Uses for Unseen Servant in this edition?

[Sanguine Lupus]

Making a polymath bard, and I have very little in the way of ideas for using a one minute limited unseen servant. I guess maybe holding some things like torches or potions, but doesn’t seem like it’s worth the slot until later levels when I can burn 1st level slots. Thoughts?

[Siro]

You also got to remember its a 'Sustained' spell, meaning it will only last as long as you concentrate on it, meaning you are going to have to spend an action each round {or every 6 seconds if outside of combat} to keep it up.

However, it does mean you can keep it up for about 10 mins, not the one. {You can sustain a spell, unless the spell says otherwise, up to 10 mins, at which point you become fatigued.}.

For uses, I guess it could still be used as a distraction or lure, {get it to move stuff, throw a sheet or clothes on it to make it 'visible' and send it into the next room, ect.) Possibly even a make shift trap springier, just give it something relatively heavy {remember it only has -4 Str} to drag across the floor to trigger any pressure plates and such.

Edit= If you are in need of a cheap laugh, you can summon it, name it 'Jeeves' and then start asking it stuff. :p

[Tender Tendrils]

Is there anything specifying that it can't aid other? If there isn't, you could use it to aid yourself when attempting a skill check or attack roll (though this could potentially be statistically detrimental if it is likely to critical fail a lot)

You could use it to grab the important thing and drag it to safety

Or carry small items to your allies (like potions)

[Siro]

Actually, double checking the spell, it is not listed as a minion, so it would have a reaction for Aid. Now the question is, how often will that aid actually help (the typical aid DC is 20, and with the Unseen Servant stats, it’s probably only going to get on a 20, and it’s more likely to critically fail it, then pass.)

Although what Tender said about potions has me thinking that this could be an Alchemist best friend. (Quick Alchemy an item a ally needs in the heat of battle, and then spend the concentrate action to have that item delivered to them, using the servent.)

Looking at it more closely, you could use it t spread out minor hazards on the battlefield as well (caltrops, bear traps, broken glass, grease, and and then have it possible light said grease on fire, etc.)Your foes will most likely see it coming, as they will see these items floating through the air, and being placed, but it still means they will have to deal with it. (Either through risking going through it, or having to walk around it, or having to disable it.)

[Tender Tendrils]

I just double checked, because Unseen Servant is a conjuration spell, the Unseen servant has the summoned trait, which gives it the minion trait.

Bummer

You could have your unseen servant stand next to a doorway, then when one enemy comes through the door, your servant can move into the doorway and stay there, placing an obstacle that is immune to non-magical attacks in between the one enemy who is stuck in a room with the party, and that enemies other friends who are stuck outside the room.

[Wheldrake]

Siro wrote:

Actually, double checking the spell, it is not listed as a minion, so it would have a reaction for Aid.

Doubtful. It's a summoned creature, so it ought to use the minion rules. On the plus side, the sustain spell action doubles as giving the minion commands.

[The ShadowShackleton]

Well they are real handy for picking up those weapons you have disarmed from your enemies.

[Corvo Spiritwind]

Handholding.

[Siro]

Actually, yeah you are right, with the minion thing so it would not aid (was not a viable strategy anyway, as I mentioned it would have had to roll 20’s and be more likely to get in your way.) For some reason (I blame the fact it was 4am combined with two days of minor insomnia) I thought the spell itself would mention if it was a minion.

[Sanguine Lupus]

These are all helpful, thanks. I think I'll be picking up the alchemical crafting feat or something at lvl 1 (humans, woo) and maybe get some use out of both of them here.

[Tender Tendrils]

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

[The Gleeful Grognard]

I wouldn't bother using it mid combat, but as a tool to interact with objects from a far or to trigger traps. Always useful.

Oh and the good old "hold this lantern torch next to these explosive charges... now light them while we are around the corner.

[Corvo Spiritwind]

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

[Siro]

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

Yes, but it would constantly want your attention, which over time becomes very fatiguing, and will up and disappear if you stop. Textbook definition of a needy servant :p

[Corvo Spiritwind]

Siro wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

Yes, but it would constantly want your attention, which over time becomes very fatiguing, and will up and disappear if you stop. Textbook definition of a needy servant :p

New servant each day. I imagine them being blue and say things like "Look at me, I'm mister Unseen Servant."

[Tender Tendrils]

Siro wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

Yes, but it would constantly want your attention, which over time becomes very fatiguing, and will up and disappear if you stop. Textbook definition of a needy servant :p

Everyone leaves you in the end, at least with the wand of unseen servant you have a guarantee they will be back tomorrow.

[Corvo Spiritwind]

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Siro wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

Yes, but it would constantly want your attention, which over time becomes very fatiguing, and will up and disappear if you stop. Textbook definition of a needy servant :p

Everyone leaves you in the end, at least with the wand of unseen servant you have a guarantee they will be back tomorrow.

I just thought of a short story where the adventuring party has to retrieve a wand of unseen servant, but the servant(s) is actually made in the form of the quest giver's dead parents.

[Tender Tendrils]

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Siro wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

Yes, but it would constantly want your attention, which over time becomes very fatiguing, and will up and disappear if you stop. Textbook definition of a needy servant :p

Everyone leaves you in the end, at least with the wand of unseen servant you have a guarantee they will be back tomorrow.

I just thought of a short story where the adventuring party has to retrieve a wand of unseen servant, but the servant(s) is actually made in the form of the quest giver's dead parents.

.... I just realized, when your Unseen Servant leaves, it is literally ghosting you.

[Corvo Spiritwind]

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Siro wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Tender Tendrils wrote:

Corvo Spiritwind wrote:

Handholding.

If I could summon an Unseen Servant in real life, I would probably use it for this purpose on a daily basis.

My dream is to stumble upon a 1/day wand of Unseen Servant so we can hold hands and watch Judge Judy. It'd never judge me :<

Yes, but it would constantly want your attention, which over time becomes very fatiguing, and will up and disappear if you stop. Textbook definition of a needy servant :p

Everyone leaves you in the end, at least with the wand of unseen servant you have a guarantee they will be back tomorrow.

I just thought of a short story where the adventuring party has to retrieve a wand of unseen servant, but the servant(s) is actually made in the form of the quest giver's dead parents.

.... I just realized, when your Unseen Servant leaves, it is literally ghosting you.

I'll name it. "The wand that reminds me of father."

[Ravingdork]

Wait, so this spell requires two actions each round to maintain? One to keep the spell active and another to get the servant to act?

[Kyrone]

The same action to sustain the spell is the one that you issue commands.

[Pounce]

Slight necro, but I figure it's threadworthy:

As of the APG, I'm pretty sure an Unseen Servant is an excellent candidate for receiving a Final Sacrifice spell. It is a low level spell slot that can be cast before encounters, mindless, summoned (so it has the minion trait), flies, and it's naturally invisible, making it harder for enemies to smack.

Boom.

[mrspaghetti]

It can reload a crossbow for someone in your party.

[Xenocrat]

Pounce wrote:

Slight necro, but I figure it's threadworthy:

As of the APG, I'm pretty sure an Unseen Servant is an excellent candidate for receiving a Final Sacrifice spell. It is a low level spell slot that can be cast before encounters, mindless, summoned (so it has the minion trait), flies, and it's naturally invisible, making it harder for enemies to smack.

Boom.

Nice staff nexus addition.

[Liegence]

Pounce wrote:

Slight necro, but I figure it's threadworthy:

As of the APG, I'm pretty sure an Unseen Servant is an excellent candidate for receiving a Final Sacrifice spell. It is a low level spell slot that can be cast before encounters, mindless, summoned (so it has the minion trait), flies, and it's naturally invisible, making it harder for enemies to smack.

Boom.

Totally. Since it is a sustained spell, you could keep it up while in Exploration Mode to act as the de facto door opener - and if combat happens, send him in and blow ‘em up

We’ve been known to make it drag blocks through the dungeon as well to trigger traps if your GM will allow

[The Ronyon]

It would be great if they could carry a tower shield, but I doubt they have the strength.
Instead, they could be a standard bearer, as in carry a door sized opaque tapestry, that would double as mobile concealment.
Alternativly, a barrel could offer some actual cover, and still be moved because it's basically a giant wheel.

OK,a round table to, 5 feet tall, could offer cover, concealment and still be rolled most places,even by a weak being.
Cut the edge into spiky notches to assist with gripping stairs, and cast Invisible Object on it.

[Ched Greyfell]

Had a group use unseen servant to fetch things out of poisonous repugnant water, to keep them from having to risk touching it.

[masda_gib]

I love how this thread went from emotional support handholding to blowing the thing up.

[Gisher]

masda_gib wrote:

I love how this thread went from emotional support handholding to blowing the thing up.

Don't they all?

[mrspaghetti]

Pounce wrote:

Slight necro, but I figure it's threadworthy:

As of the APG, I'm pretty sure an Unseen Servant is an excellent candidate for receiving a Final Sacrifice spell. It is a low level spell slot that can be cast before encounters, mindless, summoned (so it has the minion trait), flies, and it's naturally invisible, making it harder for enemies to smack.

Boom.

Ok, so I just played a game where I was told you can't use Unseen Servant as the target for a Final Sacrifice because you can't target something that is invisible.

I don't think that is the intent of the "Target" clause of Final Sacrifice. You're not rolling to hit or anything, you just make it explode and the damage occurs. You know where it is already because you command it to go exactly where it goes.

Thoughts?

[jplukich]

mrspaghetti wrote:

Pounce wrote:

Slight necro, but I figure it's threadworthy:

As of the APG, I'm pretty sure an Unseen Servant is an excellent candidate for receiving a Final Sacrifice spell. It is a low level spell slot that can be cast before encounters, mindless, summoned (so it has the minion trait), flies, and it's naturally invisible, making it harder for enemies to smack.

Boom.

Ok, so I just played a game where I was told you can't use Unseen Servant as the target for a Final Sacrifice because you can't target something that is invisible.

I don't think that is the intent of the "Target" clause of Final Sacrifice. You're not rolling to hit or anything, you just make it explode and the damage occurs. You know where it is already because you command it to go exactly where it goes.

Thoughts?

You can target invisible things. You can't target undetected things. Unless your unseen servant is sneaking, if it moves it is just hidden. Hidden does have rules about targeting them (see below). I could see a strict reading requiring the flat check, but not outright denying it.

When targeting a hidden creature, before you roll to determine your effect, you must attempt a DC 11 flat check. If you fail, you don’t affect the creature, though the actions you used are still expended—as well as any spell slots, costs, and other resources. You remain flat-footed to the creature, whether you successfully target it or not.

[mrspaghetti]

jplukich wrote:

You can target invisible things. You can't target undetected things. Unless your unseen servant is sneaking, if it moves it is just hidden. Hidden does have rules about targeting them (see below). I could see a strict reading requiring the flat check, but not outright denying it.

When targeting a hidden creature, before you roll to determine your effect, you must attempt a DC 11 flat check. If you fail, you don’t affect the creature, though the actions you used are still expended—as well as any spell slots, costs, and other resources. You remain flat-footed to the creature, whether you successfully target it or not.

For sure, at worst you'd have to make the DC 11 flat check. I was thinking even that wouldn't be required in this case though, since you're not actually rolling to hit. I'm not even sure line of sight or effect should be necessary to blow up one's Unseen Servant this way.

[Dubious Scholar]

Nah, you can 100% choose an invisible creature as a target. You know exactly where it is because you're commanding it. A hostile creature you'd need flat checks and stuff for, but Final Sacrifice on Unseen Servant doesn't have any failure chance.

Line of effect may or may not matter (it probably matters), but that's about it.

[mrspaghetti]

Dubious Scholar wrote:

Nah, you can 100% choose an invisible creature as a target. You know exactly where it is because you're commanding it. A hostile creature you'd need flat checks and stuff for, but Final Sacrifice on Unseen Servant doesn't have any failure chance.

Line of effect may or may not matter (it probably matters), but that's about it.

Regarding line of effect, as I read it you are "connected" to your Unseen Servant even without it, as commanding it is part of a Sustain action (which only has the concentrate trait). So basically, it doesn't just wink out of existence if you lose line of sight, you can still command it as long as it is in range. So if you can command it, you should also be able to blow it up.

I realize that is open to interpretation though.