Topic: Bonus for spotting someone with a torch

[markc]

What is the bonus for spotting someone with a torch in the dark that is trying to hide the shine?
MDC

[RandalThor]

OK, so the person with the torch is trying to hide the torch - without putting it out. Well, the modifier would depend upon the method of hiding. The player needs to come up with a good description of how, and only if you believe it to be viable should you lessen the negative modifier of the torch* in the attempt at hiding.

Otherwise, having a torch in the dark is an automatic: "there he is! Get 'im!"

I think a better description of the situation is needed here.

*Going against the torch-holders attempt to hide, i.e. a bonus to all those trying to spot the torch-holder.

[Marc R]

Recall also, that a torch isn't a lantern, it's got a 6-12" exposed flame, most efforts to "hide" it involve either putting it out, or setting yourself on fire.

[Right Wing Wacko]

Recall also, that a torch isn't a lantern, it's got a 6-12" exposed flame, most efforts to "hide" it involve either putting it out, or setting yourself on fire.

May I sig that?
It is absolutely hilarious!

[Marc R]

Feel free.

[providence13]

Just turning around, if you knew where they are, could help somewhat. But the glow is still going to outline you.

Make the difficulty Easy and go from there.
Deepen Shadows and Blur might help a bit..
Cast an illusion to make yourself look like a tree or the torch could appear as the moon's reflection on a lake.

Illusionist Base List Shadow ....make hiding +25 to +75 better for user.
A bright outline around them should at least be +50 to notice.

[markc]

 Ok I was thinking about a person or group moving through a modest forest [about 1-5 feet between trees with underbrush about 1' to 3' high] with a torch for light. If a person was outside the forest and was looking towards their direction would they see them at 50' or what would the bonus or penalty be to see them?

Thanks
MDC
 

[RandalThor]

If you are talking about the group with the torch being 50' into the forest, then I would still make it fairly easy - so long as the people outside weren't too far a way. If they are right outside the forest (say up to 50') then the torch should still grant them a bonus to see the group (+15 to + 30, maybe more). This is assuming it is all occurring at night. During the day, the torch probably wouldn't make any difference at all. Of course, none of this is taking into consideration the lay of the land, hilly, flat (though very few areas are truly flat), mountainous, etc. More modifiers.

[pastaav]

I think it is pretty simple...if the torch light the environment then any watcher is bound to see this. To get a free line of sight to the torch is not needed....he just needs free line of sight to any object lit by the torch. All attempts to conceal a torch is bound to fail since the torch shines in all directions.

Real world smugglers used lanterns that had a protective case that prevented light to slip out. The lantern could for instance be configure to lit the closest ground in the direction forward and nothing else. Using such a devise I would require some kind maneuver roll and knowledge about the terrain to not let revealing light slip away. Without such lantern and knowledge I don't think it is possible to stalk with a light source.

[providence13]

Also, an IMHO importantly, those with the light source would be see only darkness outside of the torch light.


How long does it take (human) vision to change from say...torchlight to ambient moon/starlight? A few rounds
for heavy minuses to 20-30 minutes to pretty decent vision..? Unless they wear a patch over one eye which they remove when they douse the torch.
But this is RM so there is probably a penalty for Rangers with no depth perception..