The rogue stole my paladin's pants

[Thornir Alekeg]

I have just recently taken on the role of DM, so I may not know much about the intricacies of handling a game. Even so, it seems to me that this whole incident is being blown way out of proportion. It sounds to me like this group is having a lot of fun with their characters. No one in the group seems to be taking offense at the little rogue's actions--even the Paladdin's post seemed more humorous than offended. I hope both the DM and players in this group realize that laughter, fun, and good times are more important than DCs and Spot checks.

In all seriousness though, I think this incident is a great way for the players to further develop their characters. The Paladdin, for example, might think the Rogue's actions require revenge. He might start plotting pranks of his own, causing his character to loosen up. (Perhaps it's my prejudice, but I tend to see Paladdins as rather uptight and serious).

Moreover, if the Rogue falls victim to several pranks, she may come to realize that they're not quite as funny when she's on the receiving end. This may cause her character to become more considerate of others.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that this incident has a two-fold importance.

1. It made everybody laugh and enjoy themselves.

2. It offers future role-playing potential and character development.

What more can a gaming group ask for?

Alenda

Well put Alenda. This is more a flavor than a strict game incident. Success or failure would not have any dire implications and either way it had the possiblilty of creating great roleplaying. I probably would have ruled it almost the exact same way because I know in my current group it would have really made for a good laugh and no out-of-game hard feelings.

 

[Calico_Jack73]

So, the next day, she decided to elevate her pranks to a new level as we were going downstairs in an inn… “I steal his pants!” she exclaimed, a la The Gamers. My full plate greaves that I’d had on, to be specific.

My DM, nearly dying laughing, told her to roll it. A high roll, with a decent modifier, but he was going to give her a nasty penalty.

Hmmmm... I'd have to say that there are some things that are impossible to steal without being spotted irregardless of the dice roll. IRL would someone honestly be able to steal someone's boxers while they were wearing them? Typically, I rule that anything actually worn such as Armor or Clothing is impossible to steal. You couldn't steal someone's shirt since that would involve pulling it over their heads. You couldn't steal someone's breastplate because not only would you have to get your hands all over their chest unbuckling straps but the weight difference would be noticed immediately. I wear glasses, nobody could steal them while I was wearing them though stealing them while I am in the shower or otherwise am not attending them would be possible. My wedding ring would also be impossible, they'd have to pull and twist too hard for me not to notice. Common sense should overrule any Sleight of Hand dice rolls.

 

[CCamfield]

It apparently is a fun situation and the way the GM is happy to play their game. Which is a good thing. It is playful and apparently not that annoying. I've played in campaigns where pranks like that got other party members killed. "Oops, that ring of fire resistance that you thought would keep you alive from the breath weapon... well it wasn't on your finger."

Well, it was a very funny story, I will say that. I'm sorry for being kind of harsh.

Remember kids, it's all fun and games until someone gets roasted to a crisp by an adult red dragon.

 

[Buttercup]

Finally, umm, I hope noone's gotten hard feelings about this.

Hard feelings? Lord no!

I'm glad you folks are having fun. I would not find the rogue's behavior amusing, nor would my players. But whatever floats your boat, eh?

 

[Buttercup]

As a player, I'd want the ability to handle it in game if the DM allows me the freedom to do so. This forces both the player, and the character to take responsibility for their actions.

You're right, of course. The one time I saw it, three of the players were newbies, and they were feeling put upon. It could well have scared them away from the hobby if the behavior had continued.

 

[Pants]

Grace. Paladins. Get it? Oh never mind.

I was thinking of something else actually, my mind was pretty far in the gutter

 

[Groutknoll]

So, the female gnomish rogue in our party has secretly been pulling minor “pranks” on the party, such as pilfering the occasional arrow from the ranger or palming a few gems she’d find. This went on for about 7 levels before she finally got caught, and my Paladin had a stern talking to her about her theft, and she promised that she’d never steal from the party again.

So, the next day, she decided to elevate her pranks to a new level as we were going downstairs in an inn… “I steal his pants!” she exclaimed, a la The Gamers. My full plate greaves that I’d had on, to be specific.

My DM, nearly dying laughing, told her to roll it. A high roll, with a decent modifier, but he was going to give her a nasty penalty.

As per my luck, for my spot check I rolled a natural 1. Needless to say, it looked bad when a guardsman downstairs berated me for public indecency. Also needless to say, a large portion of the game involved us trying to catch our breath from laughing and various jokes about keeping my pants on.

Now my group thinks that they might need to get some Paladin Prozac. Please tell me something like this has happened to someone else, so that I can start a “Paladins Without Pants” support group.

Looks like that was a good time to have Emergency Pants !

 

[Knightfall]

I was thinking of something else actually, my mind was pretty far in the gutter

I got it. Very guttery... bad Pants, bad!

 

[Raflar]

So, the female gnomish rogue in our party has secretly been pulling minor “pranks” on the party, Please tell me something like this has happened to someone else, so that I can start a “Paladins Without Pants” support group.

Reminds my of my namesake character back in a 2nd edition campaign. The Paladin in the group was always hogging the glory for his god, his church and himself.. we only "aided" him... so my character (Bard) decided to get even at a grand ceremony (we had just killed 3 dragons and saved a city). During the Paladin's big speech, I cast a cantrip on him that made him "erupt in thunderous flatulence" from his backside... and our Gnome Illusionist made a dafodill grow out of his nose..

Needless to say the Paladin was not happy... We, on the other hand, were rolling on the floor laughing!

 

[blargney the second]

IRL would someone honestly be able to steal someone's boxers while they were wearing them?

I've seen a magician's act where he stole a girl's bra without (ahem) arousing her suspicion. There's always the possibility that she was a plant, but her reaction seemed genuine enough!

I've also talked with an *excellent* street magician, and apparently it is possible to steal a lady's panties without her noticing, even when she's wearing pants. I still haven't been able to figure it out, but maybe I just muffed my Sense Motive...

-blargney copperfield

ps - "Any technology sufficiently advanced is indistinguishable from magic." I'm willing to substitute "rogue's skill" for "technology"..