I have a 5th lvl party that is looking to infiltrate a Gnoll kingdom next session. What is the most efficient way for them to do this? Illusion, shape change? The party consist of Alchemist, Witch, Monk, Ranger, and Bard.
I have a 5th lvl party that is looking to infiltrate a Gnoll kingdom next session. What is the most efficient way for them to do this? Illusion, shape change? The party consist of Alchemist, Witch, Monk, Ranger, and Bard.
Hat of disguise and some dirty gnoll pelts are your best bet.
Spell duration is usually too short to make it worthwhile, whereas this little magical item lasts all day. The pelts are to throw off your scent, which they will surely detect despite your illusion magic.
Even with the magic, I recommend using mundane disguises as well, just as a backup cover. That way, you can attempt to maintain the disguise, even if somebody sees through the magic or otherwise dispels the effect (you'll just lose the hefty +10 bonus--which might be enough of a drop to give you away anyways). If you have lots of time to set up the disguises, take 20 on the check, especially if you are going in for the long haul.
If, however, you only intend to be in the presence of gnolls for a few minutes, alter self works great as it gives a bigger bonus to disguise and actually changes your shape and scent to match.
Yeah unfortunately all the good disguising spells got majorly boned in the past several renditions of the game. It's a shame that you simply can't use magic to form a decent and lasting disguise...
The whole idea of someone doing what was done by a certain character in LoF (part 2) is completely out of the window without a hat of disguise and even then you better not let anyone touch you.
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While there are no rules for spell research (or alchemical research) for the Witch or Alchemist at this time, you could just use the old 3.X rules for spell research for Wizards / etc. and allow the Witch or the Alchemist to come up with a specific solution.
A 3rd level 'Skinwalker' spell from the Witch could use the hide of a Gnoll and allow the wearer to take on the form (but not characteristics) of a Gnoll, giving a +10 to Disguise checks and allowing the character to avoid penalties for different race or gender and last until the hide deteriorates (a day / level?).
An alchemical solution could involve a concoction of gnolls blood, hyena saliva, etc. that causes the drinker to mutate into a gnollish appearance (same as above, bonus to disguise checks, but no stat adjustments) for a number of days.
Depends on the level of infiltration. I've gotten a lot of mileage out of silent image and the old fake prisoners routine. Illusion up some fake guard knolls, have loose bindings applied to the players. If the bard knows the language and can cast ventriloquism then they can get in pretty far.
Wow, guys this is all great stuff. Thanks for the ideas.