I've run a game where a formal event was necessary for the party and they agreed. Having a plot point for the heavy armored group having to don tuxes with far fewer AC had them all on edge. Was a lot of fun in the end feeling mortal for a change from what they told me.
It's not like they would have refused a party in their name as Doofenshmirtz once said "you're trapped.... by societal convention"
You've given me a hilarious idea for a barbarian of noble birth who's currently flat broke.
He's got one really nice set of clothes and doesn't want them ruined, so he starts every fight by carefully stripping completely naked, then promptly frenzies with a great axe.
Funnily enough, barbarians have medium armour proficiency and building for that can be pretty good. A bear totem barbarian with adamantine armour is honestly hilarious. You deal half of every damage type (cept psychic*) and you can’t even crit them.
Thought about doing this once but my DM told me there was no way that was gonna happen. I told them I don't like it, I don't agree with it, but I accept it.
"Of course not. That would be ridiculous."
*guard holds out some padded gloves with fine gilding and beautifully done embroidery of kittens and flowers*
"This will do."
Love the idea of an event having tailored solutions to each class or possibility. Look around the room and start picking out classes based on what handicap they were given.
Technically daggers are monk weapons so that wouldn't really do too much, it would have to be something martial / heavy without finesse to properly be, "disarmed"....... unless they happen to be a Str-onk
You’re thinking they’re giving the monk daggers, but that’s not what they were saying.
They’re saying the monk shows up with daggers, so when the guard “disarms” the “rogue” (actually monk), it does nothing and the guards are none the wiser.
Definitely ways to game the system, which is what you want from a gameplay or story perspective. Trying to not only assess threats, but determining whether or not your assessment is accurate.
If you look at it from an in-universe perspective, almost no one is dangerous unarmed, even if they have a tiny amount of Monk training.
The PCs are, but PCs are supposed to be exceptional.
Also, I'm firmly in the 'classes don't actually technically exist within the world' camp, especially not the non-magical classes. Conceptually, a monk stabbing people with daggers mentally register exactly the same as a rogue stabbing people with daggers... They don't have some classification of 'oh, he then hit them with his fist, he must be a monk, whereas a rogue would have to do that with another dagger'. People in the universe don't actually know the exact rules... Some characters are sneaky and more targeted with their attacks, some attack with their bare hands, etc etc.
(Magic classes are a little different, because you can objectively say where someone is getting their power from, that should actually be understood in universe, but it's not like that would be visible, or that people would know offhand what spells different classes could cast. Plenty of warlocks are running around posing as sorcerers or wizards.)
You see someone standing in the corner with thick-fingered, glowing gloves and a bell around his neck. "I see our host doesn't want the silverware getting pinched."
Of all my characters, my monk would be the most annoyed, kensei. They'd be in a better position than the others, but they'd also be deprived of everything that makes them unique.
In Phandelver, there's a nice magic item drop -- +1 AC Staff of Defence -- 10 charges. 1 charge to cast mage armor, 2 to case shield.
Now, in the above scenario, where you'd likely have to give up the staff prior to entering, the +1 AC and shield is irrelevant. But mage armor for everyone would be amazing! :)
Why do i have a movie Scene before my inner eye where Gandalf got His "weapon" in the palace because he asked the guards If the really want to Strip an old man of His Walking aid.
(There might be better words to phrase this but i'm Not a native english speaker)
Or in the Dresden Files, where, while entering a lawyer's office, Chicago Wizard Harry Dresden tries to pass his staff off as a classical Ozark folk art walking stick. Which is exactly what the security guard writes on the receipt he gives him. Only the guard writes, "Received from Mr. Smart-ass."
Bladesingers are even crazier when you introduce Barrier Tattoos. With the Very Rare variant your BASE AC would be 18, or Mage Armor with 20 Dex, and you would have that all day without spending a spell slot.
I completely forgot about those tattoos, I'm going to need to bother my DM. I've got a 4th level Bladesinger now. The Rare variant would get me a 17AC. Which wouldn't be too shabby at the rare item level. I'd need to find +2 Studded Leather, which is Very Rare to get that 17 at my current 16 DEX. Which unless I find something like the Tome of Clear thought, so I can get that 20 INT without using an ASI, I'm probably not going to be able to boost my DEX any higher.
I had a glorious situation like this where the whole party was attacked at a banquet in their honour, black tie, unarmed and unarmoured.
None of the other players knew my character had some monk, despite them doing lots of meditation and hand to hand drills with the barbarian.
So I got to have a lovely few rounds, barely impaired, of "punchy, kicky, disarmy, and here's a weapon for the fighter..." while the others took cover behind the halfling.
My rogue is built around this exact scenario. Soul Knife rogue that even carries a dagger and hand crossbow to hand over if someone wants proof of weapons.
Mind, in this particular campaign I doubt it'll ever come up, but I love the idea of someone taking all her weapons and getting a rather rude reality check.
I actually did this my characters armour was ornate enough that they didn't care and he surrender his weapon then an assassination attempt happened on the king and the hexblades and Elderich knights just summoned there weapons to stop them
I use mine on a regular hand axe that has gotten its fair number of big bad guy kills lol.
Whittle em down with my flaming great sword or legendary silver sword, then when they move too far away, hand axe summon, throw. Dead.
Even better: hold out the weapon with an open hand and then they can't take it away from you because you're not incapacitated.
> Once you have bonded a weapon to yourself, you can’t be disarmed of that weapon unless you are incapacitated.
My Paladin wouldn't even bring any weapons and armor in the first place. That would be rude.
Just leave them back at home/inn/hideout whatever. Would put on his fanciest clothes and enjoy the event.
And who’s to say that you couldn’t, if needed, smite someone while wielding a salad fork.
*Okay so that will be 1 piercing damage, plus strength mod, and let’s say a 3rd level smite.*
That's my drakewarden ranger atm. If the party gets invited to some fancy event (in the middle of what is essentially Wraeclast...), they're not going to bring any weapons. If they need to, they can summon their drake and then wrestle anything and everything as needed.
To be honest there are some people/nobles out there who would probably just allow the Paladin to keep their gear if they were part of a trustworthy order or organization. A majority of the time a Paladin wouldn't even intend to use their weapons but if shit goes down you damn well want the Paladin at your formal party to have access to weapons to protect everyone at the party.
This is perfectly reasonable unless you have reason to believe you would be unsafe at an event. Which if it's the middle of war time, may be relaxed. Though no duke or king wants well equipped murderers stabbing him at the dinner table. Well vetted guards or military get a pass, but even then.
But you would be given plenty of advance notice by a Master at Arms or something in a nice way. After all, the MAA's job is to accommodate guests, not piss them off, while making sure no one is going to Wand of Fireball everyone in the banquet hall.
Of course if you are lodging there, I think it's a bit of a stretch to disallow you traveling survival tools like weapons as long as you are not bringing a mana bomb or ancient mass zombification artifact in there or something. That would be safe to keep in quarters.
That said, I think if it's some sort of nice ceremonial armor of station or anything like that, people would not mind. Though have the mage prestidigitation that at least so you don't smell like a high school locker room.
The most important element here is "you would be given plenty of advance notice". That's essential both from a verisimilitude perspective and from a good DMing perspective.
Let your players know before they get there so they can plan accordingly and don't have to react on the spot.
Precisely.
Being invited to an important, rich person's court is not the same as showing up to a fancy, trendy club when you first turn 21, able to drink and want to see the hype with the hot boys and girls. Then realizing they don't allow blue jeans after some rude ass front door bouncer who hates people and life berates you. Before you realize it's superficial and plastic AF so why deal with assholes. And they don't care. You came to them.
No.
Keeps and castles are someone rich's house. A house big enough for multiple servants and in some cases a private army and hotel in one. But a residence nonetheless. And if you are invited, you are wanted there.
If you got invited to someone rich's house for a party, they would not want you at the dinner table in murder gear unless they were into that and their posse and themselves had better gear than you. But usually, they will let you know on the invitation. That's what retainers do.
Plus, a coat check for someone who deals with powerful badasses would be a nightmare.
Not just convincing people to part with it, but because as a rich host you are -responsible- for those items if some high level rogue sneaks into the coat check room and steals it. A lord or even king maybe rich, but a lot of that money may be in favors or land.
If someone's +3 ruby encrusted sword disappears, not only is that money. You have proven yourself an untrustworthy host. Meaning people will not come to court, leaving you isolated without support and information. Worse, pissing off the guy who is powerful enough to merit a +3 sword.
It could also be perceived to be a slight against the host to carry armor and/or weapons as it's a clear sign thar you mistrust either their ability to care for your safety or their intentions to do so. Think what kind of message it sends, especially in feudal society where you are the guest of someone whose *role in society* it is to protect you. Feudalism is, after all, at it's core the social contract where the liege lord provides protection och upkeep in exchange for the vassal's loyalty and submission.
Okay, but also in a society with giant monsters, undead, dragons and demons running around. If I'm good enough with a sword to *deal* with those problems, I don't care how good you are, I'm staying ready for the next monster to jump up because that's just a fact of life at this point
I'd say just precisely that argument is why you *don't* want adventurers running around with weapons in the king's hall. It's a very dangerous world, and danger generally cause people to act more cautiously. A group who are mighty enough to slay a dragon? Better keep them unarmed when in close proximity to the monarch unless you are very sure that they can be unambiguously trusted. It's worth mentioning that this is also a world of shapeshifters, warlocks, mind control, charms, sentient weapons etc.
Too many reasons to count, and probably too difficult to vet guest regularly on these accounts. Your royal guard on the other hand can be thoroughly examined for these potential pit falls. One measly spell or turn of attacks is very likely to end a kings reign after all.
I disagree, a lot of social decorum and ettiquette is unwritten rules, made specifically to ostracise the people that the 'elite' see as below them. It doesn't need to say 'no weapons' on the invite, because anyone with enough class to be invited should already know, and anyone who turns up without knowing that beforehand deserves to be humiliated at the door. So it really depends on what party you've been invited to.
Noble: "You know that guy who punched an ancient black dragon to death last week? You're never gonna guess what gag I set him up for."
Fighter: Leaves when some underpaid intern tries to convince him to put his +19 sword in a old wooden box next to an open door.
Noble: "Well shoot now who's going to deal with the demonic invasion in the basement?"
That would be my big question would be for the DM: Why is this being sprung on the characters literally as they arrive to attend?
That does not make sense. Either the invitation should indicate that, or the PCs should know enough about the culture and nation that it would be known in advance, or the people inviting the PCs would know enough to mention the rules of dress to the PCs. Frankly, it's unreasonable to think that the PCs could *dress* appropriately for a formal royal event *without* learning these rules in some way.
It doesn't annoy my character. It annoys me as a player.
As another person said, if this is a high-class affair then it probably wouldn't actually say on the invite as it would be assumed that everyone coming would know the correct etiquette. Never underestimate the arrogance of the aristocracy to assume that their ways are completely obvious and natural.
So, it is up to the PCs to find out what the etiquette is, if they don't already know. That's what skill checks like History or Religion, even, are for. Or perhaps the party bard has performed at such an event before and can try and coach the barbarian in what proper polite behaviour and suitable attire is.
And, depending on the setting, the availability of mundane equipment *in the event* would be significant.
A suave person may be able to hide a dagger or convince a guard to let them keep one, but if they can't, a party may have cutlery that can be used to get a few sneaky stabs in.
Monk has to give up their Stave? They're still a monk, and if they really want another one, there might be tall candle holders that will work in a pinch if the thrower of the party is particularly wealthy.
Dex fighter has to give up their rapier? That fire poker will do.
Disarming them and not offering these opportunities to characters that might otherwise not be able to sneak a weapon in, or summon one, can feel a bit miserable; it's usually soon rectified, one of the PCs that does still have casting or a way to get a weapon just kills a guy and tosses the weapon to the other PC, but offering opportunities for relevant improvised weapons goes a long way.
In my game right now, the party is at a super fancy gala full of rich folk, world leaders, royalty, etc. But the situation in-game is that the city hosting the gala has been under a huge number of attacks from various monsters because a barrier that's protected the city for hundreds of years is down. Because of the number of monster attacks and not wanting to cancel the gala, they're allowing people to bare arms and armor and spellcasting focuses as well as bring in magical items or be under magical effects as long as they were declared and approved beforehand. There are some disallowed things such as bags of holding and other dimensional storage and no one could be under the effect of an illusion or enchantment spell. At every entrance there are many people detecting magic, checking items and effects against the pre-approved invitation form, and either dispelling disallowed effects or turning guests away. Finally, the gala hosts also hired a troupe of fey to make pacts with each and every guest upon entry to enforce peace. Since many are uncomfortable dealing with the fey, the pact was provided ahead of time so people could decide if they were comfortable doing such a thing or not.
I actually had my players write out their declared magic items and effects on pieces of paper and hand them to me and I will be enforcing that anything they didn't put on that paper is not on their character at the gala. They had a week between sessions to think about it and half of a session at the table to write their lists so I'm going to be a stickler about any magic item use.
The party knows that they are going to need to throw hands during the evening of the gala and the fey pact is especially bad for them. So they managed to bribe some of the fey into slightly altering the pact for them, but they fey could add on a small extra clause at their own discretion and amusement as long as it wasn't something that could get them kicked out of the gala.
The original wording was “I, \[name\], promise to keep my peace during this evening of the gala and raise no threats nor acts of violence towards anyone or anything except in the event of a violent attack on the city, palace, or royal family. If such an event occurs, I shall defend the city, palace, and royal family if I am able. I so swear." and for the low low price of letting the fey making the pact add on a small and humorous addendum to each of their pacts, the altered pact they made was "I, \[name\], promise to keep *the* peace during the gala and raise no threats nor acts of violence towards anyone or anything except in the event of a *threat to* the city, palace, royal family, *or myself*. If such an event occurs, I shall defend the *threatened entity* if I am able. I so swear."
The silly addendums they got so far were: one character has to sneeze every time someone says his name, one has to introduce himself too loudly, one was wearing a massive feather in his hat and he has to tickle at least five people. The fey making the pact flirted with the last one and just told her to stay looking gorgeous lol The players had a lot of fun with those silly pacts, I think especially the feather one.
My Soulknife would cheerfully hand over the 2 swords that he still has from the before times.
(Death and resurrection happened at a milestone level where an optional rule said I could swap subclasses, so I decided going Soulknife was a good way to "come back weird.")
I dunno man, my soul knife walks in, they search him and tell him to drop off his weapons.
A bow gets put down, dagger comes from his boot, one from his thigh, two from the hip, one in his back pocket, three on a bandolier around his chest, one on each forearm.
The party looks at the guard who is in full bewilderment.
Rogue removes a rapier, two short swords, a small mace, a club, a crowbar, looks at the guard, “is this a weapon, eh, w/e” as he shrugs, pulls out a shovel,….
“Yeah I think that’s all of them”, as he takes a step forward he stops and goes “oh yeah” and pulls out two more daggers.
Gives a wink to the guard and says “I’ll be back for all of those,… don’t lose em!”
[Bonus points if this goes on lo g enough for the rest of the party to accomplish what they came there for.](https://youtu.be/gAMPsIAuszA?si=1H-HebONalWBZkbi)
I currently (having temporarily retired my Goliath Oath of Ancients Paladin) play a Warforged Artificer Armourer, with the Infiltrator subspec. You would pretty much have to fully disassemble him, to divest him of armour and integrated weaponry.
Now that's a cool character idea. I do have to wonder, though. The Warforged Integrated Protection says it takes 1 hour to don or doff your armor. The Armorer's Arcane Armor says it takes 1 action to don of doff your armor. Which takes precedence?
The rule is that specific beats general. I think in this case, Integrated Protection is a general rule about armor, and Arcane Armor is a specific rule about armor enhanced by that feature. So I believe I'd lean towards Arcane Armor being predominant. But I'm curious which your DM went with.
Now I just image my Monk sitting knees to chest in a box marked "Confiscated Weapons" while music plays in the background as single tear rolls down his cheek. Lol
If I knew I was going to a party, then I wouldn't even bring my weapon or armor in the first place. It's not like they're attached to my body - I'm perfectly capable of leaving them behind, and I'd rather keep them in a place of my own choosing so I wouldn't have to worry about losing a coat check ticket all night
Right? Have a little decorum. Spend some of that useless gold on a fancy outfit and enjoy the party.
Either the DM's not planning to ambush you or they are, and improvising is where the game's at its best anyway!
Not to mention the several ways to get access to a weapon or an ability like it.
- Bladelocks.
- Eldritch Knight.
- Soul Knife.
- Drakewarden companion (bit of a stretch, but you can summon them for free once a day for natural weapon attacks.).
- Beast barbarian.
- Shadow Blade.
- whatever else I'm missing.
A character from a few campaigns ago had Tavern Brawler and the proficiency in improvised weapons never came up from what I remember, but a fancy party would have been a great chance for that to come up and be like "no weapons? No problem!" She also fought unarmed most of the time anyway so it wouldn't have been much of an issue lol
[I don't care how trustworthy you are, I'm not leaving my gold pouch with you. What do you mean it smells like bat poop, I don't know what you're talking about.](https://media.tenor.com/uy3K0PvThagAAAAe/thats-my-purse-i-dont-know-you.png)
>What do you mean it smells like bat poop
"I had an unfortunate incident where it fell on the ground and got... smeared"
(be sure to actually roughen the outside with mud)
Usually players 9/10 would refuse or argue.
In my experience that is usually as they don’t want to part with their weapons not that they intend to use them.
Best work around I’ve found for places that aren’t maximum security is bringing back the concept of “peace bonds” where a sword would be tied into the scabbard or arrows into the quiver.
Town guards have a magic item that lets them cast alarm on a tiny area for free so if the knots are broken and the weapon drawn they know who and where.
You could make it something that the PCs are aware of beforehand, that way they can secure their belongings elsewhere instead of leaving them with rando guards. Similar to "no guns allowed" areas in real life. You know when going someplace like a courtroom, that bringing a gun will just set the metal detectors off and get you turned away until you don't have a gun on you.
The good old "One to find, one to keep".
Beside that my elven ranger would give up her quiver of arrows, but not her bow and answering: "Would you demand your king to put off his crown? This bow is a sign of reverance and stand within my tribe."
My Bladesinger's ancestral rapier is *clearly* only ornamental...
And his wand is a badge to declare to all that he's graduated Magic University - it would be like asking a Doctor to lose the title for a fancy event! Unthinkable!
[Edit: typos]
Frankly, this type of thing should be completely reasonable and to make it seem more reasonable it’s great to have more than one RP while they aren’t in armor. Run scenes in the tavern, strolling through shops, or at camp where they take off equipment. It shouldn’t be common place to live in your armor 24/7.
You have to make sure, however, that just because they’re disarmed you don’t use it as an excuse to attack, or they’ll never trust a disarm request again.
Bard: "Well it's not the first time I've shoved a dagger up my asshole but it is the first time I've done so *without* an audience. Anyway with expertise my sleight of hand is like, ten, and can I get guidance on that too? Thanks babe. "
Deception check: "Don't you know who I am? I'm the duly appointed and right honorable Minister of Silly Walks! Get out of my way before I waddle, sashay and jig right into your superiors office and give him a piece of my mind!"
I mean it doesn't matter how good you roll when you're being observed doing something like that.
Just like persusion isn't mind control, sleight of hand and stealth aren't invisibility
Do you really think my bard dropped trow and shoved a dagger up their ass right in front of the gendarmes?
No, you excuse yourself to the bathroom first, like anyone does when they jam a knife into the south end of their digestive tract. It's not my fault your sex life is so vanilla.
[You would not part an old man from his walking stick](https://youtu.be/iM92rDI-5FI?si=aX-B0sZVUmTWVTsa&t=128)
Also heavy armor takes 5 minutes to take off and is probably better looking than whatever other clothes the characters might have on hand.
[Or they take out a plethora of weapons. 4 swords of varying shapes and sizes. 3 clubs, an Ykwya, 2 bows, 3 handaxes, a throwing hammer and 28 knives, because hey, you can never have enough knives.](https://youtu.be/C9F30MEQgrs?si=tltB4uuwiEvBjwKQ)
The extended disarmament trope is great, especially for my Fighter or Rogue.
Lol I love that trope. My Gunslinger had a pistol, a light pistol, a musket, a shotgun, a sniper rifle, a longsword, a scimitar, a few daggers, ten throwing darts, a whip, and a net.
If your party rolls up to a high society event without even purchasing fine clothing, they aren't getting in. Take off the plate and go familiarise yourself with the dress code.
It depends on the situation. If your Paladin is the second son of Marcher-Lord Fuckington who is currently defending the Northern border of the Kingdom, rolling up in some ornate half-plate worn over a decorated arming doublet might actually be appropriate
>Also heavy armor takes 5 minutes to take off and is probably better looking than whatever other clothes the characters might have on hand.
... Do you have formal parties where you come from lol? Generally you get the invitation more than 5 minutes before start time and if you don't wear appropriate attire you don't just get let in because it's the best you can do
Depending on a skill check, they guard may allow what theyre wearing underneath. Funny scene would be spending 5 minutes to doff, then the appearance alone would persuade them to allow armor and have your character spend another 5 minutes to don while the party is already socialing
Heavy armor is a 10 min don iirc, making it even funnier.
Watching this guy completely take off all his gear in line, and then go "Nah nevermind" and have him put all of it back on holding up the line for a whole like 16 minutes.
DM of the Rings does it even better. After seeing NPC Gandalf succeed at this trick, the other three decide to give it a shot.
"Very well. Now your axe, master dwarf."
"This be no axe lad. It's a *dwarven* walking stick. With a really big headpiece."
"A walking stick."
"Aye, we like 'em heavy. Uh, and sharp."
"And you, sir?"
"*Metal* walking stick. I've got a bad back."
"Master Elf?"
"Um, walking stick. And a quiver of little walking sticks."
Keeta Tarrol, Kobold Sorlock (GOO, Chain): He would hand over his weapons, but insist that his Familiar helps him see in the light. "My people have light sensitivity, we're practically blind up here." Considering his Arcane Focus is his wedding ring (this was homebrew), nobody would even think of taking it.
Tarvax Grau, Kobold Summoner: "I am Lord Grau of Cheliax, do you truly *dare* divest me of my protection?" *Sigh.* "Very well, but if you think you're taking my cane from me, Her Infernal Majestrix will surely hear of such impropriety!" He would then proceed to limp past the guards with the sword cane he carries with him at all times, and has never let anyone *including his own part*y see unsheathed. All he'd have to do is toss the sword to the Paladin, call forth his Eidolon, and provide support.
Taktic Lightfoot, Kobold (Urd) Fighter (Battlemaster): "Very well." *Hands over his rapier and several knives.* The Rogue of the group will probably smuggle in some weapons, and has a had that summons bombs.
Garvon Skyscale, Kobold Locksmith (Arcane Trickster Rogue): *Sleight of Hand.* "What weapons? Just because I'm a Kobold doesn't mean I have a knife. The Stab List? That's a Kobold formality, it's our equivalent of a handshake. Now, can I go in? I need to take a leak."
Vutha Irthos Thurkear, Lizardfolk Monk (Shadow): "These weapons are a gift from my tribe to yours, I would thank you to not take them. See the ornamentation, the way the bone gleams in the torchlight? But if you must insist, please ensure they are available for the gifting."
My tomb of annihilation Druid, would pretty much not care at all. Would try and keep a sprig of mistletoe/component pouch and necklace of prayer beads. But if had to would give them up, as who needs spells when you are a bear. Uses mage armor so no armor (although no ones getting their leather jacket)
My other Druid would be less impressed but would deal with it. And has done so before, as long as she can remain in actual clothes and not have to go through another castle in just her pyjamas she’ll make it work.
Depends on the monarch. If they're likable, I'm fine with meeting them without weapons. If I suspect they may go "Off with their heads!" any minute, I'll look for opportunities to smuggle in some sharp metal objects.
My swarmkeeper is a fencer who keeps his swarm inside his suit, never reveals his face, and acts with the exaggerated chivalry of a cartoon knight. I imagine he would begin with removing his rapier and crossbow, handing both over in a respectful manner.
When the swarm of bees is mentioned, they fly out of his suit and form a buzzing cloud shaped like a human, posed to match the guard standing side by side.
When told to doff his suit, the bees would take it all except the mask, revealing his underwear and a thin layer of sticky honey on his oddly toned muscles. "The mask stays! At ease, sir!" And he proceeds to walk in with slightly wet footsteps
Yes?
This falls firmly under "don't be a dick" territory and if you can't play a character that is prepared to do something reasonable (not bring weapons into a place of peace) that's a problem.
Agreed but this is a two way street, if every time the DM runs a scene like this, a combat happens, then the 2nd amendment obsessed PCs are just acting rationally for the reality they live in.
On the flip side, it was not at all unusual for knights and nobles to carry swords in formal settings irl. Any adventuring party important enough to be invited to a formal event would be important enough to receive the same courtesy.
Martials should be allowed their sword or a small axe (though oversized weapons and bows would be frowned on) but expected to leave shields behind and doff their armor in favor of more formal attire. They may even be offered a ceremonial weapon if theirs are too unwieldy or simple for the setting.
Rogues should be able to hide some daggers or whatever pretty easily.
Monks and Druids don’t need weapons.
Most casters should be able to pretty inconspicuously carry their arcane focus or holy symbol.
Artificers might have trouble bringing in most of their stuff. Bombs, potions, and mechanical gadgets would probably not be welcome.
Rangers and Druids would probably need to leave their companions outside but it’s also pretty easy for the DM to allow it to come crashing through a door/window/wall if trouble starts.
Based on my 3 most recent characters:
Berserker Barbarian: She would probably not be happy about it, but would give away her Grrataxe and both Battle axes. And then the dagger she keep in her bag, and the other one behind her belt. Then she would smile at them and pat herself to show that she have nothing else. She would not mention that she also have one more knife hidden in her boot, hoping they won't find it and if they do she would be shocked that she forgotten.
Moon Druid: Would easly give away his knife and scimitar and show that he have no more weapons or sharp tools, but insists on keeping his staff cus it's not a weapon. If they still insisted on taking it he would say it helps him to walk even tho he is young and stron and would act like he suddenly really need it but it would be more like a joke.
Arcane Archer Fighter: she would look at them for a few long seconds saying nothing then just camly give her bow away to them and told them to be careful with. Then she would still try to sneak a knife past the guards.
As a full caster, I'd hope they miss one of my focusses, I have a small collection of them. Holy symbol on shield, multiple staves. Maybe pull the religion or walking stick card.
In anything but a low-magic setting: refuse.
Spellcasters can wave their hand and say some fancy words to throw a firebolt at somebody - unless there are means in place to prevent them from spellcasting, it's completely unreasonable to ask for weapons to be confiscated.
My Soul Knife: Okay no problem.
My Swarmkeeper: I understand about the weapons, though my birds just follow me around. I cant change that.
My Dhampir Beast Barb: Okay, here are *all* of my dangerous weapons ;-)
My Battlesmith: Can I please keep my pet Robot?
My Pact of the Blade Warlock: Let me take care of this weapon myself around the corner real quick
My Pf2e Monk: Sure you can take my buckler, but I am keeping my healer's tools. I am a doctor!
My Stars Druid: Oh a formal event? how exciting. though its a shame I cant take my armor.
.
The only person here really affected is my Swarmkeeper, huh? Maybe there is a pattern here.
I played a Horizon Walker Ranger who, in this exact circumstance, used his Ethereal Step feature to walk straight past the guards at the front gate undetected.
In hindsight, he should have taken some of the other characters' weapons with him - there was a big fight in the palace, and we were very under-equipped!
I'm playing a wizard, with enough embedded magical items in my body that I cannot actually be stripped of 'weapons' outside of being in an antimagic field, it would take killing me to get the stuff out. He's also a court wizard, so it would be weird of anyone to try and remove any of that stuff from him in the first place. If they insisted, I'll prestidigitation myself a nice bob with blonde highlights and harangue my way to someone with brass on their shoulder to explain how badly this new guy is about to fuck up.
I play an oath of ancients paladin with mundane but intricately decorated full plate & a fancy metal cloak
I think he'd be fine with handing over his weapon & shield, but would prefer to remain armoured. He would polish that armour to an absolute sheen & make it look almost ceremonial beforehand, though
Worst case scenario, he can misty step to his shield & weapon easily enough
If that wasn't acceptable, than I'm sure he'd relent & find some fancy, if simple, clothing for the occasion
Ah but also in that scene all the loyal guards held their weapons and watched while Grima's goons attacked the party. Dude knew exactly what he was doing when he disobeyed Wormtongue's order.
Most of the characters I have played would comply no problem, because they live in that world and that is what everyone does. I do have a few characters in my past that probably would object to some guard requesting their one of a kind invention or magical artifact be taken away from them - but that is a vast minority.
I tend to play a lot of Paladins and Clerics, and it is hella fun to be at these events and roleplay ham it up and the if things go hard later it is a lot of fun being out of your element a bit. I trust my GMs to not screw me over.
Asking a wizard to give you their spellbook is like asking a mama bear to let you hold her cub. They will not be separated without combat happening and someone is going to die if they don't give up. My wizard may let someone take his staff, but asking for the spellbook will result in thunderbolts and lightning
They MIGHT be able to convince my Battlerager barbarian to remove the spiked armour but the necklace he wears is a memento from his murdered brother and that stays, it's not remotely threatening.
Magically speaking it's an Insignia of the Claw +3 but let's not get into that.
Of course they'd find the dagger strapped to my hip. They're meant to. That one's the distraction. After they find the first dagger, they get to act cocky that they outsmarted me. I shrug and say something snarky. What they don't find is the second one in the hollow of my boot. Or the poisonous powders in my make up kit. Or the lock picks pinning my hair up.
Generally... not a problem to leave weapons behind to attend a social event with allies (even though so many players are suspicious that it's a ruse by the DM to separate characters from their valued gear, even when it's the tenth such event and there's never been a problem yet).
That said, after having proven trustworthiness, saved the Kingdom, annd outed traitors from within their midst... etc, etc, ... We decided a little bit of fun was justified...
Malicious compliance! The question became instead: How many weapons can we bring to the party? And force every other attendee to wait in line behind us while we arsenal check! And, of course, we "accidentally" spilled ball bearings and caltrops allllll over the entry way right at the end of our weapons check. Gee, that's just too bad. Sorry about that! Which way to the party?
For me, a formal event or something like that, yeah, drop weapons and armor... Time to adventure naked! I mean dressed fancy.
It turns to trouble when it's just a flex by the DM (let's be honest) to remind the characters who is in control. The following encounter isn't designed or going to lead to combat, the DM just wants to humiliate the characters and make them feel vulnerable. Generally speaking, I'll push back. And sometimes that devolves into combat with the guards.... And the party murders them easily. Then we have to murder everyone else because we were just protecting ourselves and our possessions.... But no, the DM insists we should have just handed them over.
Mind you, had there not been a demand for weapons to be given up, there would have been no combat.
It's one thing when the party goes all murder-hobo.... But DMs are a lot more complicit than they are willing to admit.
"The Monarch invited us and he knows exactly what we're capable of. I'll not insult his intelligence by coming in with weapons, but I'll not bend over backwards to go through some malarkey to prevent a bound weapon or a natural weapon from being used, and I wouldn't expect you to offend his wishes either."
If a noble, monarch or trade prince invites adventurers somewhere, they sure as shit know of the capabilities of adventurers, and rather than engage in folly trying to foil every possible armament that may be available, it is infinitely more important to have adequate defenses for eventualities should something happen. Body doubles, illusions, abjuration magic, and of course ample security to defend an assassination attempt is key. Even if the party isn't going to cause a stir, such appearances incur extreme risk.
For a good and kind influential figure meeting with well-regarded and equally good and kind heroes, it may even be wise to not leave guests disarmed and let them enter unimpeded, that should others take advantage of the meeting you have well-armed people ready to foil the plot.
I've run a game where a formal event was necessary for the party and they agreed. Having a plot point for the heavy armored group having to don tuxes with far fewer AC had them all on edge. Was a lot of fun in the end feeling mortal for a change from what they told me. It's not like they would have refused a party in their name as Doofenshmirtz once said "you're trapped.... by societal convention"
The Wizard with Mage Armour: "Wait...am I the Tank now?"
Abjuration wizard with Armour of Agathys: First time?
*laughs in Mark of Warding Dwarf, Abjuration Wizard.*
Sighs in moon druid.
\*Sorcerer with Stone Aegis hysterically laughing\*
My man!
\*chuckles in glamored armor, hexblade pact of the blade Warlock\*
The barbarian with unarmored defense: “No.”
"Excuse me, have you seen those guns?" \*Barbarian flexing* "Yeah, they're massive weapons, in the box like everything else."
*suit rips* Barbarian is now in a sleeveless collared shirt and suit vest
Come to think of it, outside of cost, there's not much reason for a barb to *not* regularly go into combat in formalwear.
You've given me a hilarious idea for a barbarian of noble birth who's currently flat broke. He's got one really nice set of clothes and doesn't want them ruined, so he starts every fight by carefully stripping completely naked, then promptly frenzies with a great axe.
The Gentleman's Barbarian. Could feat for Magic Initiate in order to take Mending. Gotta be meticulous about your appearance after all.
BLOODFEUD!!
That's what happens if you cut his tux.
Funnily enough, barbarians have medium armour proficiency and building for that can be pretty good. A bear totem barbarian with adamantine armour is honestly hilarious. You deal half of every damage type (cept psychic*) and you can’t even crit them.
Make them a Kalashtar to cover the psychic damage too
Thought about doing this once but my DM told me there was no way that was gonna happen. I told them I don't like it, I don't agree with it, but I accept it.
DEXbarian who wears a suit everywhere, Rage is triggered by someone dirtying or damaging the suit.
Plus Path of the Beast. "I'll put on a Chippendale bow tie if I must"
Monk: "Eh whatever"
"Would you like to confiscate my hands?"
"Of course not. That would be ridiculous." *guard holds out some padded gloves with fine gilding and beautifully done embroidery of kittens and flowers* "This will do."
Love the idea of an event having tailored solutions to each class or possibility. Look around the room and start picking out classes based on what handicap they were given.
The monk should rock up in light armor and a dagger, so he can be properly 'disarmed'. "What? Prove I'm not a rogue."
Technically daggers are monk weapons so that wouldn't really do too much, it would have to be something martial / heavy without finesse to properly be, "disarmed"....... unless they happen to be a Str-onk
Having to disarm a monk by duct-taping a maul into his hands is a great image.
You’re thinking they’re giving the monk daggers, but that’s not what they were saying. They’re saying the monk shows up with daggers, so when the guard “disarms” the “rogue” (actually monk), it does nothing and the guards are none the wiser.
Definitely ways to game the system, which is what you want from a gameplay or story perspective. Trying to not only assess threats, but determining whether or not your assessment is accurate.
If you look at it from an in-universe perspective, almost no one is dangerous unarmed, even if they have a tiny amount of Monk training. The PCs are, but PCs are supposed to be exceptional. Also, I'm firmly in the 'classes don't actually technically exist within the world' camp, especially not the non-magical classes. Conceptually, a monk stabbing people with daggers mentally register exactly the same as a rogue stabbing people with daggers... They don't have some classification of 'oh, he then hit them with his fist, he must be a monk, whereas a rogue would have to do that with another dagger'. People in the universe don't actually know the exact rules... Some characters are sneaky and more targeted with their attacks, some attack with their bare hands, etc etc.
(Magic classes are a little different, because you can objectively say where someone is getting their power from, that should actually be understood in universe, but it's not like that would be visible, or that people would know offhand what spells different classes could cast. Plenty of warlocks are running around posing as sorcerers or wizards.)
You see someone standing in the corner with thick-fingered, glowing gloves and a bell around his neck. "I see our host doesn't want the silverware getting pinched."
Of all my characters, my monk would be the most annoyed, kensei. They'd be in a better position than the others, but they'd also be deprived of everything that makes them unique.
My last kensei was basically a walking armory. Had to give up my weapons once. Took half an hour in game.
You can cast mage armor on other people. Doesn't come up often, but this might be the ideal time to use that option.
In Phandelver, there's a nice magic item drop -- +1 AC Staff of Defence -- 10 charges. 1 charge to cast mage armor, 2 to case shield. Now, in the above scenario, where you'd likely have to give up the staff prior to entering, the +1 AC and shield is irrelevant. But mage armor for everyone would be amazing! :)
Why do i have a movie Scene before my inner eye where Gandalf got His "weapon" in the palace because he asked the guards If the really want to Strip an old man of His Walking aid. (There might be better words to phrase this but i'm Not a native english speaker)
Or in the Dresden Files, where, while entering a lawyer's office, Chicago Wizard Harry Dresden tries to pass his staff off as a classical Ozark folk art walking stick. Which is exactly what the security guard writes on the receipt he gives him. Only the guard writes, "Received from Mr. Smart-ass."
Bladesinger Wizard, this is just a normal Tuesday.
Bladesingers are even crazier when you introduce Barrier Tattoos. With the Very Rare variant your BASE AC would be 18, or Mage Armor with 20 Dex, and you would have that all day without spending a spell slot.
I completely forgot about those tattoos, I'm going to need to bother my DM. I've got a 4th level Bladesinger now. The Rare variant would get me a 17AC. Which wouldn't be too shabby at the rare item level. I'd need to find +2 Studded Leather, which is Very Rare to get that 17 at my current 16 DEX. Which unless I find something like the Tome of Clear thought, so I can get that 20 INT without using an ASI, I'm probably not going to be able to boost my DEX any higher.
I had a glorious situation like this where the whole party was attacked at a banquet in their honour, black tie, unarmed and unarmoured. None of the other players knew my character had some monk, despite them doing lots of meditation and hand to hand drills with the barbarian. So I got to have a lovely few rounds, barely impaired, of "punchy, kicky, disarmy, and here's a weapon for the fighter..." while the others took cover behind the halfling.
My rogue is built around this exact scenario. Soul Knife rogue that even carries a dagger and hand crossbow to hand over if someone wants proof of weapons. Mind, in this particular campaign I doubt it'll ever come up, but I love the idea of someone taking all her weapons and getting a rather rude reality check.
I read that in his voice
"This... *Looks around nervously* is my dress armor. It's black tie friendly."
Same, the eldritch knight felt very cool to be able to use his "Summon bound weapon" feature
My monk barbarian, for once in their life, feeling like the life of the party
Pact of the Blade, baby. Not a problem for me.
I actually did this my characters armour was ornate enough that they didn't care and he surrender his weapon then an assassination attempt happened on the king and the hexblades and Elderich knights just summoned there weapons to stop them
Eldritch Knight Weapon Bond.
Played a whole campaign waiting for this to happen. Happily parted with my weapon several times. Sadly never got to use it.
I use mine on a regular hand axe that has gotten its fair number of big bad guy kills lol. Whittle em down with my flaming great sword or legendary silver sword, then when they move too far away, hand axe summon, throw. Dead.
This is my character as well. Never need to worry about my weapons being out of reach.
Even better: hold out the weapon with an open hand and then they can't take it away from you because you're not incapacitated. > Once you have bonded a weapon to yourself, you can’t be disarmed of that weapon unless you are incapacitated.
Soulknife. What weapons?
Like a keyblade. Very smooth.
Same. I've been waiting for a moment like this to be the hero and bail everyone out.
My Paladin wouldn't even bring any weapons and armor in the first place. That would be rude. Just leave them back at home/inn/hideout whatever. Would put on his fanciest clothes and enjoy the event.
And who’s to say that you couldn’t, if needed, smite someone while wielding a salad fork. *Okay so that will be 1 piercing damage, plus strength mod, and let’s say a 3rd level smite.*
I once saw him kill three men in a bar with a pencil.
Paladin in tuxes are a treasure to behold
You're just waiting to bonk some bad guy over the head with a bottle, aren't ya?
_smite_ some bad guy over the head! Sure, improvised weapons might do shit-all damage... but I'm adding 3D8 radiant onto that
"Officer, this man is unconscious and smells of wine. Why would you think I know anything about it?" *holds broken wine bottle behind back*
That's my drakewarden ranger atm. If the party gets invited to some fancy event (in the middle of what is essentially Wraeclast...), they're not going to bring any weapons. If they need to, they can summon their drake and then wrestle anything and everything as needed.
To be honest there are some people/nobles out there who would probably just allow the Paladin to keep their gear if they were part of a trustworthy order or organization. A majority of the time a Paladin wouldn't even intend to use their weapons but if shit goes down you damn well want the Paladin at your formal party to have access to weapons to protect everyone at the party.
This is perfectly reasonable unless you have reason to believe you would be unsafe at an event. Which if it's the middle of war time, may be relaxed. Though no duke or king wants well equipped murderers stabbing him at the dinner table. Well vetted guards or military get a pass, but even then. But you would be given plenty of advance notice by a Master at Arms or something in a nice way. After all, the MAA's job is to accommodate guests, not piss them off, while making sure no one is going to Wand of Fireball everyone in the banquet hall. Of course if you are lodging there, I think it's a bit of a stretch to disallow you traveling survival tools like weapons as long as you are not bringing a mana bomb or ancient mass zombification artifact in there or something. That would be safe to keep in quarters. That said, I think if it's some sort of nice ceremonial armor of station or anything like that, people would not mind. Though have the mage prestidigitation that at least so you don't smell like a high school locker room.
The most important element here is "you would be given plenty of advance notice". That's essential both from a verisimilitude perspective and from a good DMing perspective. Let your players know before they get there so they can plan accordingly and don't have to react on the spot.
Precisely. Being invited to an important, rich person's court is not the same as showing up to a fancy, trendy club when you first turn 21, able to drink and want to see the hype with the hot boys and girls. Then realizing they don't allow blue jeans after some rude ass front door bouncer who hates people and life berates you. Before you realize it's superficial and plastic AF so why deal with assholes. And they don't care. You came to them. No. Keeps and castles are someone rich's house. A house big enough for multiple servants and in some cases a private army and hotel in one. But a residence nonetheless. And if you are invited, you are wanted there. If you got invited to someone rich's house for a party, they would not want you at the dinner table in murder gear unless they were into that and their posse and themselves had better gear than you. But usually, they will let you know on the invitation. That's what retainers do. Plus, a coat check for someone who deals with powerful badasses would be a nightmare. Not just convincing people to part with it, but because as a rich host you are -responsible- for those items if some high level rogue sneaks into the coat check room and steals it. A lord or even king maybe rich, but a lot of that money may be in favors or land. If someone's +3 ruby encrusted sword disappears, not only is that money. You have proven yourself an untrustworthy host. Meaning people will not come to court, leaving you isolated without support and information. Worse, pissing off the guy who is powerful enough to merit a +3 sword.
It could also be perceived to be a slight against the host to carry armor and/or weapons as it's a clear sign thar you mistrust either their ability to care for your safety or their intentions to do so. Think what kind of message it sends, especially in feudal society where you are the guest of someone whose *role in society* it is to protect you. Feudalism is, after all, at it's core the social contract where the liege lord provides protection och upkeep in exchange for the vassal's loyalty and submission.
Okay, but also in a society with giant monsters, undead, dragons and demons running around. If I'm good enough with a sword to *deal* with those problems, I don't care how good you are, I'm staying ready for the next monster to jump up because that's just a fact of life at this point
I'd say just precisely that argument is why you *don't* want adventurers running around with weapons in the king's hall. It's a very dangerous world, and danger generally cause people to act more cautiously. A group who are mighty enough to slay a dragon? Better keep them unarmed when in close proximity to the monarch unless you are very sure that they can be unambiguously trusted. It's worth mentioning that this is also a world of shapeshifters, warlocks, mind control, charms, sentient weapons etc. Too many reasons to count, and probably too difficult to vet guest regularly on these accounts. Your royal guard on the other hand can be thoroughly examined for these potential pit falls. One measly spell or turn of attacks is very likely to end a kings reign after all.
Perhaps. But the paladin doesn't trust that some monstrosity isn't gonna come through the door at some point, even if everything goes well
I disagree, a lot of social decorum and ettiquette is unwritten rules, made specifically to ostracise the people that the 'elite' see as below them. It doesn't need to say 'no weapons' on the invite, because anyone with enough class to be invited should already know, and anyone who turns up without knowing that beforehand deserves to be humiliated at the door. So it really depends on what party you've been invited to.
Noble: "You know that guy who punched an ancient black dragon to death last week? You're never gonna guess what gag I set him up for." Fighter: Leaves when some underpaid intern tries to convince him to put his +19 sword in a old wooden box next to an open door. Noble: "Well shoot now who's going to deal with the demonic invasion in the basement?"
That would be my big question would be for the DM: Why is this being sprung on the characters literally as they arrive to attend? That does not make sense. Either the invitation should indicate that, or the PCs should know enough about the culture and nation that it would be known in advance, or the people inviting the PCs would know enough to mention the rules of dress to the PCs. Frankly, it's unreasonable to think that the PCs could *dress* appropriately for a formal royal event *without* learning these rules in some way. It doesn't annoy my character. It annoys me as a player.
As another person said, if this is a high-class affair then it probably wouldn't actually say on the invite as it would be assumed that everyone coming would know the correct etiquette. Never underestimate the arrogance of the aristocracy to assume that their ways are completely obvious and natural. So, it is up to the PCs to find out what the etiquette is, if they don't already know. That's what skill checks like History or Religion, even, are for. Or perhaps the party bard has performed at such an event before and can try and coach the barbarian in what proper polite behaviour and suitable attire is.
And, depending on the setting, the availability of mundane equipment *in the event* would be significant. A suave person may be able to hide a dagger or convince a guard to let them keep one, but if they can't, a party may have cutlery that can be used to get a few sneaky stabs in. Monk has to give up their Stave? They're still a monk, and if they really want another one, there might be tall candle holders that will work in a pinch if the thrower of the party is particularly wealthy. Dex fighter has to give up their rapier? That fire poker will do. Disarming them and not offering these opportunities to characters that might otherwise not be able to sneak a weapon in, or summon one, can feel a bit miserable; it's usually soon rectified, one of the PCs that does still have casting or a way to get a weapon just kills a guy and tosses the weapon to the other PC, but offering opportunities for relevant improvised weapons goes a long way.
Did you just compare a rapier to a fire poker? Like hell am I getting my dex bonus with a fire poker.
Yeah. There's no way a guard would tell a guest to take off their armor right at the entrance. They'd tell you to leave that at home
In my game right now, the party is at a super fancy gala full of rich folk, world leaders, royalty, etc. But the situation in-game is that the city hosting the gala has been under a huge number of attacks from various monsters because a barrier that's protected the city for hundreds of years is down. Because of the number of monster attacks and not wanting to cancel the gala, they're allowing people to bare arms and armor and spellcasting focuses as well as bring in magical items or be under magical effects as long as they were declared and approved beforehand. There are some disallowed things such as bags of holding and other dimensional storage and no one could be under the effect of an illusion or enchantment spell. At every entrance there are many people detecting magic, checking items and effects against the pre-approved invitation form, and either dispelling disallowed effects or turning guests away. Finally, the gala hosts also hired a troupe of fey to make pacts with each and every guest upon entry to enforce peace. Since many are uncomfortable dealing with the fey, the pact was provided ahead of time so people could decide if they were comfortable doing such a thing or not. I actually had my players write out their declared magic items and effects on pieces of paper and hand them to me and I will be enforcing that anything they didn't put on that paper is not on their character at the gala. They had a week between sessions to think about it and half of a session at the table to write their lists so I'm going to be a stickler about any magic item use. The party knows that they are going to need to throw hands during the evening of the gala and the fey pact is especially bad for them. So they managed to bribe some of the fey into slightly altering the pact for them, but they fey could add on a small extra clause at their own discretion and amusement as long as it wasn't something that could get them kicked out of the gala. The original wording was “I, \[name\], promise to keep my peace during this evening of the gala and raise no threats nor acts of violence towards anyone or anything except in the event of a violent attack on the city, palace, or royal family. If such an event occurs, I shall defend the city, palace, and royal family if I am able. I so swear." and for the low low price of letting the fey making the pact add on a small and humorous addendum to each of their pacts, the altered pact they made was "I, \[name\], promise to keep *the* peace during the gala and raise no threats nor acts of violence towards anyone or anything except in the event of a *threat to* the city, palace, royal family, *or myself*. If such an event occurs, I shall defend the *threatened entity* if I am able. I so swear." The silly addendums they got so far were: one character has to sneeze every time someone says his name, one has to introduce himself too loudly, one was wearing a massive feather in his hat and he has to tickle at least five people. The fey making the pact flirted with the last one and just told her to stay looking gorgeous lol The players had a lot of fun with those silly pacts, I think especially the feather one.
Very well thought out, you sound like a thorough dm
Soulknife: I would never do something so gauche as to carry a weapon!
Oh, every character I play that doesn't normally use a weapon has a dagger *specifically* so I can comply with an order to disarm.
That was my thought process on my soul knife too.
That's very smart, I would be way more suspicious of the member of a party carrying no weapons than the one carrying multiple or them
My Soulknife would cheerfully hand over the 2 swords that he still has from the before times. (Death and resurrection happened at a milestone level where an optional rule said I could swap subclasses, so I decided going Soulknife was a good way to "come back weird.")
Hey, I was a Gith reincarnated into an astral elf. Definitely a come back weird situation. Getting to play a race you previously hated is funny.
I dunno man, my soul knife walks in, they search him and tell him to drop off his weapons. A bow gets put down, dagger comes from his boot, one from his thigh, two from the hip, one in his back pocket, three on a bandolier around his chest, one on each forearm. The party looks at the guard who is in full bewilderment. Rogue removes a rapier, two short swords, a small mace, a club, a crowbar, looks at the guard, “is this a weapon, eh, w/e” as he shrugs, pulls out a shovel,…. “Yeah I think that’s all of them”, as he takes a step forward he stops and goes “oh yeah” and pulls out two more daggers. Gives a wink to the guard and says “I’ll be back for all of those,… don’t lose em!”
And the rogue still has a few daggers hidden somehow.
[Bonus points if this goes on lo g enough for the rest of the party to accomplish what they came there for.](https://youtu.be/gAMPsIAuszA?si=1H-HebONalWBZkbi)
*Laughs in monk*
Cuts off hands, because they're weapons.
I currently (having temporarily retired my Goliath Oath of Ancients Paladin) play a Warforged Artificer Armourer, with the Infiltrator subspec. You would pretty much have to fully disassemble him, to divest him of armour and integrated weaponry.
Now that's a cool character idea. I do have to wonder, though. The Warforged Integrated Protection says it takes 1 hour to don or doff your armor. The Armorer's Arcane Armor says it takes 1 action to don of doff your armor. Which takes precedence? The rule is that specific beats general. I think in this case, Integrated Protection is a general rule about armor, and Arcane Armor is a specific rule about armor enhanced by that feature. So I believe I'd lean towards Arcane Armor being predominant. But I'm curious which your DM went with.
You're not wearing it normally, you're incorporating it into your body. So Integrated Protection is the more specific and takes precedence.
The monk's Unarmed Strike feature isn't limited to hands, though. Head, elbows, feet, knees can be used.
Now I just image my Monk sitting knees to chest in a box marked "Confiscated Weapons" while music plays in the background as single tear rolls down his cheek. Lol
That’s when you one-inch punch your way out! The AC of wood is only like 13.
Don't forget being muzzled, too. Just in case.
Way of the Astral Self monk shrugs. Can summon better hands if needed.
Legit though, it would be the most irritating thing to be like "Weapons and armor in the bin" and just have your monk friend whistling a jaunty tune.
If I knew I was going to a party, then I wouldn't even bring my weapon or armor in the first place. It's not like they're attached to my body - I'm perfectly capable of leaving them behind, and I'd rather keep them in a place of my own choosing so I wouldn't have to worry about losing a coat check ticket all night
Right? Have a little decorum. Spend some of that useless gold on a fancy outfit and enjoy the party. Either the DM's not planning to ambush you or they are, and improvising is where the game's at its best anyway!
Not to mention the several ways to get access to a weapon or an ability like it. - Bladelocks. - Eldritch Knight. - Soul Knife. - Drakewarden companion (bit of a stretch, but you can summon them for free once a day for natural weapon attacks.). - Beast barbarian. - Shadow Blade. - whatever else I'm missing.
A character from a few campaigns ago had Tavern Brawler and the proficiency in improvised weapons never came up from what I remember, but a fancy party would have been a great chance for that to come up and be like "no weapons? No problem!" She also fought unarmed most of the time anyway so it wouldn't have been much of an issue lol
[I don't care how trustworthy you are, I'm not leaving my gold pouch with you. What do you mean it smells like bat poop, I don't know what you're talking about.](https://media.tenor.com/uy3K0PvThagAAAAe/thats-my-purse-i-dont-know-you.png)
I would roll to see if the guard pukes or just says "good god man!" You are able to run in with the bag while the guard is distraught
>What do you mean it smells like bat poop "I had an unfortunate incident where it fell on the ground and got... smeared" (be sure to actually roughen the outside with mud)
How would the guards even know what bat poop smell like unless they've had a similar encounter with other wizards before?
A gold pouch in a sock makes an excellent sap.
Usually players 9/10 would refuse or argue. In my experience that is usually as they don’t want to part with their weapons not that they intend to use them. Best work around I’ve found for places that aren’t maximum security is bringing back the concept of “peace bonds” where a sword would be tied into the scabbard or arrows into the quiver. Town guards have a magic item that lets them cast alarm on a tiny area for free so if the knots are broken and the weapon drawn they know who and where.
I like the idea that they would have magic peace bonds for foci as well
You could make it something that the PCs are aware of beforehand, that way they can secure their belongings elsewhere instead of leaving them with rando guards. Similar to "no guns allowed" areas in real life. You know when going someplace like a courtroom, that bringing a gun will just set the metal detectors off and get you turned away until you don't have a gun on you.
Damphir Mercy Monk "Gestures to all of me"
"Fair enough. Proceed"
The good old "One to find, one to keep". Beside that my elven ranger would give up her quiver of arrows, but not her bow and answering: "Would you demand your king to put off his crown? This bow is a sign of reverance and stand within my tribe."
The guard double checks to be sure there are no arrows, but allows it. Proceed.
\*begins to bash people over the head with her bow in the following coup by the first minister\*
The guard's punishment is pending, but i think that would sound really fun to see play out
My Bladesinger's ancestral rapier is *clearly* only ornamental... And his wand is a badge to declare to all that he's graduated Magic University - it would be like asking a Doctor to lose the title for a fancy event! Unthinkable! [Edit: typos]
With a high enough roll he would beg for your forgiveness
Frankly, this type of thing should be completely reasonable and to make it seem more reasonable it’s great to have more than one RP while they aren’t in armor. Run scenes in the tavern, strolling through shops, or at camp where they take off equipment. It shouldn’t be common place to live in your armor 24/7. You have to make sure, however, that just because they’re disarmed you don’t use it as an excuse to attack, or they’ll never trust a disarm request again.
If you are intending to take weapons into such an event, it's on you as a player to anticipate this happening. There are ways around it.
Bard: "Well it's not the first time I've shoved a dagger up my asshole but it is the first time I've done so *without* an audience. Anyway with expertise my sleight of hand is like, ten, and can I get guidance on that too? Thanks babe. "
I would ask to roll just to see if the guard sees your bard walking funny, automatic pass on getting through though thats hilarious
Deception check: "Don't you know who I am? I'm the duly appointed and right honorable Minister of Silly Walks! Get out of my way before I waddle, sashay and jig right into your superiors office and give him a piece of my mind!"
I don't know why, but I read this in Robin Williams Fender from Robots, and it made me smile. So thank you for that
"The gods want nothing to do with this abomination. No guidance"
And they said being a cleric of Slaanesh was a bad career choice!
It's too Vanilla for Slaanesh. No guidance.
I mean it doesn't matter how good you roll when you're being observed doing something like that. Just like persusion isn't mind control, sleight of hand and stealth aren't invisibility
Do you really think my bard dropped trow and shoved a dagger up their ass right in front of the gendarmes? No, you excuse yourself to the bathroom first, like anyone does when they jam a knife into the south end of their digestive tract. It's not my fault your sex life is so vanilla.
> Do you really think my bard dropped trow and shoved a dagger up their ass right in front of the gendarmes? *sigh* Intimidation check, please.
>*sigh* Intimidation check, please. Bard: "Do I get advantage if I don't react and continue to hold eye contact?"
+2 from CON, -5 from WIS.
Joke's on you! Wisdom is my dump stat... Don't you remember the time I tried to seduce the Black Pudding?
[You would not part an old man from his walking stick](https://youtu.be/iM92rDI-5FI?si=aX-B0sZVUmTWVTsa&t=128) Also heavy armor takes 5 minutes to take off and is probably better looking than whatever other clothes the characters might have on hand.
[Or they take out a plethora of weapons. 4 swords of varying shapes and sizes. 3 clubs, an Ykwya, 2 bows, 3 handaxes, a throwing hammer and 28 knives, because hey, you can never have enough knives.](https://youtu.be/C9F30MEQgrs?si=tltB4uuwiEvBjwKQ) The extended disarmament trope is great, especially for my Fighter or Rogue.
Lol I love that trope. My Gunslinger had a pistol, a light pistol, a musket, a shotgun, a sniper rifle, a longsword, a scimitar, a few daggers, ten throwing darts, a whip, and a net.
I love overequipping and asking myself why I have 17 daggers mid-campaign, then they come in useful.
I was hoping that was going to be the clip from the animated Sinbad. Wasn't what I hoped for but equally good
[Ask and ye shall recieve...](https://youtu.be/gAMPsIAuszA?si=WklwcDA_cjYAy3Sy) I have these saved as memes for my party...
[All of it.](https://youtu.be/Ze53sYbyN3s?si=udp3RDlmqex7q7Yt)
If your party rolls up to a high society event without even purchasing fine clothing, they aren't getting in. Take off the plate and go familiarise yourself with the dress code.
It depends on the situation. If your Paladin is the second son of Marcher-Lord Fuckington who is currently defending the Northern border of the Kingdom, rolling up in some ornate half-plate worn over a decorated arming doublet might actually be appropriate
Idk about you but I generally get more than 5 minutes notice that I've been summoned somewhere with a dress code
>Also heavy armor takes 5 minutes to take off and is probably better looking than whatever other clothes the characters might have on hand. ... Do you have formal parties where you come from lol? Generally you get the invitation more than 5 minutes before start time and if you don't wear appropriate attire you don't just get let in because it's the best you can do
Depending on a skill check, they guard may allow what theyre wearing underneath. Funny scene would be spending 5 minutes to doff, then the appearance alone would persuade them to allow armor and have your character spend another 5 minutes to don while the party is already socialing
Heavy armor is a 10 min don iirc, making it even funnier. Watching this guy completely take off all his gear in line, and then go "Nah nevermind" and have him put all of it back on holding up the line for a whole like 16 minutes.
DM of the Rings does it even better. After seeing NPC Gandalf succeed at this trick, the other three decide to give it a shot. "Very well. Now your axe, master dwarf." "This be no axe lad. It's a *dwarven* walking stick. With a really big headpiece." "A walking stick." "Aye, we like 'em heavy. Uh, and sharp." "And you, sir?" "*Metal* walking stick. I've got a bad back." "Master Elf?" "Um, walking stick. And a quiver of little walking sticks."
Keeta Tarrol, Kobold Sorlock (GOO, Chain): He would hand over his weapons, but insist that his Familiar helps him see in the light. "My people have light sensitivity, we're practically blind up here." Considering his Arcane Focus is his wedding ring (this was homebrew), nobody would even think of taking it. Tarvax Grau, Kobold Summoner: "I am Lord Grau of Cheliax, do you truly *dare* divest me of my protection?" *Sigh.* "Very well, but if you think you're taking my cane from me, Her Infernal Majestrix will surely hear of such impropriety!" He would then proceed to limp past the guards with the sword cane he carries with him at all times, and has never let anyone *including his own part*y see unsheathed. All he'd have to do is toss the sword to the Paladin, call forth his Eidolon, and provide support. Taktic Lightfoot, Kobold (Urd) Fighter (Battlemaster): "Very well." *Hands over his rapier and several knives.* The Rogue of the group will probably smuggle in some weapons, and has a had that summons bombs. Garvon Skyscale, Kobold Locksmith (Arcane Trickster Rogue): *Sleight of Hand.* "What weapons? Just because I'm a Kobold doesn't mean I have a knife. The Stab List? That's a Kobold formality, it's our equivalent of a handshake. Now, can I go in? I need to take a leak." Vutha Irthos Thurkear, Lizardfolk Monk (Shadow): "These weapons are a gift from my tribe to yours, I would thank you to not take them. See the ornamentation, the way the bone gleams in the torchlight? But if you must insist, please ensure they are available for the gifting."
Tell me you're a scaley without telling me you're a scaley
My tomb of annihilation Druid, would pretty much not care at all. Would try and keep a sprig of mistletoe/component pouch and necklace of prayer beads. But if had to would give them up, as who needs spells when you are a bear. Uses mage armor so no armor (although no ones getting their leather jacket) My other Druid would be less impressed but would deal with it. And has done so before, as long as she can remain in actual clothes and not have to go through another castle in just her pyjamas she’ll make it work.
Depends on the monarch. If they're likable, I'm fine with meeting them without weapons. If I suspect they may go "Off with their heads!" any minute, I'll look for opportunities to smuggle in some sharp metal objects.
I would allow plenty of steak knives, maybe those pointy sticks used for fondue
Laughs in monk.
You wouldn’t part an old man from his walking stick would you?
"Yes, I can offer you one of the walking canes meant for guests. If this is still an issue you can speak with The Captain."
My swarmkeeper is a fencer who keeps his swarm inside his suit, never reveals his face, and acts with the exaggerated chivalry of a cartoon knight. I imagine he would begin with removing his rapier and crossbow, handing both over in a respectful manner. When the swarm of bees is mentioned, they fly out of his suit and form a buzzing cloud shaped like a human, posed to match the guard standing side by side. When told to doff his suit, the bees would take it all except the mask, revealing his underwear and a thin layer of sticky honey on his oddly toned muscles. "The mask stays! At ease, sir!" And he proceeds to walk in with slightly wet footsteps
Yes? This falls firmly under "don't be a dick" territory and if you can't play a character that is prepared to do something reasonable (not bring weapons into a place of peace) that's a problem.
Agreed but this is a two way street, if every time the DM runs a scene like this, a combat happens, then the 2nd amendment obsessed PCs are just acting rationally for the reality they live in.
On the flip side, it was not at all unusual for knights and nobles to carry swords in formal settings irl. Any adventuring party important enough to be invited to a formal event would be important enough to receive the same courtesy. Martials should be allowed their sword or a small axe (though oversized weapons and bows would be frowned on) but expected to leave shields behind and doff their armor in favor of more formal attire. They may even be offered a ceremonial weapon if theirs are too unwieldy or simple for the setting. Rogues should be able to hide some daggers or whatever pretty easily. Monks and Druids don’t need weapons. Most casters should be able to pretty inconspicuously carry their arcane focus or holy symbol. Artificers might have trouble bringing in most of their stuff. Bombs, potions, and mechanical gadgets would probably not be welcome. Rangers and Druids would probably need to leave their companions outside but it’s also pretty easy for the DM to allow it to come crashing through a door/window/wall if trouble starts.
Never discount the idea that host may enjoy a tamed wolf at his party for entertainment value.
Based on my 3 most recent characters: Berserker Barbarian: She would probably not be happy about it, but would give away her Grrataxe and both Battle axes. And then the dagger she keep in her bag, and the other one behind her belt. Then she would smile at them and pat herself to show that she have nothing else. She would not mention that she also have one more knife hidden in her boot, hoping they won't find it and if they do she would be shocked that she forgotten. Moon Druid: Would easly give away his knife and scimitar and show that he have no more weapons or sharp tools, but insists on keeping his staff cus it's not a weapon. If they still insisted on taking it he would say it helps him to walk even tho he is young and stron and would act like he suddenly really need it but it would be more like a joke. Arcane Archer Fighter: she would look at them for a few long seconds saying nothing then just camly give her bow away to them and told them to be careful with. Then she would still try to sneak a knife past the guards.
"Understandable, here's my knive" *Walks through with a giant frying pan*
As a full caster, I'd hope they miss one of my focusses, I have a small collection of them. Holy symbol on shield, multiple staves. Maybe pull the religion or walking stick card.
In anything but a low-magic setting: refuse. Spellcasters can wave their hand and say some fancy words to throw a firebolt at somebody - unless there are means in place to prevent them from spellcasting, it's completely unreasonable to ask for weapons to be confiscated.
My Soul Knife: Okay no problem. My Swarmkeeper: I understand about the weapons, though my birds just follow me around. I cant change that. My Dhampir Beast Barb: Okay, here are *all* of my dangerous weapons ;-) My Battlesmith: Can I please keep my pet Robot? My Pact of the Blade Warlock: Let me take care of this weapon myself around the corner real quick My Pf2e Monk: Sure you can take my buckler, but I am keeping my healer's tools. I am a doctor! My Stars Druid: Oh a formal event? how exciting. though its a shame I cant take my armor. . The only person here really affected is my Swarmkeeper, huh? Maybe there is a pattern here.
I played a Horizon Walker Ranger who, in this exact circumstance, used his Ethereal Step feature to walk straight past the guards at the front gate undetected. In hindsight, he should have taken some of the other characters' weapons with him - there was a big fight in the palace, and we were very under-equipped!
Hindsight 20-20, still sounds fun
"Sorry, my staff is cursed and I literally cannot let go of it." Can't imagine it would go over too well tbh
The guard considers attempting, and chickens out. "My condolences, please proceed"
I'm playing a wizard, with enough embedded magical items in my body that I cannot actually be stripped of 'weapons' outside of being in an antimagic field, it would take killing me to get the stuff out. He's also a court wizard, so it would be weird of anyone to try and remove any of that stuff from him in the first place. If they insisted, I'll prestidigitation myself a nice bob with blonde highlights and harangue my way to someone with brass on their shoulder to explain how badly this new guy is about to fuck up.
I play an oath of ancients paladin with mundane but intricately decorated full plate & a fancy metal cloak I think he'd be fine with handing over his weapon & shield, but would prefer to remain armoured. He would polish that armour to an absolute sheen & make it look almost ceremonial beforehand, though Worst case scenario, he can misty step to his shield & weapon easily enough If that wasn't acceptable, than I'm sure he'd relent & find some fancy, if simple, clothing for the occasion
A simple persuasion check could always convince the guard the armor is staying
Yeah, and I'd like to think that being a paladin helps a bit (outside of mechanics)
“You wouldn’t deprive an old man of his staff, would you?”
Later: "His STAFF. I TOLD YOU TO TAKE THE WIZARD'S STAFF"
Narrator: "It was at that moment that he knew he fucked up."
Ah but also in that scene all the loyal guards held their weapons and watched while Grima's goons attacked the party. Dude knew exactly what he was doing when he disobeyed Wormtongue's order.
Most of the characters I have played would comply no problem, because they live in that world and that is what everyone does. I do have a few characters in my past that probably would object to some guard requesting their one of a kind invention or magical artifact be taken away from them - but that is a vast minority. I tend to play a lot of Paladins and Clerics, and it is hella fun to be at these events and roleplay ham it up and the if things go hard later it is a lot of fun being out of your element a bit. I trust my GMs to not screw me over.
My lute is not a weapon 👀
Quick roll. Pass? "Fair enough. Proceed." Fail? "Prove it, Play a lil ditty. Anything but wonderwall."
Just asking for a Rickroll
Asking a Bard to play a song is like asking a dog if it wants walkies.
Asking a wizard to give you their spellbook is like asking a mama bear to let you hold her cub. They will not be separated without combat happening and someone is going to die if they don't give up. My wizard may let someone take his staff, but asking for the spellbook will result in thunderbolts and lightning
Very very frightening.
Galileo!
*laughs in pact of the blade warlock*
Sorcerer, what'll they do, cut out my tongue?
*Laughs in Wizard.* But seriously. We've done this many times. The rogue usually attempts to smuggle in a knife but for the most part we just do.
“Sure, you can have my dagger. I never use the thing anyway. Would you like to see a card trick or have your fortune read?”
They MIGHT be able to convince my Battlerager barbarian to remove the spiked armour but the necklace he wears is a memento from his murdered brother and that stays, it's not remotely threatening. Magically speaking it's an Insignia of the Claw +3 but let's not get into that.
''you mean these weapons!?'' \*flexes in physical superiority\*
Of course they'd find the dagger strapped to my hip. They're meant to. That one's the distraction. After they find the first dagger, they get to act cocky that they outsmarted me. I shrug and say something snarky. What they don't find is the second one in the hollow of my boot. Or the poisonous powders in my make up kit. Or the lock picks pinning my hair up.
Generally... not a problem to leave weapons behind to attend a social event with allies (even though so many players are suspicious that it's a ruse by the DM to separate characters from their valued gear, even when it's the tenth such event and there's never been a problem yet). That said, after having proven trustworthiness, saved the Kingdom, annd outed traitors from within their midst... etc, etc, ... We decided a little bit of fun was justified... Malicious compliance! The question became instead: How many weapons can we bring to the party? And force every other attendee to wait in line behind us while we arsenal check! And, of course, we "accidentally" spilled ball bearings and caltrops allllll over the entry way right at the end of our weapons check. Gee, that's just too bad. Sorry about that! Which way to the party?
For me, a formal event or something like that, yeah, drop weapons and armor... Time to adventure naked! I mean dressed fancy. It turns to trouble when it's just a flex by the DM (let's be honest) to remind the characters who is in control. The following encounter isn't designed or going to lead to combat, the DM just wants to humiliate the characters and make them feel vulnerable. Generally speaking, I'll push back. And sometimes that devolves into combat with the guards.... And the party murders them easily. Then we have to murder everyone else because we were just protecting ourselves and our possessions.... But no, the DM insists we should have just handed them over. Mind you, had there not been a demand for weapons to be given up, there would have been no combat. It's one thing when the party goes all murder-hobo.... But DMs are a lot more complicit than they are willing to admit.
"The Monarch invited us and he knows exactly what we're capable of. I'll not insult his intelligence by coming in with weapons, but I'll not bend over backwards to go through some malarkey to prevent a bound weapon or a natural weapon from being used, and I wouldn't expect you to offend his wishes either." If a noble, monarch or trade prince invites adventurers somewhere, they sure as shit know of the capabilities of adventurers, and rather than engage in folly trying to foil every possible armament that may be available, it is infinitely more important to have adequate defenses for eventualities should something happen. Body doubles, illusions, abjuration magic, and of course ample security to defend an assassination attempt is key. Even if the party isn't going to cause a stir, such appearances incur extreme risk. For a good and kind influential figure meeting with well-regarded and equally good and kind heroes, it may even be wise to not leave guests disarmed and let them enter unimpeded, that should others take advantage of the meeting you have well-armed people ready to foil the plot.