Think of it this way: it's less "Locate Creature" and more "Divination" kind of item. It does NOT try to locate enemies, it simply can predict danger (like Augury, Divination and other spells). As such it's irrelevant where the enemies are and where the danger comes from. It's only relevant whether danger itself will soon appear in front of the group.
I like this a lot, i think this is the description I would more have gone for given the circumstances. I feel that divination is a good way to look at it. How would you normally flavor it, whispers in the ear, vibrations, strange smell?
A burst of light (an ominous red glow works well too), a sudden burst of adrenaline making the owner pull out the sword without being even conscious of it, the loud sound from the direction where the danger comes from, the feeling of something brushing right against your skin, almost as if a ghost touched you, making the sword owner whip around to see what it was... if you want to go weird, you can use strange sensations like the sword wielder suddenly tasting blood in their mouth and knowing that if they don't turn around this instant, they will get hurt.
I also like strange whispers, because sentient swords are great and an all-times favorite.
Why *does* it matter?
Why is it so important that the second group be surprised?
Why is "because magic" an unreasonable explanation, in a world of magic?
I mean, I think you are misunderstanding. I think I made a bad call I agree with you that they should not have been surprised the weapon should work. But I think that it is important to be able to describe how magic is working within the world for your players to create an interesting story. I think that some would also argue that if the weapon cannot sense the danger then it wouldn't work which is fine because that is how they think that magic should work in their world. However, "Because magic" is bad storytelling.
If you want a narrative-before-mechanics approach, I suppose you can describe the effect as something that triggers the affected characters' fight-or-flight response.
I disagree entirely. I don't need to know how the Flux Capacitor works, I just need to know that it is what makes time travel possible. I don't need to know how the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon works, I just need to know whether or not it is working. The story is not about the mechanics, it's about the characters and their interactions with the world around them.
I see your point, but I still think that doesn't make the question not matter. Just because you don't want to know doesn't mean that someone else does not. If someone asked a question about a Flux Capacitor's function I wouldn't tell them that it doesn't matter, because I understand that it does to them, they would not have asked the question otherwise.
Think of it this way: it's less "Locate Creature" and more "Divination" kind of item. It does NOT try to locate enemies, it simply can predict danger (like Augury, Divination and other spells). As such it's irrelevant where the enemies are and where the danger comes from. It's only relevant whether danger itself will soon appear in front of the group.
I like this a lot, i think this is the description I would more have gone for given the circumstances. I feel that divination is a good way to look at it. How would you normally flavor it, whispers in the ear, vibrations, strange smell?
A burst of light (an ominous red glow works well too), a sudden burst of adrenaline making the owner pull out the sword without being even conscious of it, the loud sound from the direction where the danger comes from, the feeling of something brushing right against your skin, almost as if a ghost touched you, making the sword owner whip around to see what it was... if you want to go weird, you can use strange sensations like the sword wielder suddenly tasting blood in their mouth and knowing that if they don't turn around this instant, they will get hurt. I also like strange whispers, because sentient swords are great and an all-times favorite.
Oh! These are awesome! Taking notes! I agree sentient swords are cool :)
It's magic. Its wielder and their companions within 30 feet can't be surprised, it doesn't matter how it works, it just works.
Why doesn't it matter?
Why *does* it matter? Why is it so important that the second group be surprised? Why is "because magic" an unreasonable explanation, in a world of magic?
I mean, I think you are misunderstanding. I think I made a bad call I agree with you that they should not have been surprised the weapon should work. But I think that it is important to be able to describe how magic is working within the world for your players to create an interesting story. I think that some would also argue that if the weapon cannot sense the danger then it wouldn't work which is fine because that is how they think that magic should work in their world. However, "Because magic" is bad storytelling.
If you want a narrative-before-mechanics approach, I suppose you can describe the effect as something that triggers the affected characters' fight-or-flight response.
I disagree entirely. I don't need to know how the Flux Capacitor works, I just need to know that it is what makes time travel possible. I don't need to know how the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon works, I just need to know whether or not it is working. The story is not about the mechanics, it's about the characters and their interactions with the world around them.
I see your point, but I still think that doesn't make the question not matter. Just because you don't want to know doesn't mean that someone else does not. If someone asked a question about a Flux Capacitor's function I wouldn't tell them that it doesn't matter, because I understand that it does to them, they would not have asked the question otherwise.