How to "Sneak" As a party

Ao Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:01 pm

Sometimes, people say "don't split the party". Usually because you'll die to some horrible beastie without the aid of your compatriots.

But in PBP, splitting the party becomes problematic for a very specific reason.

Sneaking.

Usually in D&D, the rogue (in the dungeon/city) or the ranger (in the woods) will take point and act as a scout. He or she is trying to suss out the danger, and then report back to the party about the situation.

But in PBP, this leads to (days of!) post rotations filled with the DM and the "scout" interacting, while everybody else sits around and plays with their swords.

Obviously, this isn't fun for anyone.

So the procedure for "sneaking" (moving slowly, cautiously, so as to not arouse suspicion, etc.) is to sneak as a party.

Step 1: Designate one (or two, or as many as you would like) PC's as "scouts".

Step 2: Every post in which the group is sneaking, make sure that you make your individual "stealth" check at the end of your post. Account for any modifiers, and disadvantage for armor, etc.

Step 3: If an enemy is trying to passively (or actively) perceive you, I will first check the stealth of the "scouts" group.

Step 4: If at least one scout is successful, all of the non-scouts will receive +2 bonuses to their stealth checks.

Step 5: If at least half of the party is successful, then you will succeed at sneaking. Otherwise, you are perceived.

This reflects the ability for scouts and stealthy characters to warn other party members of approaching danger.

Any PC's that DO NOT roll for stealth in a post rotation will automatically count as a failure. The same is true for non-posting PC's.

Keep in mind, stealthing through territory will slow you down considerably, taking more time and exposing you to a greater number of encounters, wandering enemies, sentries, in some situations.

This group stealthing has no bearing on "non-traveling" posts. For example, in a scene where the characters are chatting up a diplomat and the rogue is trying to pickpocket him, the other party members do not need to roll stealth. Only when you are traveling as a group.

Let me know if anything is unclear

Cheers
-Ao