Low-Magic Communication

J

Joker

First Post

• Jul 5, 2005

• #1

Hi there,

I'm looking for an effective means to communicate over short distances (up to five miles) relativaly quickly (not nescessarily instant).

The situation is as follows:

The party has a base of operations (a mine) which they share with about twenty allied creatures. Surrounding the mine is a forest in which a ranger and a druid (allies of the party) patrol the forest.
The players will start at third level with a fifth level NPC running the joint. The allies are all between third and fifth level. The druid and ranger are both fifth level.

What I need is a way for the patrolling druid and ranger to communicate with the base in case intruders are spotted.

Any ideas?

 

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Lobo Lurker

First Post

• Jul 5, 2005

• #2

An intelligent crow? The druid can cast awaken on a few flying animals and they can ferry messages. Flying animal companions can carry parchment messages as well.

 

diaglo

Adventurer

• Jul 5, 2005

• #3

carrier pigeons.

 

JimAde

First Post

• Jul 5, 2005

• #4

flags and mirrors both work fine and require no magic at all. Just somebody on duty in a designated spot high up looking for signals.

Lobo Lurker has a good idea about using animals. Awaken is too high level for the characters you've mentioned, but a familiar or animal companion might be able to carry messages as a "trick". Visions of Harry Potter...

At night you could use cantrips like Flare and Light to send a quick emergency signal. You could also use hooded or bullseye lanterns to send coded messages (or a rock with Light cast on it that you just cover and uncover with your hands).

 

Jack Simth

First Post

• Jul 5, 2005

• #5

Druid 2, Animal Messenger