Strategy Thread

[Zhym]

The wall of fog cover extends up to 20 ft/ level cube

So a scroll casting at 6th level would create a wall of fog 120'x120'x120'? If so, that would be enough to cover the courtyard.

Without infravision, Rand will have a reduced movement rate while escorting Matkinsai away from the market area, at least while in the fog (all assuming the character doesn't want trip over anything).

Does that mean Elethil with his infravision could move faster than that in the fog? How reduced would Rand's movement rate be in the fog? The fog will last 8-14 rounds, BTW.

If Elethil's infravision allows him to see better in the fog, would it allow him to see into the fog from outside? Could he snipe into the fog if he were set up as a sniper?

Am I correct in assuming that the casting level for the scrolls is 6th level? If so, that would allow enlargement of 120% or reduction to about 45% of the target's size. The latter would make Elethil about 31" tall. Smaller, but not miniscule (what we need here is a gnome). Rand wouldn't be much larger (about 32" tall).

What would Elethil's strength be if enlarged, given that his strength is 18/00 at normal size? A 12'5" elf would be something to behold. And if he can see in the fog when most others can't see beyond 2'—well, a giant fog-enshrouded ultra-strong elf who can see but not be seen except close up might be useful somehow. The biggest problem is that he wouldn't have any more HP AFAIK, and he'd definitely be a target for anyone who could see him.

Are any clerics members of Order of Prometheus? The Silence 15' spell would be really useful against Fenrin, if he is in the square for the execution. But the comment about him not doing his own dirty work makes me wonder if he would be. Or maybe it just means that Fenrin's first instinct when something strange happens is to escape.

The illusions can perform pretend attacks and can pose as another person if need be, but no actual damage can be inflicted by them.

Here's a wacky illusion idea: we use a sniper illusion as mentioned before, but the shot "hits" Matkinsai just as the Wall of Fog takes effect. Then it looks like an assassination attempt on Matkinsai. (Why would assassins kill someone who is about to be hanged? Uh...hey, look! Something interesting over there!)

Another illusion idea: use the demon we fought earlier today. If Fenrin was in on the plans for the plane we were on, maybe he'd think that demon somehow made it out. That would have some plausibility, which a random monster appearing in the street might not.

So the basic plan would be (1) make Rand or Elethil invisible (and possibly small), (2) get that person in position to free Matkinsai, (3) create a distraction w/ an illusion, (4) cut Matkinsai loose, (5) raise Walls of Fog that cover everything to an exit point (the sewers?), (6) get to the exit. There are still details to be worked out. Who goes in to cut Matkinsai loose? What illusion(s) do we use? Do we add a giant Elethil to that mix? Is he better used as a sniper, a rescuer, or rampaging force?

[MonkeyWrench]

Sorry, could have sworn I posted in here but looks like I didn't.

Yeah, Rand does have thief levels even though he rolls so poorly on them he might as well not have any... So far he is has all his spells fully slotted...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Level 1
Dancing Lights
Detect Magic
Magic Missle
Spider Climb

Level 2
Invisibility
Knock
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That was the plan, as for the possible flaws...

1. My initial thought was to be invisible and get to the stage, the signal, which had not been decided on, would happen and everything was be simultaneous, as soon as the fog is hit Matkinsei should already be free and running.
2. As much as any human really... but I was working with limited resources
3. Plan isn't for Fenrin, it's simply to save Matkinsei
4. The fog was to be situated directly on the stage and a bit outside it, the giant monsters would come from the outside to ensue panic, that way when Rand and Matkinsei leave the fog they can blend in with the chaos.
5. Yeah, but again, limited resources
6. Unless he has some kind of item to continually search for invisible things it's very likely.
7. Totally agree with you there, I was thinking the nearest sewer entrance.

[MonkeyWrench]

As it stands i'm good with the plan listed out.

(1) make Rand or Elethil invisible (and possibly small), (2) get that person in position to free Matkinsai, (3) create a distraction w/ an illusion, (4) cut Matkinsai loose, (5) raise Walls of Fog that cover everything to an exit point (the sewers?), (6) get to the exit.

I would vote for Rand to free Matkinsei simply because Elethil has a bow and can use it.

As for the illusions... I am liking the assassination plot, maybe burn all the scrolls to create a small group of assassins? Have them throw illusion bombs and time them with the scroll of wall of fog?

As I said above, Elethil has a bow and know how to use it, perhaps picking off any guards or pursuers would work best?

[Zhym]

Thinking about it, though, I don't think Elethil would fire into a crowded square. There's too much chance of hitting a civilian. So Elethil's bow is only useful if there's a situation where only bad guys will be around (or possibly bad buys + Matkinsai).

I also think Elethil would have strong objections to causing general panic. Panic means people get trampled to death, and he won't have magic causing deaths—and Matkinsai wouldn't either. We need a distraction, but not a panic.

On (3), Fenrin is a factor whether we want him to be or not. If we can't see him, we can stop him from counterattacking (if he does).

The problem with the crowded square isn't trivial. If the square is packed, Fenrin would be able to see the invisible whoever coming as a parting in the crowd. Not to mention the bumping into people.

[MonkeyWrench]

Thinking about it, though, I don't think Elethil would fire into a crowded square. There's too much chance of hitting a civilian. So Elethil's bow is only useful if there's a situation where only bad guys will be around (or possibly bad buys + Matkinsai).

I also think Elethil would have strong objections to causing general panic. Panic means people get trampled to death, and he won't have magic causing deaths—and Matkinsai wouldn't either. We need a distraction, but not a panic.

I get the reasons, but for the whole plan to work there needs to be some sort of chaos or else every guard and their mother will find Matkinsei as he flees. If Rand could work his invisibility on Matkinsei as well he would as a safer alternative, the same problem is posed to Elethil, unless he knows invisibility?

On (3), Fenrin is a factor whether we want him to be or not. If we can't see him, we can stop him from counterattacking (if he does).

I agree he is a problem but he is the BBEG of this campaign... I don't think Rand, Elethil, and a smattering of really weak spell casters is going to be enough to stop whatever he does. We'd need to meet back up with everyone else and hit him, the most I can see us doing is just taking cover and getting away from him.

The problem with the crowded square isn't trivial. If the square is packed, Fenrin would be able to see the invisible whoever coming as a parting in the crowd. Not to mention the bumping into people.

I agree, bumping and jostling inside the crowd would draw attention, but I'm not seeing any kind of alternative without spoiling a surprise that we can use later on as a distraction with everything else...

[Zhym]

I get the reasons, but for the whole plan to work there needs to be some sort of chaos or else every guard and their mother will find Matkinsei as he flees. If Rand could work his invisibility on Matkinsei as well he would as a safer alternative, the same problem is posed to Elethil, unless he knows invisibility?

I don't think we need full-on chaos, just a distraction. The fog should help with the escape, and the distraction should help draw the guards away, if it's chosen well.

I don't think Rand, Elethil, and a smattering of really weak spell casters is going to be enough to stop whatever he does.

Isn't that what we're trying to do, though? I mean, Elethil does 9-17 points damage and attacks three times every two rounds. If he were able to sneak up while invisible and attack Fenrin from behind, I'm pretty sure Fenrin would be dead very quickly in a one-on-one melee fight.

I don't think that's a viable strategy for a number of reasons, but I do think we have to figure Fenrin's probable reaction into our plans. For example, if we're relying on a Wall of Fog, what do we do if Fenrin casts Gust of Wind? Or how do we stop him from doing that?

I agree, bumping and jostling inside the crowd would draw attention, but I'm not seeing any kind of alternative without spoiling a surprise that we can use later on as a distraction with everything else...

I was suggesting Reduce as a possibility. A 2'6" tall person might have an easier time slipping between people in the crowd.

Also, I don't see why having Rand escort Matkinsai out of the square is any better than just cutting him free and telling him to run. He's the leader of the guild, surely he knows where to run as well as anyone. Especially if we give him a destination.

[MonkeyWrench]

I don't think we need full-on chaos, just a distraction. The fog should help with the escape, and the distraction should help draw the guards away, if it's chosen well.

That's fine, the main purpose of the distraction is to give Matkinsei a running head start and smokescreen to hide in while he escapes.

Isn't that what we're trying to do, though? I mean, Elethil does 9-17 points damage and attacks three times every two rounds. If he were able to sneak up while invisible and attack Fenrin from behind, I'm pretty sure Fenrin would be dead very quickly in a one-on-one melee fight.

I don't think that's a viable strategy for a number of reasons, but I do think we have to figure Fenrin's probable reaction into our plans. For example, if we're relying on a Wall of Fog, what do we do if Fenrin casts Gust of Wind? Or how do we stop him from doing that?

Unless Elethil knows invisibility, which you haven't confirmed yet, that whole plan is moot anyway though since Rand can only cast on himself and there's no scrolls and no time to make any.

As for a response to anything Fenrin may try, a lot of it will probably be reactionary since we know nothing about him because he knows magic and is evil. The magic part we can mitigate though, make sure he is not within the smokescreen for starters; any magic used has the potential to be seen and even if it wasn't seen we can start a smear campaign of rumor that he used magic, something highly forbidden, to get the populace to be wary of him which should cripple his movements.

I was suggesting Reduce as a possibility. A 2'6" tall person might have an easier time slipping between people in the crowd.

Also, I don't see why having Rand escort Matkinsai out of the square is any better than just cutting him free and telling him to run. He's the leader of the guild, surely he knows where to run as well as anyone. Especially if we give him a destination.

Rand doesn't have to "escort" him, I only say that because Rand isn't going to stay on the stage and fight off some guards with a knife and really bad odds.

The reduce scroll can work, I'm fine with using it to help get to the spot since that is the most important part of the plan, just hate to see it be potentially wasted... But I can agree that if it will help in any way it's a worthwhile path to take.

[Zhym]

Unless Elethil knows invisibility, which you haven't confirmed yet, that whole plan is moot anyway though since Rand can only cast on himself and there's no scrolls and no time to make any.

Elethil cannot cast Invisibility, alas.

Why can't Rand cast it on someone else? The spell has "one creature" as its area of effect—BtB, it can be cast on someone else. Or is this a variant?

Also, though I hate to bring it up—didn't Rand already use Invisibility today? Or did he really just hide in the shadows back in Rand's and Elethil's trip under the mountain?

As for a response to anything Fenrin may try, a lot of it will probably be reactionary since we know nothing about him because he knows magic and is evil. The magic part we can mitigate though, make sure he is not within the smokescreen for starters; any magic used has the potential to be seen and even if it wasn't seen we can start a smear campaign of rumor that he used magic, something highly forbidden, to get the populace to be wary of him which should cripple his movements.

I wasn't thinking of anything quite so specific as countering specific spells. But given how high a level of a caster Fenrin is, and the fact that he's evil, opens the possibility for a lot of mischief. Hopefully when things start going south he slinks away. But what if he lobs a Fireball, for example, hoping to blame Matkinsai or us for it? That's why I was hoping the plan would have a way to keep Fenrin from casting spells.

Rand doesn't have to "escort" him, I only say that because Rand isn't going to stay on the stage and fight off some guards with a knife and really bad odds.

Well, no, that would be a bad idea. Elethil would be tempted, though, if the numbers were a little better.

[MonkeyWrench]

.... Well if you say that then I'm no longer sure, I was under the impression it was a self cast? If he is able to cast it on someone else then that opens up our options a bit.

As for the time thing he did use invisibility back then but I thought at least a day, if not several, had passed? Ruke?

Keeping Fenrin in the spot light, or at least not concealed by anything we do, would probably make him second guess using magic since his whole plan and power base is built on anti-magic agendas.

Rand is certainly not a fighter

[Rukellian]

Scroll casting is at 6th level for all spells right now.

Elithil should not have a problem navigating or seeing into the fog. Picking out the right silhouettes for a ranged attack is a different matter, though; the risk of hitting a civilian would be high, if you miss. Remember, we are following the house rules on friendly fire when dealing with firing into melee situations. Also, Elithil's infravision range is at 60ft. Depending on which building you perch on, you may barely be able to see as far as the gallows with the wall of fog up (this information being set into place if Elithil does actually take on a sniper role).

Rand's movement rate in the fog would be reduced to 90ft instead of his normal 120ft.

...A normal sized person doubled in size will generally have strength of 18, and tripled in size would have strength of 20+. The spell’s reverse applies in the same ratios, but with the effect of reducing the size of an object or creature...

In a situation like this, if Elithil's size were to be increased by Enlarge, his exceptional strength would reach 19, at the least.

There are currently no clerical members in the guild with holy magic capabilities. Such a sight, even amongst magic users, is rare in this time and age of Kinra. If any survived the long history of magic user hunters, they would most likely be in hiding right now, helping those that they can without drawing too much attention.

The Silence 15' spell would be really useful against Fenrin, if he is in the square for the execution. But the comment about him not doing his own dirty work makes me wonder if he would be. Or maybe it just means that Fenrin's first instinct when something strange happens is to escape.

This is certainly a possibility. You may all luck out and not have to deal with him, or you might. Unless someone can see into the future, you will just have to deal with and prepare for what you do know.

Invisibility, as posted in OSRIC

When the words of this spell are completed, the recipient and all he or she carries fade from sight, becoming invisible. Even infravision cannot detect an invisible creature. The spell remains in effect until the invisible creature attacks someone, the caster ends the spell, or the magic is dispelled. Note that the spell does not make the recipient any more quiet than normal, nor does it eliminate scents. The invisible person can see him- or herself, but the caster (unless they are one and the same) cannot. The spell cannot be cast upon an unwilling subject.

The spell is a touch based spell and can affect others, but only if they are willing. Unwilling recipients can roll a save against it. As to whether Rand has an invisibility charge left in him, technically he shouldn't, but we will say that he does, for the sake of having more options to work with here for the strategy. As the DM, I will allow Rand to use one of his other spells to fuel his invisibility again, much like how clerics in other games can use their spells to fuel cure light wounds in a pinch. The day you guys are in has been a VERY long one, as Zhym pointed out in his posts. From the moment you guys woke up in the mountain prison cells to now, you have not had any rest to recharge abilities, or at least not enough of it.

[MonkeyWrench]

Well then... I guess due to just how long this day has been it's felt like several days have passed...

To keep things fair I'll trade a level 2 for a level 2 spell, using Knock to refuel invisibility, thank you to based GM btw

and since the spell can be used on others I think a better plan would be for Elethil to have it cast on him, free Matkinsei and either flee with him or use an enlarge to hold off pursuit and Rand can coordinate the weaker mages into some kind of order which may help out with Fenrin as well since they may have the ability to do some kind of spell or ritual to stop or delay the man.

[Zhym]

That makes sense to me. Being the only person who can see more than 2' into the fog ought to help Elethil get Matkinsai to an escape point while avoiding any guards before they can see him.

We just have to make sure Fenrin can't Gust of Wind the fog away.

[Rukellian]

It sounds like we have a solid plan now. Have Elithil go in with invisibility on, free Matkinsai and escape in a large wall of fog. If Elithil is blocked off and cannot immediately escape, an enlarge is cast upon him to help deal with the guards and perhaps create a big distraction for others to flee. Meanwhile, Rand will be coordinating with the guild members in pulling off the spells in exact timing, while helping them deal with any other unforeseen elements, like Fenrin. Does this all sound about right?

If this is plan is a go, then where is Matkinsai being brought to and how will you all deal with the after effects of the event? Just wing it?

When you are all ready to go, I will begin the execution event.

[Zhym]

I think that's the gist of it. Just a few minor points clean up:

1. Who casts Enlarge on Elethil? Would he cast it on himself? Range is 5'/level, so anyone else would have to be fairly close by.
2. Do we still want another distraction? Not one that would panic the crowd, but one that might draw guards away. I'm thinking an illusionary assassination attempt from a roof might fit that bill.
3. Where do we try to free Matkinsai? We could wait until he's in the middle of the square, but that will have him surrounded by the most guards (and people). Do we know where he'll be coming from? The road north to the castle seems like the most likely approach. We could make our attempt there. But it's also the farthest from the sewers. We might have to go through the crowd (and guards) to get there. It seems like wherever we make the attempt, we'll have to go through the square (unless we know a route through the residential district or slums).

[MonkeyWrench]

1. Elethil would most likely cast it on himself
2. Assassins would still probably panic the crowd, if anything happens besides Matkinsei being executed I think the crowd will panic.
3. From what I assumed it was in the middle of the square... Rand may know of the slums and sewers? Making a background character check here and all that, Ruke?

[Zhym]

Once all hell starts to break loose, Elethil probably isn't going to be able to read a scroll. He'll probably use it to Reduce instead, making it easier to get to Matkinsai. He's already strong enough to do some pretty good damage.

Let's call everything else fine as a plan (pending info from Ruke on whether Rand knows of a good exit plan) and start making this thing happen.

[Rukellian]

1. Elethil would most likely cast it on himself
2. Assassins would still probably panic the crowd, if anything happens besides Matkinsei being executed I think the crowd will panic.
3. From what I assumed it was in the middle of the square... Rand may know of the slums and sewers? Making a background character check here and all that, Ruke?

Rand would know the layout of the sewer and slum areas, considering his life's career up until this point. Thoughts of using the sewer network to escape have indeed crossed Rand's mind during the mission briefing. Now that he thinks about it further... [1d20] = 15, Rand remembers that the market square's central well is connected to the sewer network. The well is old and wasn't in good condition. If the gallows were built right over it, the fountain itself could serve as a potential sewer access point...

[Zhym]

I assume Rand can tell Elethil enough about the exit so that Elethil and Matkinsai can use it?

[MonkeyWrench]

Rand would most definitely tell Elethil about it once it was agreed that Elethil would be the one to free Matkinsei.

Let's go with that.

[onlyme]

Whitsell doesnt have bow capabilities, and he would also be bringing up the rear after attempting to bind his wounds.
If anyone does have bows, Id say you should use them at least once to see if we can clear the corridor.