Is there a tactical combat reason for having detect thoughts, or is it just for use in RP?
Depends on if knowing the presence and strength of INT scores in the area is relevant to combat. Also, it's duration is concentration, so it depends on whether in combat, or directly before-hand, you'll be close enough and safe enough to cast and maintain the spell. And other factors like whether Mind-Blank or similar effects are up.
|
Not to start a wizards argument, but ostensibly detect thoughts' combat application is figuring out what the enemy will do and countering it. Its where that whole 'wizards have a solution' thing is supposed to kind of arise from.
Its sort of designed around figuring out who's enchanted, who's in charge, who's directing things. And I believe its also marginally useful for determining the presence of, but not location of, an invisible being.
You can RP yourself an advantage with it.
"Hello mister monster thing with tons of teeth. I am a human, what are you? I have no particular resistances or weaknesses to elements, and I am not weak to things like silver or cold iron. What about you?"
If you can get past his will check, then you can skip making a knowledge check. That is the fun of reading minds. Once you stop being subtle about it, you can interrogate any information you want. Asking questions is a great way to bring up 'surface thoughts' that are actually useful.
This would be most useful when you found out that the king's chancellor is *le gasp* EVIL! Possibly even some demonic or devilish or what ever impostor. Just try to hide that you are scanning him for those first couple of turns before the actual mind reading kicks in, and then get strait to the chase on the third round. As long as your eyes aren't glowing it should be fine. Actually casting it secretly should not be a problem though, since it is minutes per level. Ask to go to the little wizard's room and come back a mind reader.
Combat use, like in a duel, would be tricky since the spell requires a few rounds to warm up and uses your standard actions (concentration). You could possibly use it as a ranged aid another, communicating info about an opponent to an ally. Could be used to search for hidden foes (standard action to scan, move action for Perception checks).
Yup, if you're reading his mind you'll get the right answer to any questions you ask him. It's very powerful out of combat.
Which can translate to power during combat. "Excuse me, but how many people are trying to kill us, what are they (any invisible assassins for example), where are they, and what are they armed with?" If you come in expecting an ambush, this will take out most of the element of surprise.
But in most general situations... not quite as useful.
Thanks for the great info, but I was actually wondering more about Barghests, which have Detect Thoughts. I was wondering if there was something I missed.
|
I have learned that with GMs, it is all dependent on what they are willing to give you. It makes perfect sense that by bringing up a topic, you could trick the target to think about it, but a GM that is not ready to give you the information is generally not going to give it to you.
Of course, it is also dependent on a Will save. :p