(OOC) The Dog Days of Doom

[Snarf Zagyg]

@TaranTheWanderer

Posted for Caer

@FitzTheRuke @Neurotic

Took the stairs and opened the door. Up to you if you go in the main room (execute a pincher maneuver, if needed) or follow. If you have a key, might as well use it!

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

The Mystic Emporium

OOC: Max Casts guidance-arcana on himself

I mentioned this before and want to reiterate because it might have been in spoilers at some point: Casting any spell with a Verbal component while outside a building will attract attention. Picture it as if you are hunkered down behind a market stall by the door while two dozens zombies are shambling less than 15 feet away. So, I strongly advise that you don't spam guidance unless you are inside a building.

 

[Steve Gorak]

I mentioned this before and want to reiterate because it might have been in spoilers at some point: Casting any spell with a Verbal component while outside a building will attract attention. Picture it as if you are hunkered down behind a market stall by the door while two dozens zombies are shambling less than 15 feet away. So, I strongly advise that you don't spam guidance unless you are inside a building.

ok, got it. But the group is now inside, so this is why I thought it was relatively safe.
Cheers,

SG

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

ok, got it. But the group is now inside, so this is why I thought it was relatively safe.
Cheers,

SG

No, you are standing outside the doorway, looking in. At least, that's where I left you. You didn't narrate moving into the building yet and I was assuming you were being careful....If you want to move in before knowing the result of your investigation, you can. "It's an explosive rune! you explode!"

It is safe to move in so go ahead and narrate. The door is still wide open so casting spells is with an open door is going to still attract attention!

I'll post soon - just waiting on Lidgar and Fitz to post for Deidre and Anson....maybe I'll give you the information you got. It's going to be important.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

ok, got it. But the group is now inside, so this is why I thought it was relatively safe.
Cheers,

SG

I just looked at the picture that I posted and have you all in the shop. I get why you thought you'd already moved in.... We can assume you're all inside now! sorry!

 

[Steve Gorak]

I just looked at the picture that I posted and have you all in the shop. I get why you thought you'd already moved in.... We can assume you're all inside now! sorry!

Absolutely no worries!

From IC:

I think, instead of rolling arcana or other knowledge rolls for Max, it's easier for him to aid you and give you advantage on skills he's proficient in - when it makes sense and you have time to discuss things. Since he's your mentor.

FYI, the reason I did it this way is that Benny is not proficient in arcana (-1 ability modifier), whereas Max is (+4 modifier). I RP'ed Benny's higher roll to justify it. I have no issues just having Benny roll with advantage: it makes sense since he's the one that has detect magic active (so actively conferring with Max to get his opinion, but Max not seeing the auras). Note that in the future, without having detect magic, it still would make sense to me (and would be statistically better) for separate rolls if both are observing independently a magical effect.

But... you're the DM so you're the boss! ;-)

And, I gave Benny a 12 in wisdom because the theory-crafter in me felt that this would be a cool setup for a MC cleric dip at higher levels. For example, getting a half feat for the 13 wis and getting a level in knowledge cleric for expertise in Arcana and perhaps religion would be hella cool!
Cheers,

SG

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Absolutely no worries!

From IC:


FYI, the reason I did it this way is that Benny is not proficient in arcana (-1 ability modifier), whereas Max is (+4 modifier). I RP'ed Benny's higher roll to justify it. I have no issues just having Benny roll with advantage: it makes sense since he's the one that has detect magic active (so actively conferring with Max to get his opinion, but Max not seeing the auras). Note that in the future, without having detect magic, it still would make sense to me (and would be statistically better) for separate rolls if both are observing independently a magical effect.

But... you're the DM so you're the boss! ;-)

And, I gave Benny a 12 in wisdom because the theory-crafter in me felt that this would be a cool setup for a MC cleric dip at higher levels. For example, getting a half feat for the 13 wis and getting a level in knowledge cleric for expertise in Arcana and perhaps religion would be hella cool!
Cheers,

SG

Honestly, I’ve always loved the concept of familiars as spirits in animal form that advise and help. Not just the straight up scout spy.


Having Max help with Arcana checks to advise Benny is exactly how I see it. The fact that Benny isn’t proficient in Arcana makes sense to me that Max would act as a magical advisor. It does make more sense for Max to make the check and then inform Benny rather than aid Benny

 

[Steve Gorak]

Honestly, I’ve always loved the concept of familiars as spirits in animal form that advise and help. Not just the straight up scout spy.


Having Max help with Arcana checks to advise Benny is exactly how I see it. The fact that Benny isn’t proficient in Arcana makes sense to me that Max would act as a magical advisor. It does make more sense for Max to make the check and then inform Benny rather than aid Benny

Cool, we're aligned.

Funny thing, The sphynx of wonder is sub-optimal as a scout. In my young RPG days, I used to be a hard-core optimizer but was always bored because my characters were bland. I now much prefer to optimize for the concept, and this is way more fun. And the sphynx of wonder is a kick ass familiar for a mentor!
Cool beans!
Cheers,

SG

 

[Steve Gorak]

Hey @TaranTheWanderer

Sorry I should have been clearer IC. Max is heading to the cabinet to trigger the communication element only. I understood that this was possible to do without triggering the ward. Please let me know if I misunderstood that and if any check is required.
Also, FYI, Benny will gladly grab an extra arcane focus or two, but the spell components he's looking for are all worth gp: find familiar components (10 gp) + holy water. Would grabbing the foci also take 10 minutes?
Thx,

SG

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Hey @TaranTheWanderer

Sorry I should have been clearer IC. Max is heading to the cabinet to trigger the communication element only. I understood that this was possible to do without triggering the ward. Please let me know if I misunderstood that and if any check is required.

You did misunderstand:

Detect Magic just lets you know the type of magic but not the spell. It doesn't even tell you the source fo the magic is a trap. With a difficult arcana check, I let you know two things:

1. It's a Ward/Trap (Abjuration)
2. It's a Ward with communication - this is the gravy. Communication isn't a type of magic but instead it's the flavour of the Abjuration. It's a hint of what might happen when you trigger the trap. IE: It won't explode but it will do something else instead.

Magic traps are disabled with Arcana. Max(or someone else) still has to do a proper investigation to find the source of the trap. You are assuming it's a magical trap because of your detect magic.

Also, FYI, Benny will gladly grab an extra arcane focus or two, but the spell components he's looking for are all worth gp: find familiar components (10 gp) + holy water. Would grabbing the foci also take 10 minutes?
Thx,

SG

Yeah, you can grab a 2 foci but those are locked up behind the glass. There are no valuable (GP) spell components in this room. So nothing for Find Familiar is in here.