Difference between revisions of "Passing Through (sage ability)"

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'''Passing Through''' is an amateur-status ability, enabling the character to "slip past" others without being seen. This is possible even in broad daylight, even if a character is [[On Guard (sage ability)|on guard]] — though the trick requires waiting for the right "moment."  To determine when the moment occurs, a d100 is rolled, giving a time of 1 to 100 minutes.  This indicates how long the character must wait; this number is withheld from the player.
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'''Passing Through''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] within the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Guile (sage study)|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 (sage ability)|on guard]], provided the character is patient enough to wait for the opportunity.
  
One attempt can be made to pass a given site per day. Up to four guards may circumvented; more offer too many chances for the passing character to be seen.  
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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.
Access must be unblocked. The passing character cannot be visibly [[Armour List|armoured]] or seen to be carrying [[Weapons List|weapons]].
 
  
== Example of Movement ==
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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 List|armour]] or carried [[Weapons List|weapons]] will prevent the ability from functioning.
Natasha wishes to enter a citadel inside a town, where there are two [[Guard|guards]] posted. She can see the large double door is slightly ajar, giving her enough room to slip insider. Because it may take a lot of time before her chance occurs (1 to 100 minutes), Natasha dresses in a way that doesn't attract attention. She posits a reasonable cover: selling flowers, [[Busking (sage ability)|busking]] or having two companions along that engage her in conversation.
 
  
For each 30-minute period that Natasha waits, '''one random person''' present — someone in authority — '''will make a wisdom check'''.  If successful, the guard, or other person responsible, will approach Natasha and make inquiries.  If so, she must either make haste to leave or explain her presence. A bad explanation could produce bullying or threats against Natasha, who must decide what to do.  In any case, the opportunity to pass has been lost.
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This ability allows a character to bypass controlled access points such as [[Town Gate|town gates]] or avoid obligations like paying a [[Toll|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.
  
== Creating a Distraction ==
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== Example of Passing Through ==
If a distraction is made by another character, using whatever means is available, characters able to pass through will get one brief chance to do so without having to wait.  They must, however, make a dexterity check. If successful, the passing through is accomplished; otherwise, the character will be noticed and immediately confronted, perhaps chased or arrested, depending on the circumstance.
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Natasha seeks entry into a citadel within a town, where two [[Guard|guards]] stand watch at a partially open double door. She positions herself nearby, adopting a plausible reason to remain, such as selling flowers, [[Busking (sage ability)|busking]] or conversing with companions. Since the delay may be considerable, her behaviour must remain natural and unremarkable.
  
== Usefulness ==
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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.
The ability can be used to avoid paying [[Toll|tolls]] at a [[Town Gate|town gate]], as well as other like inconveniences. Because this is an ability and not a spell, the character can move past one obstruction after another, so long as each obstruction is passed no more than one time per day.
 
  
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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.
  
See [[Guile (sage study)|Guile]]
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[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]
 
 
[[Category: Don't Review until 2024]]
 

Latest revision as of 11:56, 14 April 2026

Passing Through (sage ability).jpg

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.