So, I am playing a spell caster with access up to third level spells. Our group is having issues with bandits. These bandits are smart; they are setting up ambushes using tangleshot arrows. In addition, these bandits are around level 6 or 7. They have at least three levels of Ranger for Favored Terrain and three levels of Rogue for a 2d6 sneak dice.
The only reason we know this is we asked the GM after the combat that almost got us killed and he told us about it.
Here is the question: What spells would be extremely useful to smash bandits with? I know of three, Wind Wall, Entropic Shield and Protection from Arrows. What other spells would be useful for stopping archers from filling me with arrows? 3.5 spells are allowed, and you may assume I have access to all spells.
Fog cloud would help (or darkness if they don't have darkvision). If they can't see you, they can't target you.
A smokestick would grant concealment to negate that sneak attack damage but that's not magic.
If they are only 30ft away to use that sneak damage on you then haste is really nice (but that's a given).
First, Keep Watch is a spell you want.
Also, Tiny Hut is another must.
These two spells are some of the best options, though the latter requires a 5th level Wizard or 6th level Sorcerer.
I second spells that obscure vision.
They can't shoot you any more and you can close to melee range.
Other spells that would help:
Wind wall, protection from arrows (and communal), ablative spere, cloak of winds.
pretty much i have been covered , wind wall is perfect and all conjuration cloud spells like fog loud and obscuring mist (lvl 1 spell)
Rogues have bad will saves. Rangers have bad will saves. Rogue/Rangers have especially bad will saves. Target their will saves.
Do some scouting, figure out where they're likely to lay a ambush, then go attack their camp while they're out waiting for you.
Overwhelm them with numbers. They're all close enough to sneak attack, so make sure your casters are well warded against arrows and get some summonned monsters right in the middle of the ambushers (go for large numbers of weaker summons), free AoOs every time they fire a bow, or they'll be too busy dealing with your pets to keep shooting at you.
Mist, fog and darkness spells are a good start, blocking sight and negating sneak attack bonuses.
Another thing to recommend is being more stealthy. Don't go romping in the woods - rather use your own stealth skills and try to hunt the hunters.
Silent Image of one of your characters sneaking, to draw their fire. Have that precede your real sneaking character.
