Encounter Design

[ItWasFutile]

So I am throwing a ghost Beguiler at my party, and need some help. I want him to be attacking from inside the walls, which requires him staying ethereal. So I know transdimentional spell is required. What I need, is a way for him to see out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've thought about using the Obtain familiar feat, but can't figure out a way to see through his eyes. 16 levels of beguiler to play with.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Flyby Attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsterFeats.htm#flybyAttack) from the Monster Manual will allow him to move out of the wall, take a standard action, then move back into the wall in the same turn.

[Pathagaron]

PrC into mindbender and take the feat from LoM (mindsight?). It's the one that lets you pinpoint mental presences within telepathy range. Unfortunately flyby attack would let players ready actions to hit you on your turn. As DM, you would have to house rule how much of you needs to stick out of a wall to have line of effect for a transdimentional spell (I would probably allow players to attack you with improved cover).

@Furiou Flyby wouldn't work because it only allows a standard action mid-flight and a spontaneous caster + metamagic = full round action.

[aeauseth]

Flyby Attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsterFeats.htm#flybyAttack) from the Monster Manual will allow him to move out of the wall, take a standard action, then move back into the wall in the same turn.

Similar tactic I use with Greater Shadows (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/shadow.htm). They have Spring Attack, essentially the same thing. Incorporeal: no reason you couldn't hide in the walls, floors, and ceilings as appropriate.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

@Furiou Flyby wouldn't work because it only allows a standard action mid-flight and a spontaneous caster + metamagic = full round action.

There's a feat in Complete Mage called Rapid Metamagic. Also one in there called Residual Magic which should be useful for this.

[Pathagaron]

There is still the problem of seeing what's going on so you know when and where to strike with FbA.

[Stux]

Use the Tremorsense spell. Lets you know the location of any creature within 30ft that is in contact with the ground. Not on the Beguiler list of course, but only a level 3 spell, so you should be able to get a continuous item of it pretty easily if the character is level 16.

[Snowbluff]

Lifesense. Libris Mortis. Might not work (do I have to see throug ha way if I am in it?), but it's easier to qualify for.

[Der_DWSage]

As an alternative, use Clairvoyance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/clairaudienceClairvoyance.htm) with Project Image (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/projectImage.htm) while he hunkers down in the next room over.

[TuggyNE]

@Furiou Flyby wouldn't work because it only allows a standard action mid-flight and a spontaneous caster + metamagic = full round action.

I actually don't get why there's any need for metamagic at all; just manifest to be incorporeal and stay inside the wall with total cover between attacks.

[AMFV]

Four levels of Earth Dreamer will get you what you need if it's stone walls you're using.

[Waker]

There's a feat in Complete Mage called Rapid Metamagic. Also one in there called Residual Magic which should be useful for this.

Arcane Preparation would help get around metamagic increasing casting time.
You might also find Delay Spell to be a handy feat. You can scout an area the party is heading into, cast a spell in advance and then let them wander into it while you circle around.