"I'm not sure I do actually agree with you, son," says Brand's father, "but I do agree we should talk about this later."
As he was speaking, he moved back to the door to his study. "I'll give you some privacy and see you later. And be careful on the streets. If the motive is racial, all Sorendenese might be at risk."
With this warning, he leaves the room, closing the door in the process.
Mikkel arrives as Brand is still trying to shuck himself out of his chain mail shirt—it is much easier to remove with help—and Brand is soon in his street gear.
[[Please make sure you note everything you want him to be carrying on the character sheet.]]
[[Regarding contacting Dalshar: there are no established protocols. Brand knows his old haunts and would need to go to one of them and ask around.]]
"Well, Master Alaric," says Mikkel after he has made a tidy pile of Brand's travelling gear. "Are we to stay here tonight? Or should we find a tavern?"
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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.
"I think we will stay here, there is more I need to discuss with Father. I am not sure how long I will be gone, but would like to be back for dinner [[when??]]. And... while you are exploring the town, keep your eyes and ears open; I'd be interested in what you might find out from idle chatter. No need to pry. Be careful also, the town is on edge. I told Abrams that you are doing some errands for me, so you should have the afternoon to yourself."
[[ What is sleeping situation? Brand would have no problem sleeping in the library, but if there is an inn across the road (unlikely, I assume) he would say to Mikkel, "When you are done, get us some rooms at the XXX", and hand him some cash. Actually, nah....but...is there an inn nearby?]]
[[When is sunset?]] [[Would he be OK carrying a sword on his back with a peace-string? If so, add that]]
"I think we will stay here, there is more I need to discuss with Father. I am not sure how long I will be gone, but would like to be back for dinner [[when??]]. And... while you are exploring the town, keep your eyes and ears open; I'd be interested in what you might find out from idle chatter. No need to pry. Be careful also, the town is on edge. I told Abrams that you are doing some errands for me, so you should have the afternoon to yourself."
[[Not usual circumstances, so Brand can't tell. Normally would occur about a candle after dark.]]
[[ What is sleeping situation? Brand would have no problem sleeping in the library, but if there is an inn across the road (unlikely, I assume) he would say to Mikkel, "When you are done, get us some rooms at the XXX", and hand him some cash.]]
[[No inns close by, so Brand keeps his cash.]]
[[When is sunset?]]
[[Sunset is at least 4 candles (i.e., hours) away.]]
[[Would he be OK carrying a sword on his back with a peace-string? If so, add that]]
[[He would still attract attention from the guard, especially in the more high-class areas of the city, such as where he is and the scholar's district. And, if by clothes you meant leather armour before, this would also mark him as something more than a common civilian. I'm not saying there aren't people walking around the city like this, but they would stand out amongst the rest of the people.]]
[[Brand heads to SooS]]
[[Brand is hungry. He didn't have a lot to eat for breakfast and it is now well after lunch. Is he going to eat before he goes?]]
"Very well, Master Alaric," says Mikkel picking up Brand's gear. "I believe Abrams has found someone willing to give up their room, so I will wait until the room is ready and put your gear in there for safekeeping. But I will go out later on and see what I can find out."
He turns to leave, but then turns back and says, "If someone needs to find you, is there anywhere in particular you are going?"
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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.
[[What are the traidional light sources? Should he be carrying a lantern in his 'satchel'? Or is there something better? Or are streets lit?]]
[[In some places, the streets are lit, and there would be light from buildings and open windows. Normally, people needing to be out at night who don't have magic to produce light would use a lantern. You could probably also find someone in the popular areas of the town who would light your way through the streets as a paid service, some of these would also offer a protection service.
And now I'm off to bed. Night.]]
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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.
And, if by clothes you meant leather armour before
Yes. Leather. Will not carry sword; probably won't have time to go far enough to warrant it.
"I believe Abrams has found someone willing to give up their room, so I will wait until the room is ready and put your gear in there for safekeeping. But I will go out later on and see what I can find out."
Brand furrows his brow, "You did relay my message not to displace anyone, I assume?"
He turns to leave, but then turns back and says, "If someone needs to find you, is there anywhere in particular you are going?"
"The School of Occult Studies will be my first stop; and maybe the Compleat Sage [[That was bookshop?]]. Depending on time, I may also go to XXX [name of nearest and most reputable hangout of Dalshar]] for a drink, time permitting." [[How far and how dangerous is XXX?]]
Brand is hungry. He didn't have a lot to eat for breakfast and it is now well after lunch. Is he going to eat before he goes?
Go via the kitchens and grab some bread and cheese to eat while walking.
[[how long is walk to SoOS? And is the book shop near or on the way? If so, take the letter]]
"I believe Abrams has found someone willing to give up their room, so I will wait until the room is ready and put your gear in there for safekeeping. But I will go out later on and see what I can find out."
Brand furrows his brow, "You did relay my message not to displace anyone, I assume?"
"Yes, Master Alaric, I did," says Mikkel, "but I think he feels embarrassed that you don't have a bed to sleep in, in your own house. I'm afraid it is only one of the servant's rooms, in the attic, but at will be better than the stables."
He turns to leave, but then turns back and says, "If someone needs to find you, is there anywhere in particular you are going?"
"The School of Occult Studies will be my first stop; and maybe the Compleat Sage [[That was bookshop? Correct.]]. Depending on time, I may also go to XXX [name of nearest and most reputable hangout of Dalshar. Just that: 'The Triple X', its sign is three exs in a row.]] for a drink, time permitting." [[How far and how dangerous is XXX? Different part of the city, about twenty minutes from the Scholar's Ward. The danger depends on what you do and how many people you're with.]]
[[how long is walk to SoOS? And is the book shop near or on the way? If so, take the letter. The SooS and the shop are about the same distance and in the same direction, so I am assuming he is taking his mother's letter with him. The walk is about ten minutes across one of the bridges that cross the main branch of the Lyr that runs through the city.]]
Brand is hungry. He didn't have a lot to eat for breakfast and it is now well after lunch. Is he going to eat before he goes?
Go via the kitchens and grab some bread and cheese to eat while walking.
Brand enters the kitchen in search of food. As well as the normal servants he expects to see there is also a Sorendenese man carrying a saddle and other horse tack along with a backpack, a serviceable-looking sabre and other belongings. The man is talking with one of the staff and is being directed out the back to the stables.
1. How big is the attick room? Big enough for two? He probably explored there as a child. If he does not know, look in kitchen to see if Mikkel or Abrams are present and ask. If not present, speed up to catch saddle carrier and ask him: "sir/madam, are you lately evicted from the attick?"
If he is, continue "Is the room of sufficient size to take two bedrolls? If so, it may be more comfortable for us both to bunk there. Im the reason you were evicted."
If he is not, continue: grab some food, and leave...
2. How many guest rooms do we have? This will tell me how many others may be in house. We should have at least one...
3. Did he see extra horses in the stables before (would he even notice)?
4. Am I cirrent in assuming this: "tax payers who can't afford to sink their own wells get their water allocation delivered by third parties" means the wealthy and powerful don't use water carriers?]
1. How big is the attick room? Big enough for two? He probably explored there as a child. If he does not know, look in kitchen to see if Mikkel or Abrams are present and ask.
[[The room is big enough to sleep two, but there is only one bed.]]
If not present, speed up to catch saddle carrier and ask him: "sir/madam, are you lately evicted from the attick?"
If he is, continue "Is the room of sufficient size to take two bedrolls? If so, it may be more comfortable for us both to bunk there. Im the reason you were evicted."
If he is not, continue: grab some food, and leave...
2. How many guest rooms do we have? This will tell me how many others may be in house. We should have at least one...
[[There are three family bedrooms and three guest rooms plus sleeping quarters for the live-in servants.]]
3. Did he see extra horses in the stables before (would he even notice)?
[[He does remember there being more horses than normal, but there was room for his and Mikkel's horses, so he didn't pay much attention at the time.]]
4. Am I cirrent in assuming this: "tax payers who can't afford to sink their own wells get their water allocation delivered by third parties" means the wealthy and powerful don't use water carriers?]
[[Those people with a riverside property, or enough land and enough money to dig a well, would not have to use the water carriers. However, Brand is probably aware that river water and even water drawn up from the water table beneath the city, isn't of great quality and so many of the rich people in the city pay for bulk water to be delivered to their properties to supplement any rain water they have captured. Water delivered from registered suppliers is guaranteed clean and free of any unusual tastes or odours by the city.]]
]]
"Sir, are you lately evicted from the attic?" asks Brand.
The man turns and looks at Brand for a moment before says, "That would be right."
"The room is of sufficient size to take two bedrolls," says Brand. "It may be more comfortable for us both to bunk there. I'm the reason you were evicted."
The man considers for a moment and then smiles slightly before saying, "My horse is my normal... 'bunk' mate, so I'm more than happy to sleep in the stables with him... And besides, I was told the room was needed for a family member. Aren't you Koric Brand's son?"
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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.
[[many of the rich people in the city pay for bulk water to be delivered
Glad I clarified. I did misunderstand (again). He would have probably mentioned the water supply to Koric. Guessing it cant be retconned? No point in running all the way back. If it can be, he would have said:
"The Water Carriers. Is that what the map is about, the water supply, is that how they are being poisoned?]]
The man considers for a moment and then smiles slightly before saying, "My horse is my normal... 'bunk' mate, so I'm more than happy to sleep in the stables with him... And besides, I was told the room was needed for a family member. Aren't you Koric Brand's son?"
Brand bows his head slightly, "I am. Alaric Brand at your service. And you are most welcome back in the house should you change your mind. It can get quite cold here at night, even in the stables [[is this true? Don't say if not]]. And you are...?"
[[many of the rich people in the city pay for bulk water to be delivered
Glad I clarified. I did misunderstand (again). He would have probably mentioned the water supply to Koric. Guessing it cant be retconned? No point in running all the way back. If it can be, he would have said:
"The Water Carriers. Is that what the map is about, the water supply, is that how they are being poisoned?]]
[[Brand didn't get a good look at the map, but he did see enough to see the area being shown was girt on one side by a branch of the river. Whether that changes his mind as to what he does is up to you, but retconning would get very messy at this point.]]
The man considers for a moment and then smiles slightly before saying, "My horse is my normal... 'bunk' mate, so I'm more than happy to sleep in the stables with him... And besides, I was told the room was needed for a family member. Aren't you Koric Brand's son?"
Brand bows his head slightly, "I am. Alaric Brand at your service. And you are most welcome back in the house should you change your mind. It can get quite cold here at night, even in the stables [[is this true? Don't say if not. In winter it gets colder, but never gets to the point of snowing on this coastal plain. It is certainly colder here than in the more southerly parts of the Empire (i.e., we are in the northern hemisphere of the planet.]]. And you are...?"
Brand bows his head slightly, "I am. Alaric Brand at your service. And you are most welcome back in the house should you change your mind. And you are..."
"Call me Imad, Master Alaric," the man says returning Brand's bow. "Your father's employed me as one of a cadre of extra guards to protect your family estate for a month or so. So you might be seeing quite a bit of me for a while."
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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.
[[Brand didn't get a good look at the map, but he did see enough to see the area being shown was girt on one side by a branch of the river. Whether that changes his mind as to what he does is up to you, but retconning would get very messy at this point
Would have said something, but if retcon is messy lets not bother, I'll just assume it slipped his mind. ]]
"Then welcome, Imad. I'm sorry its under such circumstances, but I'm glad you are with us." [[If the man is looking like he is struggling with the gear, Brand will help, otherwise he will move on, after grabbing food]].
[[And hah! Dad doesn't agree the family is under threat, indeed. Though I must admit I was a bit surprised he did not have guards already.]]
1. How much would it cost to send a message to Ilbarsis? [[9 Nov 2019]]
Q:RULES
1. How does an attack from invisibility on an unaware, but awake opponent work? Does the awareness make a difference? auto-hit? plusses to hit? advantage? My assessment is that it's just doubled-up advantage which is just advantage.
2. When attacking from invisibility (or even sneak), how does TWF fit in? Does only the fist attack get the benefits of sneak/invis? My belief is that only the first attack gets advantage.
[[A hand with a stone in the glove would not be able to carry a weapon; the stones need to be at least partially held by the fingers of the hand to be able to work. I would also exclude it based on the rules as it would be like carrying three weapons.]]
Just considering this; first I'm not it's really like 3 weapons, since people can already wear rings, circlets etc. And brand has a spell in the hilt of his sword. With the exception of one of the stones, they do not (yet/even) function as weapons; they are much more akin to the many other devices in game.
However...If they have to contact fingers, then I agree it would be almost impossible to use a stone while wielding a weapon usefully (perhaps this is the 3-weapon idea you are referring to?). That said, he could, I would assert, probably use a shield, especially anything strapped to his arm, and only requiring basic use of the hand -- this example seems very different to the dexterity required for weapon use.
But, the question was not so much about using the stones while fighting, but about fighting while a stone is in the gloves. Specifically, does the presence of a stone preclude use of the weapon? I ask mainly because I want to know if he needs to remove stones from gloves after deactivating the stone before he tries to fight, and if he doesn't , what penalties he suffers
5. How does persuasion actually work in the game? Does one *always* make a persuasion check, even if the arguments are reasonable (as I think both are, though I appreciate there are other factors involved here). Is there such a thing as "passive persuasion" like for perception? Can I build multiple arguments on top of each and improve my possible outcome? Or is it always just down to the roll? In the larger mechanical context, say trying to convince Minton to go or stay, do I get a roll every 2 minutes? If I fail once, is that it, failed forever? I get re-using the same arguments each time is unlikely to succeed, but what about if new arguments are presented, or concern expressed are addressed? Classic example of the latter would be the process of bargaining(relevant post)
Q:Stones (26-Oct-2019)
1. Invisibility sees magical auras and effects....so is this correct: Brand {while invisible} would potentially (a) see if Minton had a different aura than he was used to seeing; (b) maybe see spells active on Minton; (c) see invisible people in the group (unless Grtr invis); (d) see if any people in the group had non-depleted magical auras. And any invisible guard would see Brand, so sneaking is still a good plan even when invisible. Just checking.
Common images? Are there aspects of the surrounds that are always similar, or in some way connected between dreams? Is the scenery the same, are the common elements no matter what the setting? Does he ever see more of his adversary than the eyes? This is more a question about common visual cues.
Q: Astral Travel (15-Oct-2019):
I'd suggest it only restarted in the last month or so, otherwise you are going to face me asking for details of 3 months Astral Travelling
Perhaps with the restart, Brand also started planning his return...is that when the dreams started, or was it more immediate when he started returning?
He would be cautious at first, finally heeding Nathaniels warnings -- perhaps just exploring New Nineveh a little.The caution won't last tho, now he's back in Constantine.
How often does he travel, and is he much closer to control? He's been meditating for a while, and reading Nathaniels book...
[[Re: Leather armour. I would possibly allow Brand to get customised leather armour that could pass as normal clothes. However, it would likely be not as effective against bludgeoning damage as it is the armour's bulk that provide the protection against that form of damage. How I would do that, I don't know yet, but if you want Brand to get some customised armour, I come up with something, but he would need to do it in game.]]
2. Would be interested to know how it might work in game terms...already dropping an AC is a big-ish hit (against a similar foe, +20% chance of being hit); D&D doesn't really do DR any more does it? I know you mentioned it for plate.
Q: Map or Mudmap (18-Oct-2019)
I think what we have so far is:
city on river delta (several arms)
several quarters (scholars...temple...???)
quarters possibly separated by bridges over arms of river
approximately 20 mins walk between quarters (Brand residence to SoOS, and SoOS to XXX)
An exit on the south side that leads almost immediately to a barge landing for crossing the river to join the south road.
My *guess* is the river is brackish, and wells too near the river would also be brackish.
[[Brand didn't get a good look at the map, but he did see enough to see the area being shown was girt on one side by a branch of the river. Whether that changes his mind as to what he does is up to you, but retconning would get very messy at this point
Would have said something, but if retcon is messy lets not bother, I'll just assume it slipped his mind. ]]
"Then welcome, Imad. I'm sorry its under such circumstances, but I'm glad you are with us." [[If the man is looking like he is struggling with the gear, Brand will help, otherwise he will move on, after grabbing food]].
[[And hah! Dad doesn't agree the family is under threat, indeed. Though I must admit I was a bit surprised he did not have guards already.]]
[[Brand would know that the estate does have guards, they are just not full time guards. He would also know that many of the people on the estate are trained regularly by Vosel.]]
Imad looks quite used to fending for himself and his kit seems to be efficiently small, as though he has been travelling for a long time. To support his observation, the leather armour he is wearing looks a little weatherbeaten and could do with a good waxing.
Brand gathers up some food under the momentarily annoyed noses of the kitchen servants and then follows Imad out into the courtyard to leave by the side gate.
As he steps out onto the street a cold wind makes him wrap his cloak around his shoulders [[Presuming he has brought it, it is listed as optional.]]. The clouds that had been to seawards this morning have now reached the city and it is likely there will be rain before too long.
Setting off through the city streets, he has just finished his purloined lunch when he reaches the bridge that crosses this arm of the river into the Scholar's Ward.
Most of the people he has passed in the street have also been hurrying on with their journeys because of the sudden change in weather, but he has not seen any other 'refugees'.
Brand now has a choice. Does he go to the Compleat Sage or the School first.
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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.
[[I'm going to answer your list of question incrementally, so that it doesn't slow down play (and so I can think about them): 5. Is anyone else present? No.]]
Making his way through the Scholar's Ward, Brand approaches the School of Occult Studies just as the heavens open up.
The rain starts bucketing down and Brand rushes to the door expecting Master Minton to be in the process of opening it, as usual. However, this time, nothing happens, except for the sound of barking coming from within.
[[I'm going to answer your list of question incrementally, so that it doesn't slow down play (and so I can think about them): 5. Is anyone else present? No.
Cool. Works for me, no rush. Updated post.]]
The rain starts bucketing down and Brand rushes to the door expecting Master Minton to be in the process of opening it, as usual. However, this time, nothing happens, except for the sound of barking coming from within.
Brand pauses, wraps his cloak closer around him and {rings the bell [[if bell exists]] | bashes on the gate }. As time passes, he focuses his mind, drawing on what he has learned from Nathaniel's writings, his own meditation, and from his experiences Astral Traveling. He tries to project single strong thought "Please open the door, Master Minton."
[[Of course, he probably does not get far through the mental preparations if he hears the sounds of approaching footsteps, or the door being opened]]
[[Minton isn't there 24x7. What happens normally? Does Brand know the dog?]]
[[4. Can he control the dreams? No. Unlike the lucid dreams Brand has that precede his astral travelling, these nightmare are seemingly beyond his control. They are also very brief because he always awakens before whatever is chasing him can catch him. ]]
The rain starts bucketing down and Brand rushes to the door expecting Master Minton to be in the process of opening it, as usual. However, this time, nothing happens, except for the sound of barking coming from within.
Brand pauses, wraps his cloak closer around him and bashes on the gate. As time passes, he focuses his mind, drawing on what he has learned from Nathaniel's writings, his own meditation, and from his experiences Astral Traveling. He tries to project single strong thought "Please open the door, Master Minton."
[[Roll a d20 for me, no bonus, but roll it at Advantage.]]
[[Of course, he probably does not get far through the mental preparations if he hears the sounds of approaching footsteps, or the door being opened]]
[[Minton isn't there 24x7. What happens normally? Does Brand know the dog?]]
[[In Brand's experience, Minton actually has been at the gate most of the time. His private quarters are the gatehouse, as it is far away from the rest of the School's live-in inhabitants. However, it has been quite a few tendays since Brand has visited Minton, either physically or astrally, and he has no experience of any dog being at the gatehouse.]]
The rain continues to pelt down and no one comes to answer the door.
[[Brand can try again, but he is surprised that Master Minton hasn't come to the door. Normally the problem is trying to prevent Minton hearing your thoughts.]]
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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.
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"I'm not sure I do actually agree with you, son," says Brand's father, "but I do agree we should talk about this later."
As he was speaking, he moved back to the door to his study. "I'll give you some privacy and see you later. And be careful on the streets. If the motive is racial, all Sorendenese might be at risk."
With this warning, he leaves the room, closing the door in the process.
Mikkel arrives as Brand is still trying to shuck himself out of his chain mail shirt—it is much easier to remove with help—and Brand is soon in his street gear.
[[Please make sure you note everything you want him to be carrying on the character sheet.]]
[[Regarding contacting Dalshar: there are no established protocols. Brand knows his old haunts and would need to go to one of them and ask around.]]
"Well, Master Alaric," says Mikkel after he has made a tidy pile of Brand's travelling gear. "Are we to stay here tonight? Or should we find a tavern?"
---
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 think we will stay here, there is more I need to discuss with Father. I am not sure how long I will be gone, but would like to be back for dinner [[when??]]. And... while you are exploring the town, keep your eyes and ears open; I'd be interested in what you might find out from idle chatter. No need to pry. Be careful also, the town is on edge. I told Abrams that you are doing some errands for me, so you should have the afternoon to yourself."
[[ What is sleeping situation?
Brand would have no problem sleeping in the library, but if there is an inn across the road (unlikely, I assume) he would say to Mikkel, "When you are done, get us some rooms at the XXX", and hand him some cash.Actually, nah....but...is there an inn nearby?]][[When is sunset?]]
[[Would he be OK carrying a sword on his back with a peace-string? If so, add that]]
[[Brand heads to SooS]]
[[What are the traidional light sources? Should he be carrying a lantern in his 'satchel'? Or is there something better? Or are streets lit?]]
"Very well, Master Alaric," says Mikkel picking up Brand's gear. "I believe Abrams has found someone willing to give up their room, so I will wait until the room is ready and put your gear in there for safekeeping. But I will go out later on and see what I can find out."
He turns to leave, but then turns back and says, "If someone needs to find you, is there anywhere in particular you are going?"
---
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.
Yes. Leather. Will not carry sword; probably won't have time to go far enough to warrant it.
Brand furrows his brow, "You did relay my message not to displace anyone, I assume?"
"The School of Occult Studies will be my first stop; and maybe the Compleat Sage [[That was bookshop?]]. Depending on time, I may also go to XXX [name of nearest and most reputable hangout of Dalshar]] for a drink, time permitting." [[How far and how dangerous is XXX?]]
Go via the kitchens and grab some bread and cheese to eat while walking.
[[how long is walk to SoOS? And is the book shop near or on the way? If so, take the letter]]
Brand enters the kitchen in search of food. As well as the normal servants he expects to see there is also a Sorendenese man carrying a saddle and other horse tack along with a backpack, a serviceable-looking sabre and other belongings. The man is talking with one of the staff and is being directed out the back to the stables.
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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.
[[Questions:
1. How big is the attick room? Big enough for two? He probably explored there as a child. If he does not know, look in kitchen to see if Mikkel or Abrams are present and ask. If not present, speed up to catch saddle carrier and ask him: "sir/madam, are you lately evicted from the attick?"
If he is, continue "Is the room of sufficient size to take two bedrolls? If so, it may be more comfortable for us both to bunk there. Im the reason you were evicted."
If he is not, continue: grab some food, and leave...
2. How many guest rooms do we have? This will tell me how many others may be in house. We should have at least one...
3. Did he see extra horses in the stables before (would he even notice)?
4. Am I cirrent in assuming this: "tax payers who can't afford to sink their own wells get their water allocation delivered by third parties" means the wealthy and powerful don't use water carriers?]
]]
"Sir, are you lately evicted from the attic?" asks Brand.
The man turns and looks at Brand for a moment before says, "That would be right."
"The room is of sufficient size to take two bedrolls," says Brand. "It may be more comfortable for us both to bunk there. I'm the reason you were evicted."
The man considers for a moment and then smiles slightly before saying, "My horse is my normal... 'bunk' mate, so I'm more than happy to sleep in the stables with him... And besides, I was told the room was needed for a family member. Aren't you Koric Brand's son?"
---
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.
Glad I clarified. I did misunderstand (again). He would have probably mentioned the water supply to Koric. Guessing it cant be retconned? No point in running all the way back. If it can be, he would have said:
"The Water Carriers. Is that what the map is about, the water supply, is that how they are being poisoned?]]
Brand bows his head slightly, "I am. Alaric Brand at your service. And you are most welcome back in the house should you change your mind. It can get quite cold here at night, even in the stables [[is this true? Don't say if not]]. And you are...?"
Brand bows his head slightly, "I am. Alaric Brand at your service. And you are most welcome back in the house should you change your mind. And you are..."
"Call me Imad, Master Alaric," the man says returning Brand's bow. "Your father's employed me as one of a cadre of extra guards to protect your family estate for a month or so. So you might be seeing quite a bit of me for a while."
---
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.
[[Brand didn't get a good look at the map, but he did see enough to see the area being shown was girt on one side by a branch of the river. Whether that changes his mind as to what he does is up to you, but retconning would get very messy at this point
Would have said something, but if retcon is messy lets not bother, I'll just assume it slipped his mind.
]]
"Then welcome, Imad. I'm sorry its under such circumstances, but I'm glad you are with us." [[If the man is looking like he is struggling with the gear, Brand will help, otherwise he will move on, after grabbing food]].
[[And hah! Dad doesn't agree the family is under threat, indeed. Though I must admit I was a bit surprised he did not have guards already.]]
[[ Outstanding questions link ]]
[[This is now my official outstanding questions post. I will update it as questions get answered or added, and add it to my signature ]]
[[ Index to Notes ]]
Q: GENERAL:
1. How much would it cost to send a message to Ilbarsis? [[9 Nov 2019]]
Q:RULES
1. How does an attack from invisibility on an unaware, but awake opponent work? Does the awareness make a difference? auto-hit? plusses to hit? advantage? My assessment is that it's just doubled-up advantage which is just advantage.
2. When attacking from invisibility (or even sneak), how does TWF fit in? Does only the fist attack get the benefits of sneak/invis? My belief is that only the first attack gets advantage.
3. Is "See the Arcane" documented?
4. Stones in Gloves and shields (relevant post):
Just considering this; first I'm not it's really like 3 weapons, since people can already wear rings, circlets etc. And brand has a spell in the hilt of his sword. With the exception of one of the stones, they do not (yet/even) function as weapons; they are much more akin to the many other devices in game.
However...If they have to contact fingers, then I agree it would be almost impossible to use a stone while wielding a weapon usefully (perhaps this is the 3-weapon idea you are referring to?). That said, he could, I would assert, probably use a shield, especially anything strapped to his arm, and only requiring basic use of the hand -- this example seems very different to the dexterity required for weapon use.
But, the question was not so much about using the stones while fighting, but about fighting while a stone is in the gloves. Specifically, does the presence of a stone preclude use of the weapon? I ask mainly because I want to know if he needs to remove stones from gloves after deactivating the stone before he tries to fight, and if he doesn't , what penalties he suffers
5. How does persuasion actually work in the game? Does one *always* make a persuasion check, even if the arguments are reasonable (as I think both are, though I appreciate there are other factors involved here). Is there such a thing as "passive persuasion" like for perception? Can I build multiple arguments on top of each and improve my possible outcome? Or is it always just down to the roll? In the larger mechanical context, say trying to convince Minton to go or stay, do I get a roll every 2 minutes? If I fail once, is that it, failed forever? I get re-using the same arguments each time is unlikely to succeed, but what about if new arguments are presented, or concern expressed are addressed? Classic example of the latter would be the process of bargaining (relevant post)
Q:Stones (26-Oct-2019)
1. Invisibility sees magical auras and effects....so is this correct: Brand {while invisible} would potentially (a) see if Minton had a different aura than he was used to seeing; (b) maybe see spells active on Minton; (c) see invisible people in the group (unless Grtr invis); (d) see if any people in the group had non-depleted magical auras. And any invisible guard would see Brand, so sneaking is still a good plan even when invisible. Just checking.
Q:DREAMS (15-Oct-2019) -> Existing answers moved to [[ the Dreams post ]].
Outstanding question:
Common images? Are there aspects of the surrounds that are always similar, or in some way connected between dreams? Is the scenery the same, are the common elements no matter what the setting? Does he ever see more of his adversary than the eyes? This is more a question about common visual cues.
Q: Astral Travel (15-Oct-2019):
Q: Leather Armor (17-Oct-2019) -> Moved to [[ Armour Notes ]]
Outstanding question:
[[Re: Leather armour. I would possibly allow Brand to get customised leather armour that could pass as normal clothes. However, it would likely be not as effective against bludgeoning damage as it is the armour's bulk that provide the protection against that form of damage. How I would do that, I don't know yet, but if you want Brand to get some customised armour, I come up with something, but he would need to do it in game.]]I think what we have so far is:
Imad looks quite used to fending for himself and his kit seems to be efficiently small, as though he has been travelling for a long time. To support his observation, the leather armour he is wearing looks a little weatherbeaten and could do with a good waxing.
Brand gathers up some food under the momentarily annoyed noses of the kitchen servants and then follows Imad out into the courtyard to leave by the side gate.
As he steps out onto the street a cold wind makes him wrap his cloak around his shoulders [[Presuming he has brought it, it is listed as optional.]]. The clouds that had been to seawards this morning have now reached the city and it is likely there will be rain before too long.
Setting off through the city streets, he has just finished his purloined lunch when he reaches the bridge that crosses this arm of the river into the Scholar's Ward.
Most of the people he has passed in the street have also been hurrying on with their journeys because of the sudden change in weather, but he has not seen any other 'refugees'.
Brand now has a choice. Does he go to the Compleat Sage or the School first.
---
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.
Brand now has a choice. Does he go to the Compleat Sage or the School first.
School.
[[And yes to cloak; the only time he would not take it would be if it is stiflingly hot]]
[[I'm going to answer your list of question incrementally, so that it doesn't slow down play (and so I can think about them): 5. Is anyone else present? No.]]
Making his way through the Scholar's Ward, Brand approaches the School of Occult Studies just as the heavens open up.
The rain starts bucketing down and Brand rushes to the door expecting Master Minton to be in the process of opening it, as usual. However, this time, nothing happens, except for the sound of barking coming from within.
---
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.
Cool. Works for me, no rush. Updated post.]]
Brand pauses, wraps his cloak closer around him and {rings the bell [[if bell exists]] | bashes on the gate }. As time passes, he focuses his mind, drawing on what he has learned from Nathaniel's writings, his own meditation, and from his experiences Astral Traveling. He tries to project single strong thought "Please open the door, Master Minton."
[[Of course, he probably does not get far through the mental preparations if he hears the sounds of approaching footsteps, or the door being opened]]
[[Minton isn't there 24x7. What happens normally? Does Brand know the dog?]]
[[ Outstanding questions link ]]
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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.
18
[[holy crap I'm sick of these rolls -- if this is a fail, can he try again? or is this a once off option?]]
[[ Outstanding questions link ]]
The rain continues to pelt down and no one comes to answer the door.
[[Brand can try again, but he is surprised that Master Minton hasn't come to the door. Normally the problem is trying to prevent Minton hearing your thoughts.]]
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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.