Roamers and Travelers (ooc and questions lV)

[Inferno]

Nice hit die roll!

Between their frantic state, how beaten up they already were, and how heinous the plague of eyes is, I assumed they used two each to cover up their entire arms (see 'Behind the DM Screen'). But I'm happy to back call it. Sorry if I overstepped.

[Urson]

Zahra would have used as many of those bandages as she was given.

[OGRE MAGE]

I missed that double up, sorry.

[Yrkoon]

Standard attack?

Casters and missile weapons focus on the priests so they cannot use spells, while the tanks try to hack through the faceless men to get to the demon's priests?

Open to suggestions...

Maybe delay until Xorxen and Loche are in an advantageous position?

[ravenn4544]

Amethu could do a burning hands before everyone got in the way . maybe disrupt a bit if they are casting something. He can try charm person on a priest then and then out of spells.

[OGRE MAGE]

Xor is willing to try to sneak closer form one direction before the spells and arrows fly.

I agree that we need to target the priests first.

[Urson]

I'm in favor of letting the invisible sneaky folks get closer before we try anything. But whatever happens, it needs to be soon.

[Bluetongue]

Loche

Has a think. Not sure if hare-brained schemes or devilishly sly plots come to mind. He suggests:

So the invisible ones have an advantage only if we can sneak them in surreptitiously. Unseen, unheard. So why not aid them by making the rest of us, seen and heard? A ruse, a bluff.

Cast a phantasmal force image upon the clerics forehead. Some of those 'eyes of zargoth'. The cleric holds forth the holy symbol and chants in some old Verulluan or whatever. He pretends being a priest, maybe even reading from the scroll of missile protection? The others, hooded walk behind him. We get past the first faceless guard. (I will then sneak from the shadows behind him and slit his throat).

The invisible pair strike using the group chanting as cover to manoeuvre behind the high priests and attack them. Cover blown, we are in melee range and every man for himself.

The last thing those cultists will think is that another allied group of cultist have turned up. We din't appear a threat until it is too late.

Otherwise the invisible duo sneaking up may work but leave them exposed suddenly until others rush in?

And cast spider climb on one of them. Falling into the Abyss looks a one way trip. Spider legs could save them. Or feather fall.

The savage offers his opinion and sharpens his blade in readiness.

[Yrkoon]

Cruloc has a cloak. Does a cloak have a hood?

Otherwise, the plan sounds OK. A plan is better than none.

[DadsAngry]

Inferno: If I was to use phantasmal force how many would I encompass?

[Urson]

I like it. But I'm not sure Phantasmal Force will do what you want done. Either way, Zahra's in.

[Inferno]

Inferno: If I was to use phantasmal force how many would I encompass?

Hmmm. Let's see (emphasis mine):

Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user creates a visual illusion which will affect all believing creatures which view the Phantasmal Force, even to the extent of suffering damage from phantasmal missiles or from falling into an illusory pit full of sharp spikes Note that audial illusion is not a component of the spell. The illusion lasts until struck by an opponent - unless the spell caster causes the illusion to react appropriately - or until the magic-user ceases concentration upon the spell (due to desire, moving, or successful attack which causes damage). Creatures which disbelieve the Phantasmal Force gain a saving throw versus the spell, and if they succeed, they see it for what it is and add +4 to associates' saving throws if this knowledge can be communicated effectively. Creatures not observing the spell effect are immune until they view it. The spell can create the illusion of any object, or creature, or force, as long as it is within the boundaries of the spell's area of effect. This area can move within the limits of the range. The material component of the spell is a bit of fleece.

[Bluetongue]

My thinking was that the cult priests and faceless men would have less reason to disbelieve the manifestation of eyes covering the group. Thus allowing the group to approach within melee and surprise attack range.

Not sure if the DM would rule that casting the spell upon willing subjects with a view to using the effect of the spell as an offensive action, would nullify the present cloak of invisibility spell.

The area of effect for the illusionist is a moveable area approx covering six square feet. So enough eyes to cover everyone closing around a central figure.

[Yrkoon]

"Excellent." - Mr. Burns

[SocraticLawyer]

What about this: Garrin uses his super Charisma to try to talk to these cultists. Meanwhile, the invisible ones sneak into an advantageous position. When the parley with the cultists fails, the unseen ones attack the priests and the rest of us go melee with the faceless dudes.

Garrin will go along with the group consensus, regardless.

[Yrkoon]

Garrin's charisma + illusory eyes covering our bodies = several segments of surprise, I'd say

[Bluetongue]

Garrin walking ahead with the invisible pair behind him to sneak by. Still going to create three sounds of footsteps, squishing pools of lichen. Also as high as charisma and a cheesy smile is, three cultists in priestly robes. What stops one saying a divine command word to 'jump' when you near the Abyss? Better for the group to manifest their presence together, it will create a better screen for the unseen.

Oh. The white haired sacrificial victim. Would they be of a dark skinned pointy eared subterranean heritage?

[Inferno]

Bluetongue, the sacrificial victim is albino, like all the Verulian denizens of the underground city, and the great pyramid.

Fyi, fwiw: an illusionist can't move if the illusion is to be maintained (emphasis mine):

Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user creates a visual illusion which will affect all believing creatures which view the Phantasmal Force, even to the extent of suffering damage from phantasmal missiles or from falling into an illusory pit full of sharp spikes Note that audial illusion is not a component of the spell. The illusion lasts until struck by an opponent - unless the spell caster causes the illusion to react appropriately - or until the magic-user ceases concentration upon the spell (due to desire, moving, or successful attack which causes damage). Creatures which disbelieve the Phantasmal Force gain a saving throw versus the spell, and if they succeed, they see it for what it is and add +4 to associates' saving throws if this knowledge can be communicated effectively. Creatures not observing the spell effect are immune until they view it. The spell can create the illusion of any object, or creature, or force, as long as it is within the boundaries of the spell's area of effect. This area can move within the limits of the range. The material component of the spell is a bit of fleece.

[DadsAngry]

My idea is to create an illusionary vortex that will cause the cultist to feel that they are being sucked into the pit.
The cultist knows about my illusionary abilities so we must be ready if it fails.
Also, there is no way Mako is going to sneak up to someone and try and hit them. His to hit AC 0 is 20.

[Inferno]

Hey everyone,

That's three and a half days. I'll extend the turn to allow you to finish your awesome, clever scheming, and post.

Please remember:
Anyone can suggest actions for any other player. But ultimately everyone controls their own PC, of course.
Actions posted in the IC thread are all that count. The clearer your IC post, the better the chance I'll be able to enact your intent correctly.

Thanks, everyone! Good luck!