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<blockquote data-quote="Caliban" data-source="post: 7117133" data-attributes="member: 284"><p>In the specific case of an assassin sneaking up on a lone PC, I most likely wouldn't kill them outright either. The PC's are the focus of the story and protagonists don't die "off-screen". But they may start the fight with a dagger in their stomach and be fighting at a disadvantage if they fail to wake up in time. Or I may do as you suggest, and they wake up just as the assassin begins to strike - will they react before or after they are stabbed? Roll initiative to find out! </p><p></p><p>Which ever makes the better story. Also depends on how annoying the player has been. </p><p></p><p> "C'mon, he's stabbed me three times, surely I'm awake now!" </p><p></p><p> "Sorry, we've already determined that your barbarian is a heavy sleeper. Roll perception again." </p><p></p><p> "Dick." </p><p></p><p> "Who ate the last slice of pizza again?"</p><p></p><p> "Oh my god." </p><p></p><p> "And who killed the kings guards because 'they weren't being respectful' enough?" </p><p></p><p> "You're never going to get over that are you?" </p><p></p><p> "I will. Your barbarian may not. Roll perception again." </p><p></p><p>The "assassin vs. sleeping PC" is a rather rare situation though. (or should be!)</p><p></p><p>I'm thinking more of the "PC's are traveling and camping outdoors, then get attacked in the middle of the night" type of situation. The PC's on watch fail their perception, and the orcs are in the camp. Combat ensues - do the people in the tents wake up and join the combat? Disadvantage on Perception checks (made every round) to find out!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Caliban, post: 7117133, member: 284"] In the specific case of an assassin sneaking up on a lone PC, I most likely wouldn't kill them outright either. The PC's are the focus of the story and protagonists don't die "off-screen". But they may start the fight with a dagger in their stomach and be fighting at a disadvantage if they fail to wake up in time. Or I may do as you suggest, and they wake up just as the assassin begins to strike - will they react before or after they are stabbed? Roll initiative to find out! Which ever makes the better story. Also depends on how annoying the player has been. "C'mon, he's stabbed me three times, surely I'm awake now!" "Sorry, we've already determined that your barbarian is a heavy sleeper. Roll perception again." "Dick." "Who ate the last slice of pizza again?" "Oh my god." "And who killed the kings guards because 'they weren't being respectful' enough?" "You're never going to get over that are you?" "I will. Your barbarian may not. Roll perception again." The "assassin vs. sleeping PC" is a rather rare situation though. (or should be!) I'm thinking more of the "PC's are traveling and camping outdoors, then get attacked in the middle of the night" type of situation. The PC's on watch fail their perception, and the orcs are in the camp. Combat ensues - do the people in the tents wake up and join the combat? Disadvantage on Perception checks (made every round) to find out! [/QUOTE]
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