Difference between revisions of "On Guard (sage ability)"

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[[File:On Guard (sage ability).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
 
[[File:On Guard (sage ability).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
'''On Guard''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] that ensures a character acting as a sentinel — and taking precautions against unknown enemies — can be [[Surprise (combat)|surprised]] only on a 1 in 6.  This describes any situation where the character actively states that he or she is on guard.  It cannot be applied to situations where the character is striding along, otherwise moving or engaging their attention upon something other than watching for trouble.
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'''On Guard''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Empowerment (sage study)|Empowerment]] that grants extra awareness when acting as a sentinel, so that he or she is [[Surprise (combat)|surprised]] only on a 1 in 6.  This ability applies whenever the character actively announces their state of vigilance.  It's not applicable when the character is casually moving about, distracted or focused on something other than anticipating threats.
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In a group setting, a character can announce their "on guard" status at any time.  He or she then gives the surroundings their whole attention, in case any outward threats should appear as the party is deliberating, making plans or merely wishing to rest, regain spells or eat.  It's assumed the "on guard" character is left alone, as this behaviour would be well-known to a character party.
  
A character standing among a party, however, not conversing, searching through his or her equipment, or otherwise engaged in activity, can declare their status as being on guard.  This may require explaining to the other members of the party that the character should be left alone until any possible danger is past, or the "on guard" stance is relaxed.
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== Standing Guard ==
 
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Those with the ability are limited to being on gaurd for no longer than 3 hours, +15 minutes per level — once per dayFollowing this time period, characters may continue at their post, but their chance of being surprised reverts to normal.  Guards cannot space the benefit throughout their time period on watch; once on guard, failing to maintain the rigor of the ability also causes it to lapse for the remainder of that day.  That is, until sunrise, if the character was on guard the previous day, or sunset, if the character was on guard the previous night.  This usually means a rest period of at least 12 hours.
== Limitations ==
 
Those with the ability are limited to a time period of 3 hours, +15 minutes per level, before they must relax their stance and lose the benefitThis does not mean they cannot continue to guard, only that they will be surprised normally.  Guards cannot space the benefit throughout their time period on watch; it must apply from the beginning of the time period in question until it ends.
 
  
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== Availability ==
 
Because the skill is usually possessed only by [[Fighter (class)|fighters]], [[Assassin (class)|assassins]], [[Paladin (class)|paladins]] and [[Ranger (class)|rangers]], most other character classes cannot employ the ability.  It is possible to have a guard as a [[Progenitor|progenitor]], however, and the skill can be acquired through [[Jack-of-all-Trades (sage study)|jack-of-all-trades]].
 
Because the skill is usually possessed only by [[Fighter (class)|fighters]], [[Assassin (class)|assassins]], [[Paladin (class)|paladins]] and [[Ranger (class)|rangers]], most other character classes cannot employ the ability.  It is possible to have a guard as a [[Progenitor|progenitor]], however, and the skill can be acquired through [[Jack-of-all-Trades (sage study)|jack-of-all-trades]].
  

Revision as of 17:53, 14 October 2023

On Guard (sage ability).jpg

On Guard is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Empowerment that grants extra awareness when acting as a sentinel, so that he or she is surprised only on a 1 in 6. This ability applies whenever the character actively announces their state of vigilance. It's not applicable when the character is casually moving about, distracted or focused on something other than anticipating threats.

In a group setting, a character can announce their "on guard" status at any time. He or she then gives the surroundings their whole attention, in case any outward threats should appear as the party is deliberating, making plans or merely wishing to rest, regain spells or eat. It's assumed the "on guard" character is left alone, as this behaviour would be well-known to a character party.

Standing Guard

Those with the ability are limited to being on gaurd for no longer than 3 hours, +15 minutes per level — once per day. Following this time period, characters may continue at their post, but their chance of being surprised reverts to normal. Guards cannot space the benefit throughout their time period on watch; once on guard, failing to maintain the rigor of the ability also causes it to lapse for the remainder of that day. That is, until sunrise, if the character was on guard the previous day, or sunset, if the character was on guard the previous night. This usually means a rest period of at least 12 hours.

Availability

Because the skill is usually possessed only by fighters, assassins, paladins and rangers, most other character classes cannot employ the ability. It is possible to have a guard as a progenitor, however, and the skill can be acquired through jack-of-all-trades.

Guards who are hired will always have this ability; therefore the party should understand that every trusted guard in the game setting will also have it.


See Empowerment (sage study)