Alright, I've a hypothetical situation I would like some help with and I figure you guys who know the system better than I do might have some advice.
Suppose your party captured a low-mid level member of evil_cult_1. After pumping him for information it becomes readily apparent that he really doesn't know very much of use. In this case only the very highest members of the evil cult actually know who the members of the cult are, how they operate, what they are planning, etc.
So the question is, would their be an easy method to return him to the cult with orders to climb ranks and secretly sabotage their order while feeding us information?
Requirements:
Longer is better - The guy is going to have to climb the cultist ladder. Might take months to take out or sabotage his superiors and gain a leadership position
Harder to detect - Obviously if something like detect magic will immediately see he is under mind-controlled enchantment that might not go over so well
Preferably does not hinder capabilities - As a low level member of the cult his superiors are generally going to be stronger. Even with us providing helpful supplies it is going to be a dangerous mission. Anything that weakens him is less desirable.
Cheaper also better - I've a decent amount of resources for available money and spellcasting for hire, however, a cheaper solution that works just as well is certainly preferable.
So far, best I have found is probably something like geas followed by a magic aura to attempt to hide the spell. My main problems with that combo are:
A. magic aura only lasts one day/level. Although we might be able to periodically recast the spell we also might not. So semi unreliable.
B. the wording on geas is a bit.. open. Specifically something like this line: If the instructions involve some open-ended task that the recipient cannot complete through his own actions, the spell remains in effect for a maximum of 1 day per caster level. A clever recipient can subvert some instructions.
Seems entirely possible that this could involve a lot of word games that might come back and bite you, or possibly that he could even attempt to make it known he was under a geas to get it removed. Now the cultists specifically might just kill him instead of bothering to remove it so that could help keep him silent. But still risky.
C. With the Geas it also lowers your stats if you are prevented from following it. Obviously this sort of mission requires planning and taking things slowly. But depending on how you look at it that might count as not working on the mission or give leeway to just plan forever.
The thing is... what's to keep your hold on this guy once he's safe back in cult hq?
Your best bet is to simply kill him and take his place.
The thing is... what's to keep your hold on this guy once he's safe back in cult hq?
I probably phrased my rambling pseudo wall of text poorly, but that is exactly what I am asking.
I figure a geas spell to sabotage the evil cult and not betray us might work but I mentioned a few potential problems with that solution and was wondering if anyone had anything better.
As for just taking his place that isn't really an option right now. Currently the party has much more important matters to attend to and I was looking for a way to potentially fix the problem without getting involved myself.
I suppose I could hire a 1000 face druid or kitsune with realistic likeness to try and take his place, but that puts a lot on being able to find one that is interested/wouldn't betray us/etc.
So carefully worded geas it is?
@ Bob
The helm is pretty creative. Acquiring a cursed item is probably up to gm fiat, however, that is exactly the sort of solution outside the box thinking I am looking for.
@renegadesheperd
My group uses some different diplomacy rules. Stops things like a super focused diplomacy character from getting something like a 78 and convincing the BBEG to join their side.
Also, paragon shepard ftw. And you better not have betrayed Tali. I'll fight you.
The oh so GM-fiaty spell sow thought is all you need. And a lenient GM.