Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Psalm taps his chin under his lip and curls his chin spoke beard around his finger. He is clearly in thought. "Both plans so in fruitful. One is more easily reached. But the pus plan might work going forward. "
Her eyes go wide as Boddy jumps forth and starts rattling the package, drawing her shortswords in shock. "Careful! We don't know how strong those pants are!!"
Taken out of context, that might sound odd...going to just roll with it.
Okay, just so I'm clear. Did you cinch the worm up into the pants completely? Meaning there are no openings from which it can see? Or did you leave an opening so it can see and be seen? It makes a difference for what happens next.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
The worm bulging in the cinched up pants... The number of jokes is mind-boggling and astronomical in proportion.
Athletics Check:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Upon waking the cinched up, swirling-rainbow skinned worm, the group watches as it immediately thrashes wildly, emitting an ear-piercing and high pitched shriek that echoes in the distance. The bound creature whips its body in intensely vigorous motion, attempting to break free of the bonds wrapped around it. Unable to do so the worm suddenly falls still, resting limply, bound by pants, in the bottom of the wagon. Awake, but restrained and helpless, the worm then does nothing.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
"This probably won't work, but its worth a try"
Boddy will try and communicate with the worm in the same way he'd try with a small animal. Basically, make soothing noises at it, chirrup at it, etc.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Female Human Warlock 3 | HP 25/25 | AC 17 | Saving Throws - Str (+0), Dex (+6), Con (+2), Int (+1), Wis (+3), Cha (+6) | Passive Perc - 11 | Init +4 | Spell Slots - 2/2 |
Crossing her ankles and leaning back, Nikeisha mused, "Be wary. We know it eats the minds of its victims. Might not need to see or move to do it." Hopefully if it tried Shenkt would sever the problem midpoint.
Boddynuck's attempt to communicate verbally with the creature is met with complete silence, audible silence; however, in a moment he is assaulted with an overwhelming sense of dread, a fear so palpable that he himself feels deathly afraid for the barest of moments. It is then he realizes that it is the creature's telepathic communication that washed through his brain. The worm is overwhelmed with complete and utter terror, a fear for its life so strong that it is incapable of any other instinct or communication.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
"The poor little thing is afraid. Very very afraid. Maybe we should try and let it go?"
Female Human Warlock 3 | HP 25/25 | AC 17 | Saving Throws - Str (+0), Dex (+6), Con (+2), Int (+1), Wis (+3), Cha (+6) | Passive Perc - 11 | Init +4 | Spell Slots - 2/2 |
"When a faithful dog bites a child, the dog dies. When an animal comes down from the mountains and mauls a child watching the flocks, the animal is hunted. When a mortal kills a child, he hangs by the neck for the gods to judge. Just because this thing isn't evil doesn't mean it doesn't need to die, that it is exempt, especially if we can't prevent it killing again." Nikeisha looked at it. "Or you can go and explain to those girls parents why you felt it being afraid meant it gets to live and their girls don't." Still, fear was good. Maybe they could use it as a weapon.
I'm loving the ethical debate... To quote Willy Wonka: "The suspense is killing me. I hope it will last." I'm just waiting for somebody hotheaded and agile to sidle up and just jab a dagger in the thing without warning... :D
Female High Elf NG Monk 3 Character Sheet | HP: 26/26 (3d8 + 3) | Defense:AC: 17 (10 + Dex(+ 4) + Wis(+ 3)) Saving Throws: Str. + 4, Dex. + 6 | Advantage vrs Charms, No magical sleep | Perception + 5, Passive + 15, DV 60 ft | Init. + 4, Spd 40 ft.Offense: Unarmed Strike + 6, 1d4 + 4 Ranged: + 6, 1d6 + 4, 80 ft./ 320 ft. | Ki points: 1/3 | Luna's Heritage
Sorry for my silence folks. I have been checking in every day, but was not coming up with anything to post. Plus RL has been a bit crazy/busy.
"How do you know it is afraid Boddy? Is that just an assumption on your part or where you able to communicate with it?" Then turning to Hack, "Calm down Hack! We need to find the source so that we can put a stop to this! Killing just one of these creatures is not going to bring an end to the killings."
If I get the answer form Boddy about it communicaating Telepathically:
"Maybe you can try to calm it down Boddy? Maybe you could try to make it think of home, and family? Hopefully you can get some images of home and family back from it, so we can get an idea of where to look for it's home? Maybe a direction at least? - Though I strongly suspect the nest will near the center of the area covered by all these holes & tunnels or whatever. Maybe we should try to find out where that is & head that way in the morning. Though these wagons are good for protecting people from the worm attacks. Anyway we can take them with us, since we apparently will still be on the same man's property?"
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Psalm thinks, "I might be able to speak with it. It will take me a few minutes. We might not have that much time. I need about 10 minutes to cast a ritual that might allow me to speak to larger animals."
She taps the back of her neck "Aiyah...just when we kill it best to keep the brain stem intact. The Arcane Order needs well preserved bits for their studies, not some sloppy butchery..."
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
Backtracking a bit, answering Luna "I felt its fear in my mind. It was very, very, very afraid. I've never felt something like that before so I don't really know but it felt like it was even more afraid than an animal caught in a trap." And now back to the present
"Rather than kill it perhaps we SHOULD let it go. No wait, listen for a moment. Luna is right, it might lead us to the nest.
If we attach something big to it (part of a wagon, a door, something like that) it might well run away from us in fear and head home. But with a door it should NOT be able to burrow. Or, if it can, we should be able to follow its track.
Female Human Warlock 3 | HP 25/25 | AC 17 | Saving Throws - Str (+0), Dex (+6), Con (+2), Int (+1), Wis (+3), Cha (+6) | Passive Perc - 11 | Init +4 | Spell Slots - 2/2 |
"That makes more sense," Nikeisha agreed, "But it's on our heads if it escapes and kills again. Plus, we're going to have to hurt it to attach something to it. Nothing that can bend and shift like that will work with something just tied or strapped on. We're going to have to hook whatever it is into the flesh, hurt it, to the job." It wasn't nice. But Nikeisha could see the dead girls parents breaking down again in her mind.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
"No, we should just be able to tie a rope tightly around it. Think of it like a belt cinched uncomfortably tight. Uncomfortable but not painful"
Anyone have Detect Magic? I don't think Arcane Mark is a thing in 5e, but prestidigitation should be able to create a magical effect on the creature that we could use to follow it with Detect Magic...
”I believe” Lindaer said ”That we should bring it to town and show the authorities. Perhaps they have access to magic that would allow us to track it, or we can send for a Wizard who can. If we kill it we lose our lead. If we let it go with a mechanical way to follow, and it escapes, any future deaths will be on our heads. Especially as it has proven so adept at stretching itself. We may not have as much Glory this way, but I believe it to be safest.”
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
"Following it implies a means to keep up with it. Can it not just burrow away."
Psalm makes preparation to cast Speak with Animals. If the sounds in the distance will give us time. Rituals take 10 minutes.
Psalm sits and moves through a number of sensory isolating exercises, breathing, shifting his hand to a claw shape, taking a deep breath through the nose to take in foreign scents. He begins to chant in sylvan a feral incantation.
Psalm rises and regards the worms lumpy form through the pants. Just re read that boo.
Animal handling:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11To calm it. Persuasion:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4If its not an animal still try to calm it.
Speak with Animals:
"Easy fella you are far from home. You are from deep down no? What drives you here. If you understand me speak. It may save you."
Psalm's attempts to magically communicate open up a mental doorway to the creature's mind, and it is violently uncomfortable for him. The assault of mental imagery is so intense, so vibrant, so vigorous that it actually physically knocks the small gnome over onto his rear-end. The overwhelming flood of visions is so acute that Psalm feels like he is walking in an illusory landscape, like he is living in the worm's skin for a moment, and what he sees frightens him to no end. Using his feywild blood to calm himself and to collapse the flood of imagery into usable bits and pieces he is able to, finally, get a clear look at the creature's ecology, and it is frightening. The worm is one of many, possibly more than two dozen already grown to maturity, and there are more hatching every day. Hatching, yes, in a cave deep underground from eggs laid by their mother. Each child, as soon as it is able, burrows to the surface to put other creatures to sleep, and then feed on their energy. Psalm gets a clear mental image of the worms' ability to manifest themselves inside the dreams of their victims, for animals they manifest as a feast of their favorite foods, and while the animals feast in their dreams, sleeping pleasantly, the worms feast on their psychic energy. Once they've absorbed enough energy, they return to the nest to transfer part of their psychic meal to the mother, who grows fatter and stronger every day, and lays more eggs, every day. When Psalm stands up severing the disturbing mental connection, he feels himself physically drained a bit (1 HP lost). When he turns to the group, his face gives away his feeling of dread.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Psalm sits up shaken his eyes wide. He wipes blood from his nose with his sleeve.
"This is just a baby one of many. They gather food for a queen." He stands, "We need to find the queen. Underground. How can we follow this thing if we let it go."
I am really thinking aberration at this point is that what I in character think.
"Didn't you say other burrowing creatures regarded them as 'friends'? Perhaps we could employ one of the benevolent burrowers as a spy..." she thinks for a moment "Another idea...back in the Order Ive seen grown men grow gills, wings, and claws as dark whispers leave their lips. Might be a spell that could give us this burrowing power and we could take the fight to them direct..." she points to the ground.
Psalm, I've categorized these creatures as Monstrosities. Here's why, the description in the Monster Manual for Monstrosities reads thusly:
MM pg. 7 wrote:
"Monstrosities are monsters in the strictest sense, frightening creatures that are not ordinary, not truly natural, and almost never benign. Some are the results of magical experimentation gone awry (such as owl bears), and others, are the product-of terrible curses (including minotaurs and yuan-ti). They defy categorization, and in some sense serve as a catch-all category for creatures that don't fit into any other type."
"Catch-all" and "some are the results of magical experimentation gone awry" were the biggest influences in my decision. To comment any further on that would be tantamount to opening up my entire DM planning book. :P Aberrations is certainly a category that makes a lot of sense, and having Psalm think that is completely reasonable.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
"Ok, we have to deal with this. Psalm, the whole point of tying it to a door is to STOP it burrowing. Hopefully it knows a way into the cave other than by burrowing.
It sounds like this may well be beyond us, though. We could barely fight one of these. How can we take on dozens, together with a mother? Maybe we should report this and let them send a larger, more powerful force?
And Gomdebo, such spells do exist. But certainly I am not powerful enough to cast any of them. Perhaps Luna is."
@Gomdebo, yes. You are aware that Blueblossom Haven is supposed to have a Sender named: Findelye, she is a female half-elf bard. She works at the inn called The Bloody Dagger.
"Well, if not one of us cast it maybe Sender Findelye back in the haven? Or we could try a missive about the creature, maybe Order's come across these before I be thinkin? But aye, if we're going to attach the door I'll get to work on the hinges...I've done that before." she pulls out some tools.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
"Beyond us or no this abomination will grow exponentially. It must be stopped. It is truly unnatural."
Female Human Warlock 3 | HP 25/25 | AC 17 | Saving Throws - Str (+0), Dex (+6), Con (+2), Int (+1), Wis (+3), Cha (+6) | Passive Perc - 11 | Init +4 | Spell Slots - 2/2 |
"We can ask the townfolks for anyone willing and able to fight," Nikeisha suggested. "Fire might work too. But most likely the nest proper won't be that defended. Momma's gotta eat, right? She'll have some guards but the bulk will be out hunting or too young to hunt."
A while later Gomdebo returns with a stout door from god knows where, plopping it on the ground. "Pants are a loss, Id wager." she loads a bolt into her xbow, cranking it up and hefting it on her shoulder. "Ready? If this doesn't work we'll just kill it. We'll give it the sheep treatment and might even learn a thing or two, yeah?"
Quint stands over the worm. He holds his shortbow in the left hand and knocks an arrow, tensioning the string slightly so that he can hold the arrow in place with his left thumb. He then draws his rapier and holds it on the creature with his right, ready to strike if he can reach the creature, or to drop so that he can fire the arrow if the it gets too far away too quickly.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
"Well, it was my idea so I'm willing to risk it. Although I'm not exactly the best person to tie a rope around a worm"
If nobody else steps up, he'll try and tie a rope around the monster
1d20 ⇒ 7
I have no clue what I'd be rolling so that is a raw D20 for you to do with as you wish :-)
Gomdebo, I'm ruling that the "door" you took was actually the rear gate from one of the wagons, since it was the closest to hand. We'll say it's from the wagon that the worm isn't in, in order to keep the worm inside the confines of the closed wagon. Oh, also, just for future reference, the way I rule tying a creature up is that the person tying sets the DC to escape by their Strength, or Dexterity (their choice) ability score. No need to roll dice. In this current situation that doesn't really matter, though, because...
As soon as Boddynuck releases the cinch on the pants the worm explodes in a flurry of movement, too fast, and much too strong for him to do anything about. It moves, with uncanny speed, for the side of the wagon.
Quint, Gomdebo, Shenkt, your posts made it clear you all readied actions for just this eventuality, so please go ahead and post those first.
I rolled a new initiative, and literally everyone is ahead of the worm, so once the ready actions are posted, everyone can post their combat actions too. So, Quint, Gomdebo, Sheknt, you all can just post your ready action, and then your regular combat action as well. I'm guessing with the ready actions, in addition to another round of actions for everyone, this worm is toast, but let's roll the dice anyway, because rolling virtual dice is fun, right? I also adjusted the Battle Grid, according to what made the most sense for the narrative.
Lindaer leapt forward, his rapier in hand. Part of him didn't want to kill the creature, as it was their hope of following it back to it's lair. However, to let it go untracked was the worst of all possible worlds, for it would just keep killing. His blow was well aimed, but didn't quite have all of his strength behind it.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Psalm snaps out at the creature with a whip of thorny vines.
Female Human Warlock 3 | HP 25/25 | AC 17 | Saving Throws - Str (+0), Dex (+6), Con (+2), Int (+1), Wis (+3), Cha (+6) | Passive Perc - 11 | Init +4 | Spell Slots - 2/2 |
Nikeisha tapped the staff on the ground again, a bolt of raw force shot out to blast the escaping worm.
Welcome! Team Good
Character's Name: Lindaer Elyrien
Gender: Male
Alignment: Lawful Good (with chaotic tendencies. I really dislike the alignment system)
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Paladin
Background: Reformed Criminal
Deity: Amren
Character Name: Boddynuck
Sex: Male
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Race: Forest Gnome
Class: Wizard
Background: Folk Hero (modified)
Deity: None (yet :-))
Character Name: Quintavelxaq "Quint" Rue
Sex: Male
Alignment: Chaotic Good.
Race: Gnome
Class: Rogue
Background: Urchin
Deity: None in particular
Character's Name: Drun of Saxwyn
Gender: Male
Alignment: Lawful Good
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Paladin
Background: Outcast
Deity: Saxwyn
Character's Name: Psalm Nackle
Gender: Male
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Race: Forest Gnome
Class: Mountain Circle Druid
Background: Hermit
Deity: Aldellion
Character Name: Gomdebo Blackbuster
Gender: F
Race: Hill Dwarf
Class: Rogue
Background: Sage
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Deity: Deceased
Wow, being on the "good" team will be an adjustment for me, since I'm used to playing the lawful/chaotic part of my alignment more (and riding the border between good and neutral). Two paladins and a bunch of chaotics should make for some interesting party dynamics.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
I am leaving for Disney World tomorrow will be returning late Thursday. I will check if time permits from the room in the evening.
Male LG Half-orc Paladin of Saxwyn 1 | Background: Outcast | Scimitar +6: 1d6+4 (S); Hand Ax +6: 1d6+4 (S) | | HP: 13/13 | AC: 18 | Saving Throws: Wis +2, Cha +5 | Init: +0 | Passive Perception 10; Darkvision 60' | | Speed 30ft
Nervous as both a paladin and a half-orc...will be fun!! Cannot wait to get started! Was hoping I would get on the team with the other paladin and gnomes!! Demi-Humans Unite!!!!
If everyone could do me a huge favor and make sure that your character's passive perception score is listed somewhere in their tagline, I'd greatly appreciate it.
The tenets of the Oath of Vengeance vary by paladin, but all the tenets revolve around punishing wrongdoers by any means necessary. Paladins who uphold these tenets are willing to sacrifice even their own righteousness to mete out justice upon those who do evil, so the paladins are often neutral or lawful neutral in alignment. The core principles of the tenets are brutally simple.
Fight the Greater Evil. Faced with a choice of fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil.
No Mercy for the Wicked. Ordinary foes might win my mercy, but my sworn enemies do not.
By Any Means Necessary. My qualms can't get in the way of exterminating my foes.
Restitution. If my foes wreak ruin on the world, it is because I failed to stop them. I must help those harmed by their misdeeds.
The any means necessary part seems to fit well, as well as his general sense of morality.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
Sorry for the delay. Hadn't noticed that the discussion had started :-(
Would everyone please do me two favors. Favor the first, make sure that your gender, race, alignment, class, background, HP, AC, and Passive Perception are listed in the tagline for your character. Many of you have this already but some do not. This is the minimum I'd like to see in everyone's tagline. Those who have more, excellent! Thank you. Favor the second, will everyone please post their backstory in a spoiler on their profile page. As an example you can look at Ashrie VanShorn's profile page. You'll notice at the bottom he has a spoiler labeled backstory. Please, will everyone do that same thing? Thank you!
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Ooooohhh, are you creating a hook for political intrigue where some members of the Order of the Shadow are going to discuss your interaction with the Senator...? Cause I'm all on board with that idea!
Yes, I was thinking that since her motivation is to escape the Arcane Order with the help of the Shades, this could be part of the deal...getting close to the Senator or her family or something.
Heads up friends. I will be embroiled in family Christmas celebrations for the entirety of the weekend and will, with a 99% certainty, not be able to post until Monday morning.
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
I changed my Avatar pic because I wanted our raven friend free to post. This one looks close to the pic I envisioned most with Psalm. The fact that he is singing is fitting as Psalm is sort of a nature poet philosopher type.
I'm of the "speed/hand wave" camp unless there is a good RP opportunity. Though at this point, with just a few posts, I haven't quite reached my stride with the character and welcome any and all RP. Gom has some Persuasion and deception, but I'm really just talking to figure out the character.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
What are we proposing gets a hand wave? I am open to whatever I just don't want to start an interaction that we are getting ready to skip.
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
Boddy would just splurge a very little. He'd buy some decent food for his animals and a few toys for them (a hamster wheel, some balls, that kind of thing). And a bit of luxury food for himself (jellybeans somehow seem gnomeish :-)).
Most of that isn't on the equipment lists for some reason but I'm assuming that we're talking less than a gold?
Male Forest Gnome NG Hermit Druid of the Mountain Circle 3 AC 16 HP 22 Passive Perception 15 Init +2 Proficency Bonus +2 Spell Attack Modifier +5 Spell DC 13 Inspiration 1
Boddy would just splurge a very little. He'd buy some decent food for his animals and a few toys for them (a hamster wheel, some balls, that kind of thing). And a bit of luxury food for himself (jellybeans somehow seem gnomeish :-)).
Most of that isn't on the equipment lists for some reason but I'm assuming that we're talking less than a gold?
Yes, I would say you could get all of those things for a couple silvers, and in so doing exchange that paper promissory note for some coinage. You can add those items, as desired, to your alias' profile. Everyone else is good to go eh? Wellllllll then...
If I understand the map correctly, those of us who haven't yet moved are at the bottom of a flight of stairs, and thus out of sight? If a rogue were to move up the stairs and shoot from that position, it would be a sneak attack, right (I don't even think a stealth check is required...)? Still trying to figure out how 5e handles those...
Also, my reading is that attacking an enemy who is within 5ft of my ally (or anyone who is the target's enemy) gets you sneak attack even on ranged attacks. Is that right? I hadn't planned on doing a lot of ranged attacking, but it looks like that might be my only option this round...
Quint, as to the first question. I am going to ask for a stealth check contested by the Sahuagin's Perception because you could be heard going up the stairs, but I will be giving you advantage on the check because of the cacophony of battle happening on the other parts of the ship (and maybe because one of the Sahuagin will be laughing hysterically if Boddynuck selects a different target). As to the second question, that is an emphatic yes! If an ally is within 5' of the enemy a rogue is attacking, whether with a ranged or melee attack, they get their sneak attack damage. Rogues! They're awesome again. :)
Just wanted to throw this here for people to discuss. My reading of the rules is that creatures, whether allies or enemies are considered obstacles that provide all the degrees of cover. I base that off of the fact that on page 196 of the PHB it says: "creatures... can provide cover during combat." And later "whether that creature is an enemy or a friend." Later it says: "A target has total cover if it is completely concealed by an obstacle." My logic then is, if a creature, enemy or friend, is an obstacle that can provide the various kinds of cover, it can provide all the various forms of cover. However, as I dug a little deeper, looking in the DMG on page 251 where it discusses using grid maps and miniatures, it says this about Line of Sight: "To precisely determine whether there is line of sight between two spaces, pick a corner of one space and trace an imaginary line from that corner to any part of another space. If at least one such line doesn't pass through or touch an object or effect that blocks vision such as a stone wall, a thick curtain, or a dense cloud of fog-then there is line of sight." Those things they list are very obviously much different than a creature. I've done a quick Google search and seen people who rule it both ways, which means it is basically DM fiat territory. For my own part, in the current situation, thinking about a Gnome (size small) with a half-orc standing only 10' in front of him, trying to target something 15' beyond that, it just didn't seem like there would be a clear line of sight? That language in the DMG makes me second guess myself though. Maybe creatures can only provide half and three-quarters cover, but not total cover, and don't block line of sight?
Quint, as to the first question. I am going to ask for a stealth check contested by the Sahuagin's Perception because you could be heard going up the stairs, but I will be giving you advantage on the check because of the cacophony of battle happening on the other parts of the ship (and maybe because one of the Sahuagin will be laughing hysterically if Boddynuck selects a different target). As to the second question, that is an emphatic yes! If an ally is within 5' of the enemy a rogue is attacking, whether with a ranged or melee attack, they get their sneak attack damage. Rogues! They're awesome again. :)
So to clarify, I have advantage on a stealth check, and if it succeeds, I will have advantage on a ranged attack?
Maybe creatures can only provide half and three-quarters cover, but not total cover, and don't block line of sight?
I would lean towards a yes to this, because of the pictures on dmg 249. A medium creature doesn't fill a 5 ft cube, and there is much more open space than an arrow slit in a solid wall. And more to the point it leaves a corner open for the grid rules that use lines to determine line of sight.
On the other hand, if creatures provide total cover that could open up some interesting tactical options vs casters. For example in a 5 ft corridor one PC could stand in front and shield the entire party from any spells that directly target them (like a closed door).
That's just my opinion though and really fine either way, its a minor detail. In the current situation he could get a clean shot just by stepping left or right a little, that's totally fine and also adds some tactical depth.
Aren't stealth checks made vs. passive perception unless the character making the perception check is actively searching? I thought that was the whole point of passive perception.
Maybe creatures can only provide half and three-quarters cover, but not total cover, and don't block line of sight?
I would lean towards a yes to this, because of the pictures on dmg 249. A medium creature doesn't fill a 5 ft cube, and there is much more open space than an arrow slit in a solid wall. And more to the point it leaves a corner open for the grid rules that use lines to determine line of sight.
On the other hand, if creatures provide total cover that could open up some interesting tactical options vs casters. For example in a 5 ft corridor one PC could stand in front and shield the entire party from any spells that directly target them (like a closed door).
That's just my opinion though and really fine either way, its a minor detail. In the current situation he could get a clean shot just by stepping left or right a little, that's totally fine and also adds some tactical depth.
Thank you Gomdebo. I have to say after just looking into the rules and doing some brief thinking about it now, I'm definitely leaning that way (creatures don't block and can't provide total cover). But! You do bring up a good point that allowing creatures to block line of sight, and provide total cover, does open up some interesting things from a tactical point of view for both PCs and bad guys. Obviously I ruled as I did for Boddynuck's situation, and we'll leave it at that. I'd like to hear from everyone here though, just because I like looking at multiple points of view before I make any kind of final decision about anything. :)
Aren't stealth checks made vs. passive perception unless the character making the perception check is actively searching? I thought that was the whole point of passive perception.
That was my initial thought too, but then I thought about the fact that once you're in combat you are, or should be at least, actively scanning for any threats all the time, right? Sort of that heightened sense of awareness when life and death are on the line. And, honestly, I was hoping he'd roll low. :P Didn't know he was going to roll his PP on the dice and then get another +1. :) I'm fine with leaving it at a 15, it's only one digit different. :)
Also, just wanted to say to everyone, I appreciate your patience. I did mention, way back when, under the heading "full disclosure" that this is my first time DMing with these new rules. You all are my guinea pigs, and I appreciate you helping me to get all these little nuances sorted out. You're the best people!!! :)
Ha, just realized I didn't even give him the full bonus on the roll. Sahuagin have a +5 bonus to Perception rolls. Apparently they are really good at seein' stuff. :P
Wait, his passive perception is 15? If so, the roll should have had a +5 bonus, since passive perception (as I understand it) is essentially taking-10 on perception...
If that's not how it works, I need to recalculate mine...
GG Forest Gnome Boddynuck Male Wizard Folk Hero | Hp 18/18 | AC 12 | S -1/D+2/ C+3//I+7/W+3/C+1 | Passive Per 11 | Per +1 | Insight +1| Acro +2 Spells DC 15 save, [3/3 L2]
Obviously its totally up to the GM and I'll happily go along with whatever you decide.
That said, 3/4 cover is defined as something like an arrow slit. That seems, to me, MORE than the cover provided by a couple of people in the way. I'm very possibly polluted by playing too much Pathfinder but 1 or two people in the way seems more like half cover to me than 3/4 cover let alone total cover.
To a significant extent it is going to depend on how you want that battle in very cramped quarters to play out. If a couple of bodies provide more than 1/2 cover then pretty much all the time EVERYBODY is (perforce) going to be concentrating on the front rank since they have no viable options. If they don't then at least attacking the back rank becomes viable.
There are three degrees of cover. If a target is behind multiple sources of cover, only the most protective degree of cover applies; the degrees aren’t added together. For example, if a target is behind a creature that gives half cover and a tree trunk that gives threequarters cover, the target has threequarters cover.
A target with half cover has a +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. A target has half cover if an obstacle blocks at least half of its body. The obstacle might be a low wall, a large piece of furniture, a narrow tree trunk, or a creature, whether that creature is an enemy or a friend.
Also, while as a rogue I might like to be able to hide behind allies, Lightfoot halflings have a special ability that allows them to hide behind creatures that are at least one size category larger, which strongly implies that anyone else can't.
Yeah, that bit about the arrow slit got me too! After re-reading the rules from both the PHB and the DMG, I realized they only ever specifically mention a creature when talking about half-cover. And after talking to some other DM's in RL, they agreed, though one did say that if the creature providing cover is size large or bigger, he does allow for 3/4 cover in that situation.
Thanks to those that commented. To those that didn't, I realize I left a small time window there, so please feel free to chime in whenever. Moving forward, unless I hear a strong consensus to do otherwise, I will be ruling as follows: creatures of size medium or small, provide half cover only; creatures of size large or bigger can provide 3/4 cover, but never total cover; creatures do not block line of sight/effect.
For those that are interested, and perhaps so that everyone understands just how bad this could get if the dice keep favoring the enemies: Monster Stat Block for Sahuagin. Yes, you read that correctly, they get two attacks every round, and they have advantage on all attacks against any foe that does not have all his/her full HP... It could get really bad, really fast. Funny thing is, according to the encounter building rules in the DMG, this encounter is only considered Medium difficulty!? I'd hate to see a deadly one!!!!??? Lastly, letting you behind the screen a bit here, just because things have turned so badly so quickly, this is the only encounter I have planned for the next twenty-four period in the game, so don't be afraid to pull out all the stops! Use everything at your disposal. I'd hate for the epitaph of Team "good" to read: Brave Heroes? They died before they arrived. :P :P :P
