Anti Caster Melee tactics

[Lord Zardoz]

A friend of mine were discussing the game we had over the weekend. In that game, there was an encounter with a spell caster that got kind of hairy. It was a great encounter though, but my player asked me a question.

What can a melee fighter do to prevent a spell caster from always stepping back and casting?

Now, I was able to suggest a few answers off the top of my head. Readied actions to close to melee if the opponent starts to cast / moves away. The spiked chain (which is excluded from my campaigns for reasons not relevant to this post) or having the ability to threaten every square within 10 feet. And using Trip to force the opponent to use an action getting to his feet of being able to cast a spell / move away.

Are there any other viable tactics for melee types that I am over looking?

END COMMUNICATION

 

[mikebr99]

Grapple!

Mike

 

[Nifft]

Stick a sword in him. It's hard to cast when you're dead.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Hypersmurf]

Stick a sword in him. It's hard to cast when you're dead.

"No matter how subtle the wizard, a knife between the shoulder blades will seriously cramp his style"...

-Hyp.

 

[blargney the second]

Thicket of Blades (any movement at all in your threatened area provokes an AoO. Devoted Spirit stance from Bo9S.)
plus Evasive Reflexes (when someone provokes an AoO, you can instead immediately make a 5' step. Feat from Bo9S.)
plus readied actions to whack 'em when they cast a spell. (especially lovely with standard action strikes that deal bonus damage)

equals spellcaster in a world of hurt. (priceless)
-blarg

 

[Lorgrom]

How about the old tried and true, backing the spellcaster into a corner? If there is no place for them to move into, then they have to cast the spell defensivly.

 

[Victim]

Teamwork also works. If you can flank with someone else, then the caster's 5 ft step will always leave him within reach of 1 character.

Grappling works really well though, since it not only prevents movement, but also casting (except V only spells).

 

[Simm]

Spiked chain or reach weapon/armour spikes works, you get up close to them and their 5' step can't get them away.

 

[Stalker0]

In general grappling is the way to go. Even if your not the buffest fighter, your likely still way ahead of any wizard when it comes to grapple checks.

Now clerics or druids be careful, they fight back!!

 

[Eidalac]

Tanglefoot bags.