Passing Through (sage ability)

Passing Through is an amateur-status sage ability within the study of Guile. It allows a character to move past watchers without being seen, not by speed or concealment, but by recognising and exploiting a moment when attention lapses. This may occur in full daylight and even when those present are on guard, provided the character is patient enough to wait for the opportunity.

The right moment cannot be chosen at will, but must be waited for. A d100 is rolled to determine how many minutes must pass before the chance occurs; this number is not revealed to the player. During this time, the character must remain in the vicinity without drawing notice. Only one attempt may be made to pass a given point per day.

No more than four guards or watchers may be circumvented in this manner; additional observers create too many lines of attention to avoid. The path must already be open. Doors must be ajar, gates unbarred and obstacles unmoved. Any visible interference with the environment results in immediate notice. Likewise, the character must not appear prepared for conflict; visible armour or carried weapons will prevent the ability from functioning.

This ability allows a character to bypass controlled access points such as town gates or avoid obligations like paying a toll. As an ability rather than a spell, it may be used repeatedly at different locations, provided no single point is attempted more than once per day.

Example of Passing Through

Natasha seeks entry into a citadel within a town, where two guards stand watch at a partially open double door. She positions herself nearby, adopting a plausible reason to remain, such as selling flowers, busking or conversing with companions. Since the delay may be considerable, her behaviour must remain natural and unremarkable.

For each 30-minute interval she waits, one random person in authority present must make a wisdom check. If successful, that individual becomes suspicious, approaches Natasha and demands an explanation. At this point, she must withdraw or respond convincingly. Failure to do so results in scrutiny or harassment, and the opportunity to pass is lost for that day.

If another character creates a distraction, the need to wait is removed. The passing character gains a single opportunity to slip through immediately, but must make a dexterity check. Success allows passage; failure results in being seen and challenged at once, with consequences depending on the situation.