[3.5] Tattoo Spellbook (Complete Arcane)

[Amiria]

I decided that my Drow Incantatrix gets properly paranoid and now she wants to use her body as an spellbook for dire situations (like being captured and/or her spellbook unavailable). So I have a couple of questions about the tattoo spellbook (Complete Arcane, pg. 186-187).

It is written there that the tattoo's "usually provide unmistakable evidence of a character’s arcane nature". Why ... and how can I negate the 'usually' ?

1) Do the spellbook tattoos have a magic aura ?

2) I'm thinking about taking precautions like using ink that makes them only visible for someone with darkvison anyway and that they are written in a code (probably devised with Decypher Script) and disguised as parts of mundane decorative tattoos. Is that possible and what other precautions could be taken ?

3) Can her familiar tattoo her body ... especially the places that are hard to reach for herself ? Her familiar "Iggy" is a rat but I guess she could 'Share Spell Alter Self" him into a monkey who can work with tattoo equipment.

4) Do the tattoos carry over to the body of a form assumed with Alter Self or Polymorph ?

5) If 4) = yes, can you think of an an Alter Self form (humanoids only) that is flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ? Or is Polymorph the safer solution ?

6) If 4) = no, can you think of a spell (which ?) that makes one flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ?

7) She doesn't want tattoos on her face and scalp. That leaves 74 pages worth of spells on her body (48 readable without the use of a mirror, scrying magic, or a familiar’s assistance). Her prohibited schools are Necromancy and Enchantment and she is currently a Diviner 5 / Incantatrix 4 / Master Specialist 1 (5th level spells, soon 6th level). What would be a good selection of spells to put on her body (also beyond the currently castable 5th level) ?

My own ideas and inspirations from reading another thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240230) on the topic are so far this:

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Detect Poison
1st level: Shield, Summon Component (CM)
2nd level: Alter Self1, Invisibility2, Rope Trick, See Invisibility
3rd level: Dispel Magic, Greater Mage Armor (SC)
4th level: Dimension Door3, Dismissal, Dragon Breath (SC), Greater Invisibility2, Polymorph1
5th level: Teleport3
6th level: Superior Resistance (SC)

So I'm looking for a few versatile spells on all levels. Seem comparable with the problem of selecting spells for a sorcerer. Since she could be alone in hostile territory, spells that can deal directly with enemies (like the Dragon Breath) might also be necessary.

No spells that require expensive components or foci !

1,2,3 = only one of those, respectively

[Gavinfoxx]

This isn't exactly a direct response to your post, but I did come up with a list of best practices that any wizard can do, for purposes of protecting his or her spellbook:


BASICE PREMISE: HAVE MULTIPLE SPELLBOOKS. Make backup copies. Use different strategies in different books. Always have at least one on your person.

Choose either a very durable or a very hideable spellbook, for particular spellbooks.

Very Durable options (generally use under wizard 5 spells):

-Just get a really durable book, made to be fire/water resistant, durable materials, etc. (rules in complete arcane & planar handbook)
-Make it magically durable based on those same rules
-Make it magically durable using Hardening
-Get a very high quality metal lock on it, of a durable metal (at least 12 hardness, one of the magical steels or mithral, at least), and trap the lock mundanely
-Arcane Mark (Sor/Wiz 0, Universal) it as yours (you will likely want to do this on a hidden one as well)
-Arcane Lock (Sor/Wiz 2, 25 gp, Abjuration) the lock
-Dragoneye Rune (Sor/Wiz 2, Dragon Magic, Universal) the book, asap -- this is very useful!
-Cast several casting of Explosive Runes on various pages and parts of the book (Sor/Wiz 3, Evocation)
-Put several Fire Traps (Sor/Wiz 4, Abjuration, 25 gp each) on it
-Put at least one phantom Trap (Sor/Wiz 2, 50 gp, Illusion) on it
-Put an Alarm spell (Sor/Wiz1, Abjuration) with Permanency (Sor/Wiz5, Universal, 500 xp) on it
-Put several alarming Magic Mouths (Sor/Wiz2, Illusion, 10 gp each) on various pages to shout that someone other than you opens the book
-Put Symbols of Sleep (Sor/Wiz5, Ench, 1000 gp), Pain (Sor/Wiz5, Nec, 1000 gp), Spell Loss (Sor/Wiz 5, Abj, Spell Compendium, 1000 gp) on different parts of the book
-Put Sepia Snake Sigil (Conjuration, Sor/Wiz5, 500 gp) on it
-Use Secret Page (Sor/Wiz3, Transmutation) on various pages to make it more difficult to read
-Put Watchware (Sor/Wiz 5, Abjuration, Unapproachable East, 500 gp) on it
-Use Alarm (and some of these other spells, watchware, dragoneye rune, arcane mark, etc.) on the container that holds the book
-Add castings of Magic mouth at minimum caster level on things so that those are dispelled first, as sacrificial dispellings

-Find a Stone of Weight (DMG, SRD, 1000 gp, cursed item), and get Polymorph Any Object cast on it twice somehow, to make it a spellbook. Use the spell 'Mount' (Sor/Wiz1) or Phantom Steed (Sor/Wiz3) when you need to move somewhere. Suck up the movement penalty. Or have someone custom enchant a normal spellbook as a Stone of Weight.


Methods of Hiding the book:
-Make it not magical at all, if possible, and hide magic auras with the Magic Aura (Sor/Wiz 1, Illusion) spell
-Use Shrink Item (Sor/Wiz 3, Transmutation) regularly to hide it, probably in a Hidden Pocket (Complete Scoundrel) that is also in a Lead Lined (Complete Scoundrel) pouch, or in a Smuggler's Boot (Arms & Equipment Guide)
-Hide it with Gloves of the Master Strategist (Ghostwalk, 3600 gp)
-Make it seem like some other kind of book with Secret Page... AND put it in with other books, and make sure at least some of them are Secret Page'd too
-Make it able to be rolled up, and use the spell 'Hoard Gullet' (Sor/Wiz 1, Transmutation, Dragon Magic) to swallow it and regurgitate it when needed, with a Lesser Rod of Extend Spell, if necessary. Also good to combine this with Shrink Item
-Put some of your spells on your clothing, or in the linings of other items that stay with you. Some of the most durable clothing materials are earthsilk (Races of Stone)
-Have decoy spellbooks! Add magic auras with the Magic Aura spell as needed
-Use a few Spell Gems (Magic Item Compendium) for small versions of useful spells, especially ones that can help you find your main spellbook
-Put it in a Familiar Pocket (Sor/Wiz1, universal, Spell Compendium) every day, possibly as a Shrunk Item
-Put it in a Possum Pouch item (Song and Silence, 1800 gp) every day, possibly as a Shrunk Item. If possible, make the Possum Pouch a Handy Haversack


-Tattoo some of your most useful spells, especially for 'finding your spellbook or other item retrieval' and 'protecting yourself when it is lost' on you, using the rules in Complete Arcane.

[Maginomicon]

Or...

...you could just take the Eidetic Spellcaster alternate class feature (Dragon Magazine #357 page 89)... it's all in your head then. No need for tattoos, no need for a spellbook.

...

:smallbiggrin:

[Amiria]

... snip ... = tldr :smallwink:

Useful information, but not what I'm asking for.


Or...

...you could just take the Eidetic Spellcaster alternate class feature (Dragon Magazine #357 page 89)... it's all in your head then. No need for tattoos, no need for a spellbook.

...

:smallbiggrin:

Really not what I'm asking for.

[Gavinfoxx]

More not what you're asking for, the Easy Bake Wizard, to take Eidetic and milk it for all it's worth!


Easy Bake Wizard!

Here's the recipe for one of my favorite ways of playing D&D, an Easy Bake Wizard. Put the Sorcerer to shame (well, at anything except metamagic-heavy blasting...sorcerer has a ton of ACF's for that, which you don't get...)!

Easy Bake No "Worries" Wizard

Ingredients:
1 Gray Elf (SRD, MM1)
1 Wizard Class (PHB, SRD)
1 Elf Wizard Racial Substitution Level (Races of the Wild)
1 Eidetic Spellcaster Alternative Class Feature (Dragon Magazine #357 -- the core of the build!)
1 Spontaneous Divination Alternative Class Feature (Complete Champion, be sure to check out the errata online!)
1 Collegiate Wizard Feat (Complete Arcane)
1 Aerenal Arcanist feat (Player's Guide to Eberron, optional)
1 Eschew Materials feat (PHB, SRD)
1 Domain Wizard variant, Transmutation or Conjuration domain (SRD, Unearthed Arcana, optional)
Flaws, to taste (SRD, Unearthed Arcana, optional, but necessary if you want all those feats by level 3)
Extra bits, optional, see later instructions!

Mix in bowl, and be sure to top with any one of these feats:
Acidic Splatter, Winter's Blast, or Fiery Burst (all from Complete Mage)

Notes: if it doesn't turn out right when playing it in a zero wealth game, you picked bad spells. Be sure to look at the various wizard handbooks for how to pick solid, powerful, versatile spells. And it is very thematic that you can do stuff like leave a slot open to spend 15 minutes preparing the correct spell you need in it, or take Uncanny Forethought or Alacritous Cogitation, or Nexus Method, consider taking those later. And you automatically just 'get' spells like a sorcerer... no need for scrolls or anything. This Wizard idea relies on exactly zero found scrolls and zero need for items to scribe things into his spellbook, and with Eschew Materials and the right spells chosen, doesn't even need a Spell Component Pouch (just don't take any spells with focuses or components more than 5 gp)! Also, some people might think that this trading out the ability to specialize three times, but that isn't what is going on. Due to differing language between the various options, that isn't what's happening. Some of the stuff says that 'if you don't specialize, you can do this', some of the stuff says 'by removing the ability to specialize entirely, you gain this ability.' Order in which the abilities are taken matters.

Further, some more possible ingredients to take include:

-Alacritous Cogitation feat at level 6 (Complete Mage)
-Another Great option for race is a Lesser Fey'ri (Players Guide to Faerun and Races of Faerun) with LA Bought off (the LA buyoff option is in the SRD and Unearthed Arcana; choose the powers to get the minimum LA for that race). This lets you make use of that Alter Self at will; read the handbook on the uses of Alter Self, it's fantastic. Lesser Fey'ri are relatives / types of tieflings, that are quite easy to reflavor as those drow/demon mix as well, if you are interested in the drow thing.
-Get the Nexus Method feat from Dragon Magazine #319! This lets you spontaneously cast the summon monster line, and apparently adds all the spells to your spellbook! If you do this, you probably want the Transmutation Domain rather than the Conjuration Domain, to maximize spells known.
-Another good feat is Greyhawk Method from Dragon Magazine #315. This is very similar to 'Collegiate Wizard', and is arguably a different writeup of this... and it might require GM interpretation if you are in a campaign other than Greyhawk. And it might require GM interpretation if you want to stack it with Collegiate Wizard. However, you should at least consider it.
-Another option is Lesser Celadrin. You combine the rules in Player's Guide to Faerun and the rules in Dragon Magazine #350 to get Lesser Celadrin.
-Also, Fire Elf (UA/SRD) works well too.

-If you ask for houserules, consider these two:
-Permission to house rule that you can take Uncanny Forethought (Exemplars of Evil) at level 9, with the Alacritous Cogitation (Complete Mage) and the Eidetic Spellacster ACF taking place of the Spell Mastery prerequisite, without access to the 'spell mastery' capability from that feat
-Hopefully permission to house rule for the character to count Autohypnosis (XPH, SRD) as a class skill, to describe the character's eidetic memory being useful for things other than spellcasting (assuming the GM uses Autohypnosis in his game! Or get it's abilities shunted into Concentration, or whatever)

Some numbers:

Basic Wizard: Start with 3+Int mod L1 spells, +2 each level as baseline
Elf Generalist Wizard: +1 wizard spell at start, +1 each level beyond baseline
Collegiate Wizard: Instead of 3+int and +2 each level, baseline is set at 6+int and +4 each level
Aerenal Arcanist: +1 each level beyond baseline, including L1 if you take it then
Domain Wizard (Transmutation or Conjuration): One specific extra spell of each spell levels; +9 spells over career (cantrip is already known)
Nexus Method: Apparently automatically gets you the entire Summon Monster line!

So at level one, with a 20 int (cause Grey Elf or whatever, or 21 if you start at middle aged...) you know:
13 level one spells, plus mage armor or expeditious retreat automatically
At level 2, you gain six new L1 spells
At level 3, you gain 6 spells of up to spell level 2, and levitate or web, depending...

Essentially, you end up with a more versatile Sorcerer, who has access to a TON of spells, and can always get the right spell for the job... even with no gear whatsoever. And no Vow of Poverty (ewww, exalted! And not able to gather even useful cheap equipment!) needed to be useful without wealth!

Finally, if you want to gain access to even MORE spells, the Mage of the Arcane Order prestige class can be useful. Or, if you have access to wealth by level, than Mercantile Background can get you cheaper scrolls to scribe to your brain.


I'd suggest not being a Diviner, because of the Spontaneous Divination Alternative Class Feature (Complete Champion).

[GreenSerpent]

If you can grab levels in Geometer you can cut spells down to 1 page each, no matter what level. Might be something to think about for saving space.

[avr]

It is written there that the tattoo's "usually provide unmistakable evidence of a character’s arcane nature". Why ... and how can I negate the 'usually' ?
There is writing which no one can read but which anyone with a rank in spellcraft can recognise ALL OVER YOUR BODY. Wear full robes and gloves.

1) Do the spellbook tattoos have a magic aura ?
Spellbooks normally don't, so no.

2) I'm thinking about taking precautions like using ink that makes them only visible for someone with darkvison anyway and that they are written in a code (probably devised with Decypher Script) and disguised as parts of mundane decorative tattoos. Is that possible and what other precautions could be taken ?
Darkvision ink would be scarification or branding I think. You'd have to change the texture since darkvision doesn't recognise colour. I don't think a skill can render your spellbooks unreadable RAW. The Secret Page spell might do it, for sufficiently vague values of page.

3) Can her familiar tattoo her body ... especially the places that are hard to reach for herself ? Her familiar "Iggy" is a rat but I guess she could 'Share Spell Alter Self" him into a monkey who can work with tattoo equipment.
Don't see why not, it shares your skill ranks. Lower INT so the quality of the tattoo would be lower if that matters.

4) Do the tattoos carry over to the body of a form assumed with Alter Self or Polymorph ?
Definitely. Mind obscuring fur, feathers or scales.

5) If 4) = yes, can you think of an an Alter Self form (humanoids only) that is flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ? Or is Polymorph the safer solution ?
Uh ... you're a drow, i.e. an elven sex symbol? Isn't that enough?

6) If 4) = no, can you think of a spell (which ?) that makes one flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ?
Prestigitation, or find a spell component with a reflective surface which Summon Component can create.

7) She doesn't want tattoos on her face and scalp. That leaves 74 pages worth of spells on her body (48 readable without the use of a mirror, scrying magic, or a familiar’s assistance). Her prohibited schools are Necromancy and Enchantment and she is currently a Diviner 5 / Incantatrix 4 / Master Specialist 1 (5th level spells, soon 6th level). What would be a good selection of spells to put on her body (also beyond the currently castable 5th level) ?

My own ideas and inspirations from reading another thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240230) on the topic are so far this:

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Detect Poison
1st level: Shield, Summon Component (CM)
2nd level: Alter Self1, Invisibility2, Rope Trick, See Invisibility
3rd level: Dispel Magic, Greater Mage Armor (SC)
4th level: Dimension Door3, Dismissal, Dragon Breath (SC), Greater Invisibility2, Polymorph1
5th level: Teleport3
6th level: Superior Resistance (SC)

So I'm looking for a few versatile spells on all levels. Seem comparable with the problem of selecting spells for a sorcerer. Since she could be alone in hostile territory, spells that can deal directly with enemies (like the Dragon Breath) might also be necessary.

No spells that require expensive components or foci !

1,2,3 = only one of those, respectively
Arcane Eye or Prying Eyes, maybe. Useful alone in hostile territory. Any illusion spell, almost. Summon Monster VI to summon someone who can create food and water for you or cure serious wounds or teleport with messages or just to be a meat shield.

[Emperor Tippy]

1) Do the spellbook tattoos have a magic aura ?
Not any more than a regular spell book does.


2) I'm thinking about taking precautions like using ink that makes them only visible for someone with darkvison anyway and that they are written in a code (probably devised with Decypher Script) and disguised as parts of mundane decorative tattoos. Is that possible and what other precautions could be taken ?
You might want to look at a 2 level dip in Geometer, it lets you fit more spells in and would disguise your spells better. Also, take the Prison Break route and tattoo your whole body.


3) Can her familiar tattoo her body ... especially the places that are hard to reach for herself ? Her familiar "Iggy" is a rat but I guess she could 'Share Spell Alter Self" him into a monkey who can work with tattoo equipment.
If your familiar can make the Craft (Tattooing) check. Ask your DM about the rat but a monkey with the skills could do it.


4) Do the tattoos carry over to the body of a form assumed with Alter Self or Polymorph ?
No, they aren't class features.


6) If 4) = no, can you think of a spell (which ?) that makes one flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ?
Arcane Eye (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/arcaneEye.htm)
Talk with your DM as he might rule that it takes you longer to prepare spells thanks to the concentration requirement or that you need the feat Familiar Concentration so that your familiar can maintain the spell for you (which would also require that you take Improved Familiar).

Familiar's Sense from Dragon #280 let's you use one of your familiars senses in place of one of your own for 1 minute per level and it's only a second level spell.

Clairaudience/Clairvoyance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/clairaudienceClairvoyance.htm) will also work.



7) She doesn't want tattoos on her face and scalp. That leaves 74 pages worth of spells on her body (48 readable without the use of a mirror, scrying magic, or a familiar’s assistance). Her prohibited schools are Necromancy and Enchantment and she is currently a Diviner 5 / Incantatrix 4 / Master Specialist 1 (5th level spells, soon 6th level). What would be a good selection of spells to put on her body (also beyond the currently castable 5th level) ?

My own ideas and inspirations from reading another thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240230) on the topic are so far this:

Cantrips: Detect Magic, Detect Poison
1st level: Shield, Summon Component (CM)
2nd level: Alter Self1, Invisibility2, Rope Trick, See Invisibility
3rd level: Dispel Magic, Greater Mage Armor (SC)
4th level: Dimension Door3, Dismissal, Dragon Breath (SC), Greater Invisibility2, Polymorph1
5th level: Teleport3
6th level: Superior Resistance (SC)

So I'm looking for a few versatile spells on all levels. Seem comparable with the problem of selecting spells for a sorcerer. Since she could be alone in hostile territory, spells that can deal directly with enemies (like the Dragon Breath) might also be necessary.

No spells that require expensive components or foci !

1,2,3 = only one of those, respectively
Resilient Sphere should be on the list. It's just so versatile and will hedge out all types of teleport blocking except (possibly) a weird stone.

Dismissal should be on all such lists, it's nice to see someone else using it. It only functions if you are off your home plane but it will kick you back to your home plane even through a Weirdstone if you cast it on yourself. All you need is one standard action and you are out of your prison. And since it is a fifth level spell you can Silent and Still it in a 7th level slot (or a 6th if you also have Sanctum Spell).

See Invisible should probably be made Permanent instead of prepared.

Guards & Wards can be great fun but it requires a small silver rod, I recommend having one in the sole of your shoe. It's so much easier to escape when every door in the fortress is now Arcane Locked with you as the only one authorized to open them.

Fabricate should be on your list. You use parts of the enviroment as the material component. Need a hole through an outer wall? Then just Fabricate one. 10th level gives you 10 cubic feet of metal (or other minerals) that you can turn into a passage or something else. Need a ladder? Suddenly the door is one, or the smooth stone wall has nice little hand and foot holds. Incredibly versatile and useful, never leave home without it.

Shrink Item as well. Need supplies? You can raid storage and carry off months worth of food in a piece of string. Or shrink a door down to take with you for later use. Something quite fun is to shrink down something and then expand it again inside a small passage or hallway to block a route.

Gaseous Form should be on your list. The material component is really easy to get (a bit of gauze and a whisp of smoke and Eschew will cover it as well. This gives you flight and it's the rare prison that is truly air tight. Maybe the cell but even then they better hope that they don't have plumbing.

Mislead is great, rounds/level greater invisibility plus and illusory double that you can use to lead off pursuit.

Break Enchantment might be a good pick. Bestow Curse (-6 Int) is a great thing for a prison to dump on a wizard and Break Enchantment will remove that while Dispel won't.

Incidentally, Bestow Curse is also a pretty good choice. The 50% no chance of action or the -6 ability score options can ruin the day of someone trying to catch you. If stilled and silent you can even dump it on a person with no one noticing. A guard with -6 Wisdom and -6 Int is a lot easier to trick or deceive than normal.

Tiny Hut is also a good choice. In addition to the protection from the elements it offers, everyone inside has total concealment against everyone outside.

Phantom Steed should be on there. At level 11 it has a speed of 220 feet and can water walk at will. Great for fleeing, and next level it can air walk.

Nondetection should be on your list if you can stuff fifty gp worth of diamond dust into your shoes (or sew it into your underwear, for some reason lots of enemies forget to strip you totally naked).

Detect Secret Doors can be useful in an escape.

The full list of useful spells is quite long, but generally you want as much versatility as possible.

[Tegannie]

It is written there that the tattoo's "usually provide unmistakable evidence of a character’s arcane nature". Why ... and how can I negate the 'usually' ?

1) Do the spellbook tattoos have a magic aura ?

2) I'm thinking about taking precautions like using ink that makes them only visible for someone with darkvison anyway and that they are written in a code (probably devised with Decypher Script) and disguised as parts of mundane decorative tattoos. Is that possible and what other precautions could be taken ?

I'm not sure, but I would think that being covered in magical runes is what gives away your arcane nature. If you skin looks like a wizard's spellbook, people are going to think you've got some sort of arcane nature.

I don't think the tattoos have a magical aura, unless spellbooks have one (I don't think they do, but I'm not sure)

I think the darkvision ink is a pretty good idea, but you would only be able to prepare your spells in complete darkness.

As for the being written in code, that may not work since they're magical runes. I'm not sure how encoding runes would work...or if you can and still be able to prepare spells from them (ie, do the runes have to written in an exact way?)

Disguising as part of mundane tattoos might work, but as a DM, I would rule that they would take up more space.


3) Can her familiar tattoo her body ... especially the places that are hard to reach for herself ? Her familiar "Iggy" is a rat but I guess she could 'Share Spell Alter Self" him into a monkey who can work with tattoo equipment.

I don't know, I'd ask your DM.


4) Do the tattoos carry over to the body of a form assumed with Alter Self or Polymorph ?



You can freely designate the new form’s minor physical qualities (such as hair color, hair texture, and skin color) within the normal ranges for a creature of that kind.
With this I'd say you could choose whether the tattoos carried over the new form


5) If 4) = yes, can you think of an an Alter Self form (humanoids only) that is flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ? Or is Polymorph the safer solution ?

I would go with Polymorph. Probably a cat.


7) She doesn't want tattoos on her face and scalp. That leaves 74 pages worth of spells on her body (48 readable without the use of a mirror, scrying magic, or a familiar’s assistance). Her prohibited schools are Necromancy and Enchantment and she is currently a Diviner 5 / Incantatrix 4 / Master Specialist 1 (5th level spells, soon 6th level). What would be a good selection of spells to put on her body (also beyond the currently castable 5th level) ?

Picking spells is always the hardest part for me, so I can't really help there. It really depends on the campaign and the character.

Also, as a diviner, you only need to give up one school:

Divination
Spells that reveal information. A divination specialist is called a diviner. Unlike the other specialists, a diviner must give up only one other school.

I hope that helps!

[Necroticplague]

Since you didn't ban illusions, most Shadow spells make for good tattoos, since spells simply don't get more versatile then them. Not completely effective, but they can turn into a wide variety. This is really useful for a wizard, since they simply prepare "Shadow Conjuration", no need to specify what spell it's mimicking until you cast. Evocations probably wouldn't be too useful, but Shadow Conjuration is pretty much perfect. Just intentionally fail your will save to recognize them as fake, and they're mostly real to you (unless it's a summoned creature, in which case it's still fairly nerfed, but can be a useful scout).

[Crasical]

Please note: I'm away from books, so take this all with a grain of salt.


2) I'm thinking about taking precautions like using ink that makes them only visible for someone with darkvison anyway and that they are written in a code (probably devised with Decypher Script) and disguised as parts of mundane decorative tattoos. Is that possible and what other precautions could be taken ?

I'm calling the rest of you out on this one: There -has- to be a printed ink that is only visible to darkvision, in Complete Scoundrel, Adventurer, or one of the Underdark books.

Also the way I understand spellbook pages, everyone uses the same 'alphabet' to write spells, but uses their own terminology, shorthand, descriptive, ect, which is what makes a spellcraft check necessary. Even if they don't know what the spell is, I believe observers will see you've got 'magic language' written on you, even if the spell itself is ALSO in code... Relevant passage here.


To record an arcane spell in written form, a character uses complex notation that describes the magical forces involved in the spell. The writer uses the same system no matter what her native language or culture. However, each character uses the system in her own way. Another person’s magical writing remains incomprehensible to even the most powerful wizard until she takes time to study and decipher it.

So, maybe not Decipher Script, but a Disguise check might do it.


3) Can her familiar tattoo her body ... especially the places that are hard to reach for herself ? Her familiar "Iggy" is a rat but I guess she could 'Share Spell Alter Self" him into a monkey who can work with tattoo equipment.

Familiars use your skill ranks, so if you can tattoo yourself, your familiar can too. You could also get the tattoos inscribed on you and then kill the tattoo artist if you're worried about secrecy, it is the traditional method, in fact.


5) If 4) = yes, can you think of an an Alter Self form (humanoids only) that is flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ? Or is Polymorph the safer solution ?

6) If 4) = no, can you think of a spell (which ?) that makes one flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ?

It might be more prudent to choose your butt for the location of a spell you don't anticipate to need in an emergency escape situation or while stripped, as you can just use a mirror to read your butt most of the time.

Now tell us more about your Drow's bum. :smallbiggrin:

[Lady Serpentine]

...as you can just use a mirror to read your butt most of the time.

Someone really needs to put that in their signature. :smalltongue:

(Maybe me, actually, if you don't mind...)

[Amiria]

Regarding a 2-level dip into Geometer, that's an interesting idea, but too much effort just for a bigger emergency spellbook.

But I've read that it should be possible to pay a Geometer to inscribe the tattoos in his 'Book of Geometry' style. My Incantatrix shouldn't have problems to make the Spellcraft checks to decypher them, even without Intelligence-/Spellcraft-boosting equipment. Could be quite expensive though.

But most likely things will be ritten without a Geometer involved and so she's gotta make some hard decisions on what's going to be written onto those 74 'pages'.

I don't plan on taking more levels of Incantatrix, what is planned to finish her build is a combination of Paragnostic Apostle, Ruathar (mainly for Spot as a class skill, but also the other fundamental goodies of that class ... better hit points, skill points, saves) and Archmage.

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Regarding my 4th question, I have to agree with Emperor Tippy's reasoning that the tattoos don't carry over to the assumed form.

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Regarding spells ...


Arcane Eye or Prying Eyes, maybe. Useful alone in hostile territory. Any illusion spell, almost. Summon Monster VI to summon someone who can create food and water for you or cure serious wounds or teleport with messages or just to be a meat shield.

Summon Monster is a good idea. But as far as I know, Summon Monster VI doesn't offer a monster with the abilities that you mentioned. It seems better to wait one spell level for Summon Monster VII -> the Movanic Deva (Fiend Folio) can do those things and has a slew of other nice spell-like abilities.


... spell suggestions ...

Very good suggestions, thanks. Of those, Break Enchantment, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, Fabricate, Gaseous Form, Phantom Steed and Shrink Item are prime candidates for the list.


... Shadow Conjuration is pretty much perfect. Just intentionally fail your will save to recognize them as fake, and they're mostly real to you (unless it's a summoned creature, in which case it's still fairly nerfed, but can be a useful scout).

Shadow Conjuration could be interesting. But the part of intentionally failing one's will save has often been disputed, right ?

-----------------------------------------------------------------


...

Also, as a diviner, you only need to give up one school:

I hope that helps!

I know, but an Incantatrix has to give up one additional school of magic. Otherwise, yes, your post was helpful.

-----------------------------------------------------------------


I'm calling the rest of you out on this one: There -has- to be a printed ink that is only visible to darkvision, in Complete Scoundrel, Adventurer, or one of the Underdark books.

Yes, that is something that should exist somewhere in an official source. But where ... ?


Now tell us more about your Drow's bum. :smallbiggrin:

Well, it is not too big, but certainly firm and shapely ... and ... erm, enough said. PM me if you want to know more. :smalltongue:

Now that reminds me of one of the greatest pictures of female drow that I ever found in the depths of the the worldwide demonweb. Behold ! :smallamused:

http://i.somethingawful.com/u/elpintogrande/september10/wtfcontest/katie_drowvolleyball_big.png

[GreenSerpent]

There is a Darkvision-only ink. If you look under the description of Darkvision Powder (DoTU I think) it mentions it can be made into an ink.

[Necroticplague]

Shadow Conjuration could be interesting. But the part of intentionally failing one's will save has often been disputed, right ?

I don't believe so.you can always intentionally fail a save, as far as I know.If you're trying to talk about the dichotomy of "you cast it, you know it's only semi-real" and "you entirely believe it so it effects you normally", think of it as simply playing a little bit of make believe. Aided by the fact that believing actually does make it more true.

[Saidoro]

It is written there that the tattoo's "usually provide unmistakable evidence of a character’s arcane nature". Why ... and how can I negate the 'usually' ?
They can be disguised fairly easily with a persistent disguise or alter self, but making the tattoos look like they aren't spellbooks will require some DM fiat.

6) If 4) = no, can you think of a spell (which ?) that makes one flexible enough to read a spell that's tattooed e.g. on one's own bum ?
Prestidigitation can make mirrors.

7) She doesn't want tattoos on her face and scalp. That leaves 74 pages worth of spells on her body (48 readable without the use of a mirror, scrying magic, or a familiar’s assistance). Her prohibited schools are Necromancy and Enchantment and she is currently a Diviner 5 / Incantatrix 4 / Master Specialist 1 (5th level spells, soon 6th level). What would be a good selection of spells to put on her body (also beyond the currently castable 5th level) ?
Knock and locate object are good choices. The former has obvious applications and the latter will let you find your spellbook if running off and grabbing one of your backups isn't a feasible option for whatever reason.

[Amiria]

There is a Darkvision-only ink. If you look under the description of Darkvision Powder (DoTU I think) it mentions it can be made into an ink.

Yes, I found it in Drow of the Underdark and it can be made into ink, thanks.


They can be disguised fairly easily with a persistent disguise or alter self, but making the tattoos look like they aren't spellbooks will require some DM fiat.

Well, of course she has Persistent Spell and she also has a Hat of Disguise (or more precisely a Headband of Disguise, Intellect +4 and Spellcraft +5). Good to Alter Self into e.g. a Troglodyte for the big Natural Armor bonus while still looking like herself ... or better to look like a less threatening noncaster. Her vanity might get into the way of that though.


Prestigitation, or find a spell component with a reflective surface which Summon Component can create.

Prestidigitation can make mirrors

Ah, excellent, 'Minor Wish' as they call it. Great versatile spell and only 1 page on her body.


Knock and locate object are good choices. The former has obvious applications and the latter will let you find your spellbook if running off and grabbing one of your backups isn't a feasible option for whatever reason.

Congratulations, those two also made it into my list. :smallsmile:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

This is my list so far, I'm at my limit of 74 pages. PEACH ?

Updated (see posts below)

Again updated, darn, Dismissal is 5th level, not 4th, so I had to switch out Nondetection for ... Resist Energy ?!

Cantrips (2): Detect Poison, Prestidigitation
1st level (5): Detect Secret Doors, Endure Elements, Magic Missile1, Shield, Summon Component (CM)
2nd level (12): Alter Self, Invisibility, Knock, Locate Object, Resist Energy, Rope Trick
3rd level (15): Arcane Sight, Dispel Magic, Gaseous Form, Greater Mage Armor (SC), Shrink Item
4th level (12): Dimension Door, Otiluke's Resilient Sphere, Dragon Breath3 (SC)
5th level (15): Break Enchantment, Dismissal, Fabricate
6th level (6): Superior Resistance (SC)
7th level (7): Summon Monster VII (= Movanic Deva to the rescue !)

Total pages -> 2 + 5 + 12 + 15 + 12 + 15 + 6 + 7 = 74

No Leomund's Tiny Hut. Endure Elements + Rope Trick have to suffice.
No Phantom Steed. Alter Self + Invisibility + a head start with Dimension Door have to suffice.
No Bestow Curse (Necromancy anyway !), Guards and Wards, Mislead or Shadow Conjuration ... ran out of space.

1 -> As I said, she wants another spell (besides Dragon Breath) that can deal directly with enemies. Magic Missile isn't much damage, but quite reliable. Also gets a bit better with her Fell Drain feat.

2 -> the 50 gp of diamond dust are hidden in ... not her underwear ... but in a hollow fake molar.

3 -> Dragon Breath is persistable, although without her items and her familiar / party members (Aid Another) she'll have trouble to hit the necessary Spellcraft DC. Still a very versatile spell -> damage with a choice of energies, and even better 'save or die / suck' effects targeting different saves.

[Emperor Tippy]

Maybe drop See Invisibility for Arcane Sight, it's more versatile and it will still tell you at least which squares invisible things are in at a glance.

Otherwise it looks good enough to me.

[Amiria]

Maybe drop See Invisibility for Arcane Sight, it's more versatile and it will still tell you at least which squares invisible things are in at a glance.

Otherwise it looks good enough to me.

Hmm, since Arcane Sight is 3rd level that would mean I have to ditch a cantrip or 1st level spell. Most likely Detect Poison or Detect Secret Doors.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

And in case that someone wonder what her feats are ... as it might help with advice:

Extend Spell; 6th, Incantatrix
Fell Drain (LM); 5th, Diviner
Iron Will; 3rd, Level
Mind over Body (PGtF); 1st, Level
Persistent Spell (PGtF); 9th, Level
Scribe Scroll; 1st, Diviner
Sculpt Spell (CAr); 10th, Incantatrix
Skill Focus (Spellcraft); 9th, Master Specialist
Spell Focus (Divination); 6th, Level
Spell Penetration; 1st, Race1

The only feat that might be negotiable is Sculpt Spell (the last feat she took), which could be switched out for a different Metamagic Feat (as it was an Incantatrix bonus metamagic feat). Mind Over Body was more of an RP choice, although more hit points are never bad (and houseruled that the Headband of Intellect also adds its bonus to Constitution for her 1st level hit die). She also has it since 1st level and I really don't want to switch it out.

No LA-buyoff and no flaws in play.

1 = houserule, drow may choose a racial bonus feat from a small list: Blind-Fight, Highborn Drow (no base Will save +2 prerequisite), Skill Focus, Spell Penetration, Stealthy.

[Emperor Tippy]

Hmm, since Arcane Sight is 3rd level that would mean I have to ditch a cantrip or 1st level spell. Most likely Detect Poison or Detect Secret Doors.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arcane Sight does everything that Detect Magic does only faster, at a longer range, and lasts longer. And if you have Invisible Spell it doesn't even have any visible manifestation any longer; although eyes glowing blue with arcane energies can really work wonders with bluff or intimidate checks against those without the spellcraft ranks to recognize that it's just Arcane Sight.


And in case that someone wonder what her feats are ... as it might help with advice:

[quote]The only feat that might be negotiable is Sculpt Spell (the last feat she took), which could be switched out for a different Metamagic Feat (as it was an Incantatrix bonus metamagic feat). Mind Over Body was more of an RP choice, although more hit points are never bad (and houseruled that the Headband of Intellect also adds its bonus to Constitution for her 1st level hit die). She also has it since 1st level and I really don't to switch it out.

How long do you think the campaign will last?

I might look at replacing Sculpt Spell with Invisible Spell but, honestly, Sculpt Spell is a good choice.

If it was me I would have gone Elf Generalist at first level, taken Spontaneous Divination, and then dumped Master Specialist; but that's just me and it's probably too late into the game for that kind of rebuild even if you wanted to do it.

[RogueDM]

I had a funny thought while reading this thread... Now, the Darkvision ink will work just fine to hide the tattoos, assuming you don't encounter any Dwarves, or Half-Orcs, other Drow, Orcs, etc etc. That all depends on who you're trying to hide them from and your setting.

Alternatively, and depending on how crazy you want to get... Permanency on Illusory Script? I don't know if that would really work, because of the restriction of "special materials" required to make a proper spell book, but I think the tattoo idea and the ink idea have already thwarted most of that. The spell doesn't hide the script from view, just makes it unintelligible to unauthorized readers (your drow).

Figured I'd just toss that one out there. Run it up the ol' flagpole. Now, talk amongst yourselves.

[Amiria]

Arcane Sight does everything that Detect Magic does only faster, at a longer range, and lasts longer. And if you have Invisible Spell it doesn't even have any visible manifestation any longer; although eyes glowing blue with arcane energies can really work wonders with bluff or intimidate checks against those without the spellcraft ranks to recognize that it's just Arcane Sight.

Ah yes, of course, the scales fell from my eyes. Arcane Sight instead of Detect Magic and See Invisibility then.


How long do you think the campaign will last?

Hmm, in 15 years of playing D&D I never got characters higher 18th level. So including LA I'd have 6 more levels to play with ... unless I finally go beyond the impossible.


If it was me I would have gone Elf Generalist at first level, taken Spontaneous Divination, and then dumped Master Specialist; but that's just me and it's probably too late into the game for that kind of rebuild even if you wanted to do it.

I like Elven Generalist, but yeah it is too late to change. I've struggled for some time to find worthwile Divination spells for her bonus spell slots at all levels, but after I looked harder (and at handbooks) I'm content with her being specialized in one of the 'weaker' schools.

Losing Evocation for being a Conjurer or Transmuter Incantatrix isn't worth it. Evocation is much better than its reputation once you look beyond the blasting spells.

[Emperor Tippy]

Ah yes, of course, the scales fell from my eyes. Arcane Sight instead of Detect Magic and See Invisibility then.
That being said, I would still grab a permanent Invisible Spell Arcane Sight and a Permanent See Invisible if/when you get the chance. Besides freeing up spell slots it is just incredibly nice and can save your life so many times.


Hmm, in 15 years of playing D&D I never got characters higher 18th level. So including LA I'd have 6 more levels to play with ... unless I finally go beyond the impossible.
If you are going blaster Incantatrix for offensive use you might want to dip two levels of Archmage at some point for Mastery of Shaping (combine that with sculpt spell for all kinds of nastyness) and Mastery of the Elements (why on this one should be obvious).

Your problem with going mailman though is that you are going to be feat starved. You can always cheese your way around that but that is very DM dependent and it's not like you are a monk (where picking up an extra 15 or so feats means that you can decently contribute).


I like Elven Generalist, but yeah it is too late to change. I've struggled for some time to find worthwile Divination spells for her bonus spell slots at all levels, but after I looked harder (and at handbooks) I'm content with her being specialized in one of the 'weaker' schools.

Losing Evocation for being a Conjurer or Transmuter Incantatrix isn't worth it. Evocation is much better than its reputation once you look beyond the blasting spells.

Oh god yes. Evocation is the school of novices and masters. Most people fall into that journeyman level of wizard though; they know enough to realize that dropping fireballs on your enemies is a bad idea but not enough to realize that you can do things like drop a Resilient Sphere on yourself as an excellent shield.

I'm probably one of the bigger proponents for not specializing and virtually never recommend it. A wizards power is versatility and the only time you want to give up the added versatility of a whole school of magic is when you gain even more versatility in trade (Incantatrix does that, normal specialization tends not to).

For a non incantatrix I thought Divination specialization was decentish until Complete Champion came out with Spontaneous Divination (who ever thought that was a good idea is beyond me) but I really don't like giving up two schools.

Oh well, your character is already built and what matters is that you have fun with it. So any other questions or any other advice you want?

Oh yeah, Tippy's daily dose of free "So you want to be a wizard" Advice: Every spell has non obvious secondary uses, often times ones far more powerful or useful than it's "obvious" uses. A good wizard knows this and takes advantage of it.

[Amiria]

That being said, I would still grab a permanent Invisible Spell Arcane Sight and a Permanent See Invisible if/when you get the chance. Besides freeing up spell slots it is just incredibly nice and can save your life so many times.

Well, Mizzri (my Drow), is a Diviner and those spells are both persistable Divinations. So it only takes up two of the Divination-only spell slots to have those prepared every day. And with a Ring of Enduring Arcana alone they are reasonably hard enough to dispel ... and if they are dispelled she doesn't have to cry about lost xp/gp.


If you are going blaster Incantatrix for offensive use you might want to dip two levels of Archmage at some point for Mastery of Shaping (combine that with sculpt spell for all kinds of nastyness) and Mastery of the Elements (why on this one should be obvious).

Your problem with going mailman though is that you are going to be feat starved. You can always cheese your way around that but that is very DM dependent and it's not like you are a monk (where picking up an extra 15 or so feats means that you can decently contribute).

Heh, she's not trying to be a mailman, although she likes stuff like Fell Drain Magic Missiles, Persistent Fell Drain Cloud of Knives, Fell Drain Manyjaws and Persistent Dragon Breath (hey, 2,5 of those are blasty Evocations !).

No, with many of her other spells that I have not mentioned so far she's rather set for Battlefield Control. That's also the reason for Sculpt Spell.


Oh well, your character is already built and what matters is that you have fun with it. So any other questions or any other advice you want?

Currently I don't have further questions or need for other advice, but thanks. :smallsmile:

[avr]

Summon Monster is a good idea. But as far as I know, Summon Monster VI doesn't offer a monster with the abilities that you mentioned. It seems better to wait one spell level for Summon Monster VII -> the Movanic Deva (Fiend Folio) can do those things and has a slew of other nice spell-like abilities.
Sure, you can wait. However Janni (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/genie.htm#janni) can create food and water, Bralani (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/bralani.htm) can cure serious wounds and lantern archons or bearded devils can greater teleport themselves + 50 lb. Meat shields are left to your imagination.

[KillingAScarab]

Regarding the darkvision powder, if you are supposing that you want to use this to hide your spells when you are captive, then does that not also mean you are likely to not have control of the light sources around you until you can read your tattoo spellbook? Unless I misunderstand this (I do not own Drow of the Underdark), there just needs to be a lit torch you can't douse within 20 feet to prevent you from reading the tattoos. Maybe even 40 feet, I'm not sure how darkvision interacts with shadowy illumination of the non-magical variety.

Regarding using a mirror to read what's on your body, will you need to have the symbols all left-right reversed? Also, does darkvision see reflections?

[Amiria]

Sure, you can wait. However Janni (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/genie.htm#janni) can create food and water, Bralani (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/bralani.htm) can cure serious wounds and lantern archons or bearded devils can greater teleport themselves + 50 lb. Meat shields are left to your imagination.

Ah well, so there are those abilities scattered around in Summon Monster VI. But I rather wait.


Regarding the darkvision powder, if you are supposing that you want to use this to hide your spells when you are captive, then does that not also mean you are likely to not have control of the light sources around you until you can read your tattoo spellbook? Unless I misunderstand this (I do not own Drow of the Underdark), there just needs to be a lit torch you can't douse within 20 feet to prevent you from reading the tattoos. Maybe even 40 feet, I'm not sure how darkvision interacts with shadowy illumination of the non-magical variety.

Well, with her Darkness spell-like ability, Mizzri has some control of the light sources around her.

However ...


Darkvision

... The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.

But yeah, tattoos that are only readable by someone with darkvision still might not be worth it after all.


Regarding using a mirror to read what's on your body, will you need to have the symbols all left-right reversed? Also, does darkvision see reflections?

1) It shouldn't be hard that to read a prepare spells from symbols that are all left-right reversed. Especially not for someone with Intelligence 22 or more.

2) Sure, why not ? I just looked it up in the SRD.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

So, the spells have been picked ...

... but I still wonder if there is some way to somehow hide / obscure the (nature of the) tattoos from onlookers.

Or is all that Mizzri can do is to hope for dumb jailers with no ranks in Spellcraft ?

Another thing that came to my mind ...

Can she put spells like Exlposive Runes (rather unwise), Illusory Script, Secret Page and Sepia Snake Sigil on 'pages' of her Tattoo Spellbook ?

Secret Page would be able to obscure the nature of the spellbook / make the tattoos look like mundane decorations ... although they'd have a faint magical aura.

[Saidoro]

... but I still wonder if there is some way to somehow hide / obscure the (nature of the) tattoos from onlookers.

Or is all that Mizzri can do is to hope for dumb jailers with no ranks in Spellcraft ?
There is nothing by RAW that you can definitely do aside from things already laid out, but if you talk to your GM they may let you get away with something, likely involving a disguise or forgery check.

Can she put spells like Exlposive Runes (rather unwise), Illusory Script, Secret Page and Sepia Snake Sigil on 'pages' of her Tattoo Spellbook ?

Secret Page would be able to obscure the nature of the spellbook / make the tattoos look like mundane decorations ... although they'd have a faint magical aura.
Sepia snake sigil works since it targets any written work, illusory script and explosive runes do not because they specifically target an object weighing no more than 10 lb, and secret page does not because it targets a page up to 3 sq. ft. in size. That being said, you can likely convince your GM to allow the ones that don't work by layering multiple castings of the same spell, you'll have to ask(though the part about illusory script targeting objects may be a problem).

[KillingAScarab]

Well, with her Darkness spell-like ability, Mizzri has some control of the light sources around her.Which would be the magical variety of shadowy illumination. Unless you're using the Pathfinder version (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/darkness), which fixes the "creating light by RAW" problem and specifically allows darkvision to work, that spell/spell-like ability doesn't look helpful to me.


Even creatures that can normally see in such conditions (such as with darkvision or low-light vision) have the miss chance in an area shrouded in magical darkness.

[Amiria]

Sepia snake sigil works since it targets any written work, illusory script and explosive runes do not because they specifically target an object weighing no more than 10 lb, and secret page does not because it targets a page up to 3 sq. ft. in size. That being said, you can likely convince your GM to allow the ones that don't work by layering multiple castings of the same spell, you'll have to ask(though the part about illusory script targeting objects may be a problem).

Well, in one instance the text for the tattoo spellbook (CAr, pg. 187) speaks of "page-equivalents of spellbook information", so Secret Page cast seperately on all 74 "pages" on her body should work. :smallsmile: And luckily Secret Page has a permanent duration and doesn't have an expensive material component, unlike Illusory Script (50 gp) or Sepia Snake Sigil (500 gp).

But Sepia Snake Sigils that attack anyone who ogles her body too closely and too much are also quite cool. :smallbiggrin:

[KillingAScarab]

But Sepia Snake Sigils that attack anyone who ogles her body too closely and too much are also quite cool. :smallbiggrin:That is a very amusing idea. However, the spell description contains some text which makes me wary of placing the spell near certain locations of your body.


If it succeeds, the sepia snake dissipates in a flash of brown light accompanied by a puff of dun-colored smoke and a loud noise.(insert fart joke here)

[Amiria]

Ha, she'll research a custom version - "Rainbow Couatl Sigil" - then, that makes the rainbow couatl dissipate in a flash of bright light accompanied by a puff of rainbow-colored smoke and a "celestial fanfare" sound ! :smalltongue:

(insert fart joke here)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On topic of the spell list, what do you you think of getting a whole different 7th level spell on the list for the tattoo spell book ... Limited Wish ! It has an XP cost, but it is incredibly versatile. And it - like many other spells on her body - are only there for emergencies anyway.

With Limited Wish available, she could use it to duplicate all three of the very situational 5th level spells on her list (Break Enchantment, Dismissal and Fabricate).

And all the other options ... e.g. wishing for a Heal spell ... as it is only a 5th level on the Adept's spell list. But there'll be still another spell for cheaper curative, nourishing or other useful effects on the list -> Summon Monster VI.

So, that would be -16 pages (the three aforementioned 5th level spells and downgrade Summon Monster VII to VI), +7 pages (Limited Wish) +3 pages (to get Nondetection back on the list) +6 pages for ... another good 1st level spell and a really good 5th level spell that's so good ... and possibly spammable that it wouldn't be a good idea to always use Limited Wish to get it.

So here is the list updated with those thoughts:

Cantrips (2): Detect Poison, Prestidigitation
1st level (6): Detect Secret Doors, Endure Elements, Magic Missile, Shield, Summon Component (CM), - insert great spell here -
2nd level (12): Alter Self, Invisibility, Knock, Locate Object, Resist Energy, Rope Trick
3rd level (18): Arcane Sight, Dispel Magic, Gaseous Form, Greater Mage Armor (SC), Nondetection, Shrink Item
4th level (12): Dimension Door, Otiluke's Resilient Sphere, Dragon Breath (SC)
5th level (5): - insert great spell here -
6th level (12): Summon Monster VI, Superior Resistance (SC)
7th level (7): Limited Wish

[RogueDM]

Leomund's Hidden Lodge is a great 5th level spell from Complete Arcane.

Camouflaged against a DC 30 Survival check within 30 feet of the viewer, hides smoke and light amongst most other signs of habitation. Optional Foci to incorporate Alarm into the spell. Never know when you're going to need to hold up for a while in hostile land, lick your wounds, or wait out some disadvantageous circumstance.

For 1st level... Expeditious Retreat perhaps. An extra 30' to your move speed is always good when things go pear-shaped.

[Gavinfoxx]

There are several of the 'hidden home spells.

Here are all the ones I know of:

Rope Trick
Tiny Igloo (Frostburn)
Tiny Hut
Secure Shelter
Hidden Lodge (Spell Compendium)
Billet (Heroes of Battle)
Mage's Magnificent Mansion
Ice Castle (Frostburn)
Mage's Capable Caravel (Stormwrack)

You should examine all of them for your needs.

[Amiria]

I already have the most basic of them -> Rope Trick, which it is a brokenly good spell. I don't think that the features of Leomund's Hidden Lodge are really worth the upgrade.

I'm rather looking for a nice spell that doesn't look too misplaced as it fills up most of my 5th level spell slots ... in a more or less specific dire situation (such a being held captive naked in a strong prison on a really horrible layer of the Abyss). Or somewhere worse, if you can think of something.

[Gavinfoxx]

Uhhh... Teleport, Magic Jar, Dimension Jumper, Secret Chest, Shadow Evocation, Draconic Polymorph, Transmute Rock to Mud?

[Amiria]

Hmm, for fleeing swiftly across a great distance Teleport its a very good spell ... and then she wouldn't need Dimension Door at 4th level ... so then I would be searching for a new 4th level spell.

This will never end ! :smalltongue:

[RogueDM]

Magic Jar is out, no Necro if I remember correctly.

I don't think Passwall has been mention yet, has it? Strictly speaking I guess Fabricate could do the same job. Overland Flight could get her out of an Oubliette or other pit or earthberg style prison.

Persistent Image would also allow her to leave a copy of herself behind without having to focus on it. Make good an escape before her captors realize she's gone. May not fool an archdemon, but may be enough to keep attention off of her for a while.

[Sith_Happens]

Which would be the magical variety of shadowy illumination. Unless you're using the Pathfinder version (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/darkness), which fixes the "creating light by RAW" problem and specifically allows darkvision to work, that spell/spell-like ability doesn't look helpful to me.

The No Light cantrip in BoVD blocks all nonmagical illumination in a 20 ft radius rather than creating magical darkness, so darkvision works in it.


But Sepia Snake Sigils that attack anyone who ogles her body too closely and too much are also quite cool. :smallbiggrin:

Better hope anyone she does have reason to be naked around is into being blindfolded then.:smallwink::smalltongue:

[Emperor Tippy]

Better hope anyone she does have reason to be naked around is into being blindfolded then.:smallwink::smalltongue:

She is a Drow female, what her partner is "in" to is none of her concern. If she wants him blindfolding well then the honored male is going to be blindfolded. Or fed to Loth. One or the other, maybe both. :smallwink::smalltongue:

[KillingAScarab]

This isn't just any drow. This is a drow who is willing to have a good-aligned flying snake come out of her body so she can then fart rainbows.

Oh, and use the opportunity it creates to get out of captivity. That's important, too.

Anyway! So, 7th level spells are on the table. Greater teleport and teleport object are both 7th level, and just like teleport, only require a verbal component. Problem: antimagic shackles (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255736) exist and prevent teleportation (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271896). Best case scenario, your DM has never heard of them and only uses other sorts of restraints.

I'm going to preface this with not having much experience at all with higher level games. Teleport object might be useful if you think teleportation would not be 100% prevented, but would be tracked. Send your restraints away and the guards might expect to find you there. That seems very niche, though.

[Amiria]

This isn't just any drow. This is a drow who is willing to have a good-aligned flying snake come out of her body so she can then fart rainbows.

1) This looks very quotable. :smallsmile:

2) Yes, that ... and runnning around with a persisted [Good] version of Dragon's Breath and planning to summon good-aligned outsiders are hints that she isn't an evil-aligned Lolth-worshipping drow.

No, in our campaign world she is from a city of drow that have abandoned our version of the evil spider goddess. But they are no goody-two shoes drow and still quite traditional organized (hierarchical, matriarchal, theocratic) but now worship a heptade of mainly chaotic, neutral and good aligned female goddesses (three elven Norns, three moon goddesses [magic, nature and "classified, very mysterious"], and a renegade daughter of the evil spider goddess).


Anyway! So, 7th level spells are on the table.

Not really, only Limited Wish to serve as a universal power tool ... which runs on very expensive fuel.

I'm just looking for a 1st level spell (Expeditious Retreat was a good suggestion) and either a 5th level spell or a 4th level spell (if Teleport enters the 5th level slot, Dimension Door exits a 4th level slot).

Persistent Image (5th level) was also an interesting suggestion.

[Crasical]

Someone really needs to put that in their signature. :smalltongue:

(Maybe me, actually, if you don't mind...)

Go for it. The more people who quote me in their signatures, the larger my ego grows.:smallbiggrin:



Yes, that is something that should exist somewhere in an official source. But where ... ?


There is a Darkvision-only ink. If you look under the description of Darkvision Powder (DoTU I think) it mentions it can be made into an ink.

Thank you, GreenSerpent. I knew that had to exist somewhere.


Well, it is not too big, but certainly firm and shapely ... and ... erm, enough said. PM me if you want to know more. :smalltongue:

:smallbiggrin: <3

[Regitnui]

If you don't mind, Amiria, could you send me the final stats for this character? She might make an excellent NPC when my characters end up on Xen'drik and have to deal with the local drow tribes. I can very much picture a Drow woman with white tattoos all over her skin as a strong leader, and the fact that she has to be scantily-clad (Climate and spellbook access) doesn't hurt.:smalltongue:

[Sith_Happens]

and the fact that she has to be scantily-clad (Climate and spellbook access) doesn't hurt.:smalltongue:

Just watch the Sepia Snake Sigils.:smalltongue:

[Amiria]

If you don't mind, Amiria, could you send me the final stats for this character? She might make an excellent NPC when my characters end up on Xen'drik and have to deal with the local drow tribes. I can very much picture a Drow woman with white tattoos all over her skin as a strong leader, and the fact that she has to be scantily-clad (Climate and spellbook access) doesn't hurt.:smalltongue:

I actually recently made a sheet for her on Myth-Weavers. So there is Mizzri (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=573055). Yeah, we play a bit high-powered, stats- and treasurewise ... but the Daern's Instant Fortress is a bit much even for us. :smallsmile: It belonged to a hostile mage that we met somewhere in the Underdark. Well, Mizzri killed him and took his stuff ... and now mainly uses it as a very expensive paperweight.

As an NPC leader ? Hmm, I planned at least two levels of Ruathar (which could come earlier, delaying Incantatrix) ... that would give your NPC leader Diplomacy as a class skill (Mizzri would take Ruathar for Spot). But currently Mizzri can also just cast (and persist) Voice of the Dragon (SC) for +10 on Bluff, Diplomacy and Intimidate.

Scantily-clad for spellbook access ? Unless you leave most spell slots open that wouldn't be necessary. Or is her body also the spellbook for her apprentices who diligently study it all day ? :smalltongue: As I said, Mizzri wants the spells on her body to be her emergency spellbook, not her main spellbook. Your NPC in Xen'drik would probably need 2 levels in Geometer to fit enough spells on her body so that it could be her standard spellbook ... and even then I'd still prefer a less space-restricted spellbook.