Contingency + Dim Door (and others)

[lukelightning]

My wizard can finally do the classic contingency+dimension door combo. I'm planning on having it triggered if he is grappled, held, paralyzed, entangled, swallowed etc.

Do I have to decide on the parameters of the dimension door when the contingency is set (e.g. "send me 100 feet North") or can I decide the destination when the spell goes off?

Also, are there any other great choices for spells? I've thought about false life if he is severely wounded. I'm not too worried about some of the typical threats such as being charmed, since my character typically has a mind blank type effect.

 

[blargney the second]

Learn Dimension Hop. Swift action, teleport a short range.

 

[James McMurray]

Do I have to decide on the parameters of the dimension door when the contingency is set (e.g. "send me 100 feet North") or can I decide the destination when the spell goes off?

The parameters of a spell are chosen when it is cast. Since the Contingency and the spell to be activated are cast at the same time, you have to choose the destination when the contingency is first set up.

 

[lukelightning]

The parameters of a spell are chosen when it is cast. Since the Contingency and the spell to be activated are cast at the same time, you have to choose the destination when the contingency is first set up.

Wow, that's pretty sucky, then. But the spell description doesn't detail this...is it in a FAQ?Sounds like you're likely to end up stuck in a wall.

 

[James McMurray]

It's in the spellcasting rules and the fact that the spell to be made continengent is part of the casting time of the contingency spell. And yes, it does make continegent dimension door a dangerous thing. But then again, so is being grappled by a half-dragon tendriculous.

Set the trigger as "when I say 'save me Jeebus'" instead of "when I'm grappled" and you're both safer and more versatile since you'll cover grappling, swallowed whole, surrounded by enemies, and many other conditions. You will still be in trouble if they can grapple and pin you before you can take the free action on their turn to speak. That's totally up to the GM though, so I'd ask in advance if you think there might be trouble.

 

[Mort]

Learn Dimension Hop. Swift action, teleport a short range.

Are you talking about Dimension Hop in PHB II? That's a standard action (so no casting it and attacking). That said, it's great because it's only 2nd level (meaning the concentration check in a grapple is only is only 22 as opposed to 24 or 25).

 

[blargney the second]

Doh, wrong spell. My bad.

 

[wildstarsreach]

My wizard can finally do the classic contingency+dimension door combo. I'm planning on having it triggered if he is grappled, held, paralyzed, entangled, swallowed etc.

Do I have to decide on the parameters of the dimension door when the contingency is set (e.g. "send me 100 feet North") or can I decide the destination when the spell goes off?

Also, are there any other great choices for spells? I've thought about false life if he is severely wounded. I'm not too worried about some of the typical threats such as being charmed, since my character typically has a mind blank type effect.

Actually taking contingency with freedom of movement I think that this is a better combo.

 

[moritheil]

Are you talking about Dimension Hop in PHB II? That's a standard action (so no casting it and attacking). That said, it's great because it's only 2nd level (meaning the concentration check in a grapple is only is only 22 as opposed to 24 or 25).

You can also quicken it and use a 6th level slot . . .