D&D 5E What Defenses Might Be Found in a Noble's Manor?

[Shadowdweller00]

* Consider also defenses designed to take effect AFTER the heist. For example, the noble might have access to something like blood hounds, which could identify PCs if some article bearing their scent is left behind. For example, some object worn or held close. Or perhaps some particularly strong and unique new scent might be applied to the PCs.

* Once an alarm in triggered, some guards might run around the perimeter of the manor...hoping to find and secure whatever method of entry/escape was used so as to slow the PCs down. For example: A carriage or horses. Mounted guards would thereafter more easily be able to run down the PCs.

* The Locate Object spell in only 2nd level, and might able to track down PCs who take small, unique baubles or other loot...provided it remains within the city (range is 1,000 feet). Guild mages might draw up contracts with wealthy noblemen to insure such objects.

* If the PCs can be identified and/or tracked down afterwards, a vindictive noble might consider hiring assassins, thugs, bounty hunters, or even the proper authorities to deal with the thieves. Brainstorm particular methods by which the PCs could reasonably be tracked down and/or identified. Give the players appropriate means to circumvent or avoid these.

 

[Curmudjinn]

People are the cheapest and most common defense. Not just guards. Just your everyday staff, in large numbers, who will run to the city guard when there is trouble, or hop on a horse and ride to them.

This is pretty much my take as well.

 

[DMCF]

Whenever my group sees a gargoyle statue they say aloud "No. That is a gargoyle. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200."

So what you could do is have a gargoyle head relief a few feet from a door. Players case the joint and see that the owner fiddles with something in the gargoyle's mouth. It's mouth closes and the door opens.

The bottom fangs are connected to a very thin mithril chain that pulls a latch to open the door when the gargoyle's mouth closes. The gargoyle is actually a gargoyle covered in cement. It is an old family heirloom. The current owner feeds it a snack and the door opens. The party can put their hand in the mouth trying to figure this out. The door will open but the investigation leaves a party member stuck taking 1d4 damage per round, DC 10 Str to get out (or kill the gargoyle head).

 

[PnPgamer]

Samurai pirate iron golems that can go super saiyan.

 

[Mallus]

Lawyers.

 

[PnPgamer]

People are the cheapest and most common defense. Not just guards. Just your everyday staff, in large numbers, who will run to the city guard when there is trouble, or hop on a horse and ride to them.

"Run my son! Go to the town guard! We are being attacked by a devilish dwarf, half-invisible half-elf and a really hairy naked human who has his mouth foaming all over!"
"Dad... have you been snorting the barons blow, again?"