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<blockquote data-quote="oakbriar" data-source="post: 4978970" data-attributes="member: 86020">The PCs best stealthie has crept up to the mercenary camp. The lone sentry prods the campfire with a stick, trying to bring life to the fading coals. The PC slowly makes his way behind the sentry, drawing a knife. One hand reaches across the sentry's mouth and before any muffled noise can be make, the PC pulls the blade across the guard's throat and guides the lifeless body to the ground without a sound.Oh wait, this is 4e, you only have combat advantage against him.Is there a way that scenarios like this can work mechanically? I could see the target being surprised, and maybe even restrained but from what I can tell from the PHB since the target is not helpless (since he is not unconcious or the target of any powers that would make him so) he is not eligible for a coup de grace. And unless the PC gets a sneak attack, there's not much point in even creeping up like that. A ranger might as well shoot the target from the shadows since all he really gets is the +2 to hit from CA.How are situations like this handled in your games? I could see a houserule that opens coup de graces on targets unaware of you if its outside of combat. If the target has any reason to believe he is threatened (combat has started, or he becomes aware of the PC) he wouldn't be such an easy target, but if his guard is lowered and has no idea death is right behind him, a measly +2 to hit doesn't really seem right. Or maybe even some skill challenges (stealth for approach, Str attack to grab, and a Dex vs Reflex or something to slice him in the right spot to kill him quickly). The situation could also work if the target has no reason to believe you are a threat. &quot;Oh yes gullable old mage, I'd LOVE to see that ancient draconic manuscript you have been translating. Please, lead the way.&quot; Slice</blockquote>

[QUOTE="oakbriar, post: 4978970, member: 86020"] [I]The PCs best stealthie has crept up to the mercenary camp. The lone sentry prods the campfire with a stick, trying to bring life to the fading coals. The PC slowly makes his way behind the sentry, drawing a knife. One hand reaches across the sentry's mouth and before any muffled noise can be make, the PC pulls the blade across the guard's throat and guides the lifeless body to the ground without a sound.[/I] Oh wait, this is 4e, you only have combat advantage against him. Is there a way that scenarios like this can work mechanically? I could see the target being surprised, and maybe even restrained but from what I can tell from the PHB since the target is not helpless (since he is not unconcious or the target of any powers that would make him so) he is not eligible for a coup de grace. And unless the PC gets a sneak attack, there's not much point in even creeping up like that. A ranger might as well shoot the target from the shadows since all he really gets is the +2 to hit from CA. How are situations like this handled in your games? I could see a houserule that opens coup de graces on targets unaware of you if its outside of combat. If the target has any reason to believe he is threatened (combat has started, or he becomes aware of the PC) he wouldn't be such an easy target, but if his guard is lowered and has no idea death is right behind him, a measly +2 to hit doesn't really seem right. Or maybe even some skill challenges (stealth for approach, Str attack to grab, and a Dex vs Reflex or something to slice him in the right spot to kill him quickly). The situation could also work if the target has no reason to believe you are a threat. "Oh yes gullable old mage, I'd LOVE to see that ancient draconic manuscript you have been translating. Please, lead the way." [I]Slice [/I] [/QUOTE]

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