing up his right hand.]]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ Next to the 10' pole?
My assumption is that:
(a) backpack is outside cloak. Otherwise he gets soaked every time he wants something from pack (ditto satchel, when he wears it).
(b) backpack is more like a day pack than a multi-day hiking pack.
(c) as per current DnD incarnation, Scimitar is a light weapon (nothing like the ones in HeroForge)
(d) one sword could slip into side-straps on backpack, or just across the back of the pack as per HeroForge (though I really dislike the HeroForge placement).
(e) The second sword would also be wrapped in cloth.
FWIW, I have more difficulty with the side-worn sword than one strapped to his pack (any time he crouches it scrapes, ISTM), and was originally toying with having one each side of the pack...which might be a better option in fact.
If this is too implausible, then I can leave the second sword behind, or wear one on each side, or both on the pack.]]
[[He will leave the residence in whatever way make it plausible he is still in the attic. I assume that means not visibly going down stairs where someone might see him.
With respect to front or back, he can just levitate over house to get where he needs to go. By the time he is outside he will be invisible.
He does plan to walk. He would like to get there ahead of the main party, and choose a location to watch from if possible. Under-cover, even better...but not IN the tunnel.
Bearing in mind the limitations above:]]
Brand becomes invisible and leaves the attic, moving cautiously through the house heading for [[nearest emptiest available exit point]].
[[ He levitates as necessary to get to the front ]]
...then moves stealthily down the road in the direction of the tunnel. When he is far enough away from the house, and away from likely prying eyes, he puts the levitation stone away, becomes visible again, then moves stealthily in the direction of the tunnel. When he nears the tunnel he looks for signs of guards and the party from the estate, while scanning for a good vantage point.
The Guillame timeline is a bit of a blur for me; we interacted but I don't even know who I was playing at the time. Does Andrew think Guillame knows Brand?
Brand successfully leaves the house undetected and is soon walking through the streets in the dark in the light rain. Before him in the distance he can see the first of the ever-burning torches of the Temple Ward, but here in these streets it is very dark. Just ahead of him he can see a group of people—one of whom is carrying a lantern hanging by a chain from a pole—making their way slowly through the streets, heading in the same direction that he is going. He has recently heard the faint calling of the second candle of the night.
[[Is Brand using a light source of any kind? Or perhaps something else? What does he do with regard to the group of people?]]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ This may be a point of diffrerent reality: I see the cloak as a long rain coat. When I bushwalk I always wear the backpack outside the raincoat.
In this instance I see the cloak has several functions:
(a) a hood
(b) Rain protection at front and back (can wrap)
(c) Camouflage (night-blue or green)
(d) can theoretically dump the backpack (non-essential items, if I carry the swords
(e) Potential for pockets carrying light items (none currently)
However, we may differ on the backpack also; I see it as waterproof, and you do not...perhaps water-sensitive stuff in a sack? Or a waxed inner-sack?]]
I agree with this thinking, also, when he crouches, the swords will be much less likely to unbalance him or clatter.
That's mainly for sound-proofing; perhaps even only wrapped around the bottom of the scabbard.
lol. yeah. I can imagine!
When he can no longer trust night vision...is there diffuse moonlight? You did say there were street lights...he will use Darkvision. In any case, when he gets near the tunnels, I assume he will have to.
In the intervening time, he will either use available light, or use darkvision. Though delaying that is best.
He will avoid all people wherever possible. Not the mish.
Using the available light from the few buildings he is passing that are showing lights, Brand makes his way through the streets avoiding contact with other people. His travel is slow, but uneventful.
After a while he is once more starting to feel cold, but he has reached the point where he needs to work out how he is going to reach the tunnel that is his destination (To be exactly sure, please tell me which one: the outflow or the one starting at the shrine of Oannes). To get to either of these tunnels, he has two choices: a)he can enter the ward as normal and head to the tunnel through the streets; or b)he can divert to the river's edge to avoid the public areas.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
There's capes, there's cloaks and there's coats. This is a cloak.
Maybe that's not what you thought Brand was wearing -- and maybe it's not. I'd probably go with something slightly shorter, and without the silly collar. Definitely a hood tho. It's why I've been saying "he opens/closes" the cloak; they are not small.
I carry cameras and laptop and my modern (Goretex + moisture repellent + 2 layers) backpack. Only time I worry is when I open it. Older tech, yeah...it's an issue.
This I can live with; he's gotta take it off, probably shake off the water (or risk contents getting somewhat wet, which he might do), undo straps, and get to inner bag. His backpack is for when he's recovering, recuperating, resupplying, or after a battle to heal people.
[[ lol. Shades of Terry Pratchet! ]]
[[ IIRC, the outflow was the nearest one. Let me know if not. ]]
[[ I think you said it was a 10 minute walk, or 5 minute boat ride; when he gets withing 4 minutes walk, he will divert to the river, levitating and invisible if necessary. It would be nice to get a bit of the lay of the land on the streets, but not essential.
Main task: He wants to be sure that the boat does not pass him, and does not want to meet any members of the public. He would also be scanning for hiding places near the tunnel entrance.
He will also keep an eye out for the boat passing him by, in case he picked the wrong entrance (he's gone to nearest, unless I misunderstood above): sanity check again, the rats were on the Oasnnes route? ]]
[[ This needs to be explored. Trench coats are cool. Might need one in the wardrobe. Or tonight he's wearing the dark one. ]]
It is hard and slow moving along the edge of the river in the dark and in the rain and as Brand gets closer to where he is expecting to find the outflow channel from the cistern he sees that this might be harder than expected because there are many outlets spewing storm-water run-off into the river along this length of the riverbank. The one good thing, is that there has been no boat activity up this side of the river, so he believes he has beaten Fazal and the others here.
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ OK. I need to think. I have a cloak, and a long coat. I will experiment. Tench coat is also very appleaning. Pockets are also good.]]
That sounds fine. Best I can imagine in one combat round is throwing the backpack, and running. I do expect to be able to draw sword tho!
Brand regrets leaving quite so early, realizing that it could be a long night. He should have had some of the fortified wine his father has recently been experimenting with. It's not up to the Brand standard, but it's definitely got value on a cold night.
He casts around for a secluded spot with a view of the river and some shelter, waiting for a likely boat to pass.
[[ He noted nearby buildings, does he have a reasonable view on the likely tunnel, or is he completely unsure? ]]
[[ Famous wearer of a cloak and backpack ]]
[[ I admit, arms/sleeves are a possible problem. But it's not toally useless, and can certainly wrap around even with pack on.
Some cloaks actually have arm holes, which I assume might be mandatory for wearing a pack.They are actually useful for when the cloak is closed and you need to use an arm, for example top open a gate.
Ah-ha. I dont like reddit...but "cloaks with arm holes"
Edit: I asked a while ago about drizabone...trench coat is probably pretty close, though a leather(?) version with polish/oil/wax to avoid water absorption seems like it might be a better option. My army Great Coat (wool) is actually great in the rain...until it gets *totally* soaked...then it's much too heavy. It does take many hours to get soaked tho.
This: " Period advertisements from World War I reveal that the trench coat was sized to wear over the British Warm, to offer water protection when the temperature was cold enough to require the heavier coat, which explains the traditionally generous sizing of trench coats" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_coat )
...sounds pretty good. Maybe more like an oilskin; warm stuff underneath. It could also be double-sided.
I should note tho that in Brand's case, he'd probably go for something that looks relatively 'normal']]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ I feel at this point he would need to be using his Darkvision spell. ]]
[[ I agree. How wide is this branch of the river? Can he see far enough across to be sure no boat is slipping by.
If he waits 30 min, and still no boat, then he might move a little up the river (levitate/invis) to see what he can see...10 min walk is probably less than 1km from house...probably less as crow flies... if he starts heading that way (via river), are there any sounds of commotion?
While waiting he has invis and levitate in gloves again]]
Brand has just begun to think he needs to get out of his crouched position, so as to give his legs a rest, when he becomes aware of a dim light coming towards him from downriver.
[[And I'm afraid that's it for the night. cya.]]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
[[ No worries. cya. ]]
[[Not while in tunnel unless he hears something unexpected.]]
[[ Down-, or up- river? My image had the temples being nearer the mouth...you probably mentioned this before and I had comprehension failure.
In any case, would that be the right direction for the light to be coming along the river from the house? ]]
[[ If from house, or if they seem to be making their way towards him, Brand waits until they are a minute or so away then uses the Stone on Unseeing and Levitation and leaves the tunnel so that they can enter without him obstructing their progress...he will seek out shelter under a tree, if possible. Somewhere he can actually 'hide' in the traditional sense as well.
Before he leaves, he glances around...(should have done this before)...how wide and tall is the tunnel, and it is just a single 'tube', or are there other features visible? There's a possibility (eg. if it's 18' tall or has many branches) that he might stay, but I doubt it. He's not going to go far into tunnel, he'll just rely on 60' vision to check. ]]