Durkon's gaze

[Kish]

There was, when the army was introduced, a brief discussion of Durkon using his gaze to control them. At the time, I dismissed the possibility because it would take a number of standard actions equal to the number of people in the army.

However...a lot of rounds have gone by since the army showed up, if only one person has been actually taking standard actions while the rest just talk.

I don't expect this to turn out to be the case, unfortunately; I expect the Order to head off to Kraagor's Gate leaving Tarquin in control of the western continent. But it does occur to me that it's now possible, should hostilities break out between Tarquin and the Order, that all the nearby soldiers could, at this point, be ready to play the role of Tsukiko's wights in Tsukiko's final scene.

[nocker]

Dominate (Su)
A vampire can crush an opponent’s will just by looking onto his or her eyes. This is similar to a gaze attack, except that the vampire must use a standard action, and those merely looking at it are not affected. [...] The ability has a range of 30 feet.
I highlighted the relevant part.

[The_Tentacle]

Also, none of them have the swirly eyes. Though I admit it would be pretty cool if it happened.

[Chantelune]

Also, none of them have the swirly eyes. Though I admit it would be pretty cool if it happened.

T: "Attack !"
Mooks : "Yes sir !"
*Splortch*
T: "Not me, you insufferable morons, what are you doing ?!"
M: "What our master told us to, sir. No hard feelings I hope ?"

Would be fun, yes, but yeah, probably won't happen.

[factotum]

Even if Durkula were in range of the soldiers to use his gaze on them, he'd have to convert dozens of them to have a reasonable chance they'd take out Tarquin--and that's ignoring Laurin and all the UN-converted soldiers nearby. It would be utterly pointless, and I'm sure he knows that.

[F.Harr]

I'm fairly confident that anti-vampire-gaze equipment is likely standard equipment, with Tarquin's elite companies, if not all his soldiers.

[Turgon9357]

For this to be a viable strategy of escape, he wouldn't need to dominate many. Just enough to create confusion when they start decidedly not following orders.

Or he could get a squad of soldiers to march into the crater and escort them out.

[Capnris]

I'm fairly confident that anti-vampire-gaze equipment is likely standard equipment, with Tarquin's elite companies, if not all his soldiers.

This, especially considering that Tarquin was working with a powerful vampire cleric for YEARS. There's no way, after seeing Malack dominate anything just once, that Tarquin wouldn't think "That must be embarrassing from their end. Note to self:" and acquired someone capable of mass-producing mind-control-proof helms. Tarquin is someone who anticipates problems and prevents them, just because it's neater that way.

[Silverionmox]

For this to be a viable strategy of escape, he wouldn't need to dominate many. Just enough to create confusion when they start decidedly not following orders.

Or he could get a squad of soldiers to march into the crater and escort them out.

Indeed, an army is a well-oiled machine. Just throw a wrench in the works.

Or alternatively, just dominate the squad commanders... Commanding them to attack Tarquin won't work, but a strategic retreat would. Or attacking Laurin, who is the close advisor of the Empress of Sweat, a rival empire, after all.