Countering Invisibility

[Metus]

Hey there. I allowed one of my players to be a sylph for his character, and soon he will reach a level where constant Greater Invisibility comes into play. I was really hoping that some folks on here would have suggestions on how I can keep this ability in check. So far, my friends have suggested the rather obvious True Seeing, and also having archers ready their actions so that when the sylph casts, they can shoot at the location it's coming from.

I was hoping for any spells, abilities, monsters or tactics that you know of that would counter invisibility. I'm not trying to cheat my player out of his special ability, but rather I want to make sure he doesn't breeze through everything with no resistance. I should mention that sylphs have spell resistance, which factors into any spells that can be cast at it to counter the invisibility.

Any tips?

 

[thorian]

Invisibility Purge and See Invisibility give no save or spell resistance.
Many creatures have scent, tremorsense, blindsense, or blindsight.
High listen or spot checks can pinpoint an invisible creature.
Put them in sand or snow, so his footsteps can be seen.
Underwater adventures hinder invisibility slightly.
Area spells can catch him by chance.
Etc.

 

[MerakSpielman]

Well, See Invisibility comes to mind. It's low-level and can be made into potions.

Then there's glitterdust.

Anything with tremorsense or blindsight.

High Spot and Listen checks can go a long way towards reducing Invisiblity's effectiveness.

Animals have Scent and won't be fooled. Guard dogs work very well in a D&D world to prevent invisible intruders.

 

[CyberSpyder]

Well, See Invisibility comes to mind. It's low-level and can be made into potions.

Afraid not. Range: Personal. Still, could be useful for when they go up against mages.

 

[Darklone]

Just to mention it: Nondetection may screw See invisibility IIRC?

Faerie Fire: Level 1 druid spell, the druid can summon a dog who attacks the person, then Faerie Fire...

 

[ARandomGod]

Afraid not. Range: Personal. Still, could be useful for when they go up against mages.

Pah. Silly potion "rules" and "Limitations".

Never EVER make a potion. It's a waste of a feat. Make intead "Elixers" or "Infusions" or "Dust" or "Oils" or even "Preparations". Same effect, same cost, different feat, Craft Wonderous Item. And you can do so much more than potion like items with that feat.

 

[dcollins]

Never EVER make a potion. It's a waste of a feat. Make intead "Elixers" or "Infusions" or "Dust" or "Oils" or even "Preparations". Same effect, same cost, different feat, Craft Wonderous Item. And you can do so much more than potion like items with that feat.

And requires use of a rules variant by the DM.

 

[JamesL85]

Wouldn't a Detect Magic detect the invisibility aura? It wouldn't pinpoint it (that's the way we play it, but YMMV), but it would let you know that someone was there.....

 

[HellHound]

Just in reaction to the Faerie Fire comment:

In our first Skullport game, our level 1 party was dealing with the main wizardly bad-guy (being played by another player who's character wasn't there) and he's trying to pull some dirty tricks with Invisibility and Summon Monster. Well, the ranger manages to touch him using the rules for finding invisible opponents, and immediately the druid casts a spell.

The bad-guy makes a spellcraft check and realizes the spell is Faerie Fire. Just before the spell is complete, the party hears a nice, loud... "CRAP" from the invisible caster.

 

[cleavthorn]

How about non-magical alternatives?

A bag of flour does wonders.

Heavy rain

deep snow

A very dusty old chamber (if not flying)

small passageways limit movement regardless of invisibility.

wet paint, mud, etc...