Writing a Nonlethal Combatant (not Roleplaying, Writing)

[Leliel the 12th]

Little unconventional request here, in that it doesn't relate directly to a game:

Anyway, I'm an amateur author, and one of my stories is about a Witch in a superheroes universe. A rather dark superheroes universe, but one where Adrasteia (her hero identity's name) is ostensibly trying to be a moral, Silver Age-esque cape. Capture the villains, do not kill unless it becomes necessary or if the safety of you and the city outweighs the life of the serial killer with mind-knives.

So, I was wondering what kind of spells and hexes she'd develop to help subdue rather than kill. I've already decided that she cheats using cantrips a lot (dancing lights to distract and fool the quarry, abuses touch of fatigue and Slumber to no end), but any other ideas for someone who is trying to catch rather than kill most enemies?

(Also, I'm trying to hew close to Pathfinder's magic rules, hence why I'm concerned - most spells are pretty darn lethal, and she can only use them a certain number of times per day).

Any tips? Again, writing, so don't worry about other players' reactions or XP rules (or the question of whether it's ethical to leave some monsters alive - a bunch of Evil races are in there, but given how the situation is desperate enough there that kytons are the lesser of many evils, morality is grey enough to allow, say, kobolds a chance if they help with trapping against the real nasties of the world).

[MrSin]

Merciful spell is a +0 cost metamagic effect that turns the damage of a spell into non lethal. Useful for pretty much anything that isn't immune to non lethal, like undead.

[FuelDrop]

So pathfinder style witch...
The charm and sleep hex's are tailor made for the job, though the moral dilemma of whether using charm to usurp someone's free will is right should be an interesting aspect for the character. Spells like Confusion and Dominate that turn bad guys against each other are also good, though the potential for collateral damage goes WAY up with confusion. Black Tentacles is good for grabbing people, web reduces mobility...

And of course, the merciful spell metamagic converts all damage from a spell to nonlethal.

Of course, most of my suggestions target the mind so expect savvy super villains to start using mechanical minions to counter.

Good luck with your writing!

[Ascalaphus]

Black Tentacles isn't nonlethal, by default. I've seen it tear up people pretty badly, in fact.

Also, consider the Enforcer feat, that gives you free-action Demoralize when you do nonlethal damage.

[MrSin]

Ascalaphus wrote:

Black Tentacles isn't nonlethal, by default. I've seen it tear up people pretty badly, in fact.

Also, consider the Enforcer feat, that gives you free-action Demoralize when you do nonlethal damage.

Enforcer can only be used if your using a melee weapon to deal the damage. Great for use with the sword of mercy trait, doesn't do a thing with magic though. Usually.

[FuelDrop]

Of course the Frostbite is one of the all time greats for nonlethal takedowns.

[Ascalaphus]

MrSin wrote:

Ascalaphus wrote:

Black Tentacles isn't nonlethal, by default. I've seen it tear up people pretty badly, in fact.

Also, consider the Enforcer feat, that gives you free-action Demoralize when you do nonlethal damage.

Enforcer can only be used if your using a melee weapon to deal the damage. Great for use with the sword of mercy trait, doesn't do a thing with magic though. Usually.

Oh, right. I forgot.