The man lets Brand speak to conclusion before saying, with a note of accusation in his voice, "And why do you think that we know about, or have anything to do with, the changes to the city and the death of the warlord? Just who do you think we are?"

"You asked what what knowledge I seek; I answered. Those are the things that interest me, in order of priority. I do not accuse you of anything. "

'"As to who I think you are, I believe you to be seekers of knowledge in all it's forms, who may be able to help me find answers to at least the most pressing of my questions. As seekers of knowledge, living in this city, I had also hoped you might have knowledge of the goings-on in the city. I apologize for the mistake."

[[ Re map:

Currently it's mostly in block form.

the un-secret corridors don't work

Which ones? The only un-secret ones marked are in Brand's area...and they seem OK to me...the rest is in block form, and waiting details.

highly redundant

Which bits? You mean the private suites for personal staff? Or just the two meals areas?

Why so many dining rooms

There's two...one private one public...there probably should be 3 ... one for the staff on the ground floor. Can move the main one downstairs (to the top of the current "Wine tasting Room" or to replace the "Morning Room", or even next to the wine tasting room), and add a 'servants hall' for servant eating space etc where the Laundry (ground floor) currently is, and move the laundry to the courtyard buildings next to the boiler (yet to be drawn). The 'Family Dining' could be renamed to 'Private Living Area' if that works better (or Family Room?). The intention is for it to be a non-public space where the family can have private meals; but any living area can do that.

Another alternative to the fixed purpose, would be to have "The Blue Room", the "Red Room" and the "Green Room" of whatever, where each can be purposed as needed: "We'll take tea in the Green Room this afternoon"..."Your father is waiting for you with the guests in the Red Room" etc etc

Edit: This might be the right solution, except in Koric's case we'd have The Desert Room, The Aquatic Room, The Forest Room, etc

what do you mean by a drawing room? The waiting room and it should be one and the same, in my opinion.

Works for me. 16th century building have a huge array of weird rooms. Morning rooms, Gentelmans Rooms, Drawing Rooms and Withdrawing Rooms, with the latter (two?) being a more private space for special guests.

while the master suites might have an area for ablutions the servant quarters wouldn't

Except you said Jon had one, so it seemed reasonable to give them to the personal staff. Having personal staff nearby is, IMO, far more useful than having them trudge up and down stairs all the time. Tho, 'Mikkels Rooms' could be replaced by 'Guest Room'...or something else?

Once everything is moved to the lower floor, we have very little to put upstairs. 3 suites I think (each with bed, ablut., study, parlour), and a library that doubles as a meeting room.

Also, Koric doesn't have a 'man' (Brand would have met him if he did)

He does have a business manager of some kind, that I have not met. At least that's what you said when I asked if he had someone who could represent his interests when he's not around. That space can be either deleted, or repurposed to his business manager I guess.

I guess in the context of the relationships currently established, Koric has Jon.

Checking: when Koric wan't a meal, or stuff cleaned, or his clothes laundered does he have a gopher for that? If it's Abrams, I reckon Abrams would have assigned Koric a personal gopher to keep mundane crap out of his own hair.

Having said all that, you need to add Koric's Study

Yeah, that's in the Koric/MrsB block, yet to be filled in.

 [[ Minor revisions, still need feedback on previous two versions ... but all nice and ambiguous now, with themed rooms based on Koric's 'hobby'.

Consistent with the ambiguity, the 'Meeting' room should be renamed "The Map Room", with an appropriate theme, and be the place that he usually holds meetings.]]

[[Snatching some time while I'm at work. The city residence planning will have to wait because I want to follow up on what is happening in the Compleat Sage.]]

"My concern is that you might be working for the Crown, or worse: the Temple," says the man. "Still, there is a way to find that out."

[[Please make a roll for Initiative as the man starts casting a spell.]]

Initiative: 21

[[ Just when I didn't want a high number ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Initiative: 21

[[ Just when I didn't want a high number ]]

Hela's Initiative: 13 [[Hela's is surprised, so won't act this round.]]

Jay's Initiative: 19

[[It is Brand's move, and he is now considered in combat. No hurry to reply though as I won't be able to do anything else until I get home]]

[[ I don't think he would attack with a weapon...but he would try to avoid a spell ]]

"What are you doing?" he asks as he leaps across the room and grapples Jay, trying to get behind him, immobilize his right hand and cover his mouth. "Explain yourself, and I may consent."

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ I don't think he would attack with a weapon...but he would try to avoid a spell ]]

"What are you doing?" he asks as he leaps across the room and grapples Jay, trying to get behind him, immobilize his right hand and cover his mouth. "Explain yourself, and I may consent."

[[Jay was clearly unaware that Brand could see what he was doing in the darkened room, so he doesn't get surprise against Brand like he did against Helas, who didn't see the actions. However, because of the cluttered nature of the bookstore and the fact that Helas is partly in the way, I am going to ask you to roll a Dexterity check versus a DC of 10 with Advantage (it is something of a surprising action to Helas) to be able to reach Jay before he can get the 1 Action casting time spell off; Brand is responding to his beginning the action after all. However, the most important thing is that Brand knows he is in a combat situation, so if he has to save against the spell, it will be at Advantage because of this knowledge.]]

Dex(a): 8

[[ Sureley Helas is behind Brand, since he was just ushered through the door?

Edit: nvm, we had dialog, so he might have moved between us.

What is a 1 action spell? And how does that fit with movement, initiative etc ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Dex(a): 8

[[ Sureley Helas is behind Brand, since he was just ushered through the door? ]]

[[He was also interceding on Brand's behalf with Jay while talking with Brand with a lit candlestick in his hand, which he was using to show the way. There are other factors involved as well. Note, Helas doesn't get an Attack of Opportunity as Brand leaves because Helas is Surprised; the room is very dark to him.]] 

Hoping to stop Jay from casting his spell Brand rushes him. Something squeals underfoot as he moves towards the spell caster, slowing Brand just enough for the man to get his spell off.

[[Make a Wisdom saving throw at Advantage versus a DC of 13.]]

[[ Time out! Just realized DEX roll was not at advantage: 2nd roll here:

2nd dex roll: 22

[[ Just so I'm clear when I'm a caster, but how does he get a spell off when I have initiative and 60' movement in my turn? In this instance, it's probably for the best...but I don't want to also kill the bloody rat! At least let me fail to make it because I chose not to kill the rat. ]]

Wis Addv (really): 16

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Time out! Just realized DEX roll was not at advantage: 2nd roll here:

2nd dex roll: 8

[[ Just so I'm clear when I'm a caster, but how does he get a spell off when I have initiative and 60' movement in my turn? In this instance, it's probably for the best...but I don't want to also kill the bloody rat! At least let me fail to make it because I chose not to kill the rat. ]]

[[Because he instigated the combat and the rules for this situation don't make sense. How would you feel if Brand drew a dagger to throw it, thereby starting a combat, and his target rushed across the room in time to stop him throwing the dagger. Both throwing a dagger and casting this spell take an action, so they are equivalent in terms of the rules (N.B. And this spell doesn't even have spell components). The other way to look at it, is if combat were already underway, and Brand had already done his action, then the only way he could do anything about the spell being cast is if he had a Reaction that allowed him to do it, which he does not (he only has an Opportunity Attack as a Reaction at this level, but that does not apply in this case because the spell caster is at a distance). Finally, even if Brand had a held Action, to be triggered if the spell caster did something, then he would only be able to do an Action, not a whole move. To my mind, I'm actually being lenient in giving Brand a chance because I determined that he couldn't be surprised like Helas because he can see in the dark (another reason to be thankful to Tomas).

For the record, the rat wasn't killed, it might have been bumped, but it took no damage.]]

Wis Addv (really): 8

[[More later after I have dinner and do the cleaning up.]]

[[ I need to think about it, but I think I prefer that Brand was surprised. Ditto, if Brand made an attack, the others should be surprised. AFTER THAT  initiative matters. But I need to give it more thought. Surprise and initiative are always problematic.

Perhaps, first ACTION is always surprise? Perhaps unless a reaction is pre-declared? I could live with that.

In Brands case, there would be a standing STRANGLE AND IMMOBILIZE THE CASTER, but he would have to nominate WHO he was watching...

Edit: I think the idea of declaring a reaction out of combat has merit.]]

 [[ Abstract discussion on Initiative and Surpirse....

1. I think you took a lenient stance fir Brand when he was trying to escape the Seeker's people. This allowed him to fly out of their grasp.

2. I think in this instance you have taken a reasonable, but contrary to RAW approach to Jay v. Brand. This is also good in that it feels right for story and I really wish Brand did not get initiative!

In both cases it seems to me that the key aspect is that some small leeway is given to the first actor despite the Surprise status. This is, IMO, entirely reasonable.

In instance #1, this resulted in Brand being able to flee. In instance #2 it should allow Jay to get his spell off.

In instance #1 it was probably more of a generous step because the guards would have beenspecifically looking for him to flee, but (arguably) the invisibilty threw them.

In instance #2, Brand might have a standing "strangle the caster" reaction AND he might have been focussed on Jay.

So...my suggestion is, first actor gets to act. That means they get ANY ONE OF move, action, or bonus action for free. If they also actually do get Surpise, then they get the others as well. This can only be countered by declared non-combat reactions, in which case only the action can be performed.

So, in instance #1 Brand did not achieve surprise, but he did bypass the non-combat reaction because he went inivisble first. They did not expect that.

In instance #2, with "strangle the caster"  declared (which is wasn't, but probably would have been in the circumstances), Brand was not surpised but Jay still gets an action, so spell is cast. Brand gets his action (attack caster), and all that means is he barrels into Jay after the spell is cast. Brand would then have his attack & bonus action (if the spell didn't land and subdue him ( I assume) ).

How does this sound. I completely concur that Jay should get to act, and Brand should have got to act in the cistern. I'm just looking for a systematic approach.]]

[[ To my mind, I'm actually being lenient in giving Brand a chance because I determined that he couldn't be surprised like Helas because he can see in the dark (another reason to be thankful to Tomas). ]]

Not sure that's clear to me: suppose they were both in daylight, and Jay started casting....would surpise be possible? I think Jay *expected* surpise, but *should* be disappointed. And yes, definutely thankful to Tomas!

For the record, the rat wasn't killed

Even better news!

"Whoa, friend," says Jay as Brand pulls up to avoid running into him. "Careful there; you might hurt someone."

Brand suddenly realises that it is his friend, Jay, not some mysterious stranger.

"So," says Jay, putting his arm around Brand's shoulders. "It has been a long time, hasn't it? How are you? And how is that father of yours? Still up to his old tricks?"

[[We are no longer in combat, and Brand is now charmed and considers Jay an old and friendly acquaintance for the next hour.]]

[[ Not may people Brand knows speak openly about his fathers work...epeecially in front of strangers, eg. helas...Brand is worried about how much Minton may know (as per the earlier conversation with Koric); an acquantaince knowing about it might disturb him. ]]

 "Apologies....I thought...you were someone else."

Brand glances at Helas, then back to Jay, giving a very slight shake of his head, "The...wine business...is going well. And we have just produced our first brandy. It's not as complex as our premium wines, but very drinkable. I shall bring you a bottle when next we meet." [[ and consider smashing it over his head ]]

"I had not realized you were part of this...group...if I had I would have come to you first! How do you know master Helas?"

Jay chuckles and says, "You're making me thirsty with all this talk of wine and brandy, Alaric." [[Yes, he apparently knows Brand's first name. Either that, or it is an aspect of the spell.]]

He then turns towards the owner of the bookstore and says, "Helas, please bring young Master Brand and I something to drink."

There is silence for a moment and then Helas says, "Certainly, Master Jay. I have some port, if that's acceptable."

"That will do fine," Jay replies.

Helas heads towards the back of the shop, candlestick in hand, leaving Brand and Jay in a darkness that doesn't seem to inconvenience either of them.

Once the man has left, Jay lowers his voice and says, "Helas is a good man, but there are things that he need not know yet. So we must be careful what we say in his presence."

 As Helas returns with a dusty bottle and a couple of small goblets, Jay raises his voice again and says, "So, how are things with you? Still adventuring? Or have you joined the family business?"

"That remains to be seen. Adventuring has its appeal, but so does life in the city. I only just got back to the city, and it seems so changed...so grim. People forced out of their homes just because they worship some harmless spirit or other. I spoke to Master Helas about this earlier today [[ pretty sure I did]]. There is something wrong here."

"Which is why I visited Master Helas' shop. As you must remember I have always been...fascinated by magic...and frustrated. His offer seemed too good to be true, but he seemed honest, though I must admit I remained a little suspicious."

Brand glances at Helas, "Apologies, Master Helas. I am a ... catious person by nature."

"It is a great relief to see a friendly face! Now that you are here, I hope that we may proceed? I hope you can reassure him of my intentions."

"Frustrated, eh? Aah... yes... Melitta. Do you know what has become of her," says Jay, accepting a goblet from Helas and passing it to Brand. He then takes a second goblet and lifts it in a salute. "To old friends, eh?" he says, gesturing for Brand to drink before taking a good gulp from his own goblet.

Brand finds himself taking a sip of the port, which is surprisingly good. He starts to relax; it is good to be in the company of old friends.

"Helas," says Jay. "Go outside and get the ladies. You will find that they are not what young Brand here said they were."

Helas, who is looking very confused, picks up the candlestick and makes his way towards the entrance of the shop.

Once more Jay lowers his voice to speak privately with Brand. "Sorry about all the subterfuge, but I really thought you might be working for one of the oppressors... These are hard times Alaric, and one can't be too careful. I'm still not completely trusting of Helas, you know."

[[That's it for tonight, though. Ciao.]]

Brand finds himself taking a sip of the port,

[[ This would be heading out of character if it continues; he still suspects that the prostitutes are plants watching the shop, and does not want to walk any of the streets drunk at night; he also has to meet Nathaniel later and does not want to be drunk while trying to meditate, and hopefully Astral Travel. He would probably ask for water next. ]]

[[ Hah!!! I just read the sentence about the prostitutes! I knew it. So did he. Just when I was beginning to think he was too paranoid. He smugly ignores the incorrect assumption from Jay, reaffirmed in his paranoid outlook. ]]

"Frustrated, eh? Aah... yes... Melitta.
..
Brand finds himself taking a sip of the port, which is surprisingly good. He starts to relax; it is good to be in the company of old friends

Brand becomes alert at the mention of Melitta, "I have heard nothing of her. Do you know anything of her whereabouts?"

[[ Answer/deflection of some kind I assume; just let me know. Then Jay's dialogue continues...I assume. ]]

Once more Jay lowers his voice to speak privately with Brand. "Sorry about all the subterfuge, but I really thought you might be working for one of the oppressors... These are hard times Alaric, and one can't be too careful. I'm still not completely trusting of Helas, you know."

Brand frowns, "Helas? He seemed genuine enough to me -- otherwise I would not be here."

He glances at the door, and lowers his tone. "Of what do you suspect him?"

[[ I keep telling myself this is someone a little like a more distant version of Minton...and far less knowledgable than Minton would be (Brand finds Minton's knowledge of his father a weakness and a threat; I (Brand, maybe) even considered killing him). I read that Charm is supposed to be "friendly acquaintance"; I hope that's correct. Brand tries to keep his activities secret from his father, and the household, so I *think* extreme circumspection regarding "the business" and his life seems natural, even with good and close friends.

Also I assume he has no recollection of ever talking to Jay about his father, so Jay knowing about it would worry him, and make him wonder about some form of entrapment, so he would likely clam up even more if the subject is raised. Being with a friend, he probably would not try to disguise his discomfort, however.  ]]