Flying while invisible

[Cornelius]

I am currently playing a level 7 Human Sorcerer in a friend of mine's 3e game. My character has the spells Fly and Invisibility. I usually spend most of my time in combat flying around and throwing Lightning Bolts at enemies. If I start getting low on Hp, I activate Invisibility. What I was curious about was my use of invisibility while in midair: if I simply float in one place while invisible, would anyone who could not normally see through my invisibility have any chance at all of figuring out where I am? More specifically, how would they guess my location considering my 100% concealement? I should also point out that this has only come up in open areas, like fields, not in relatively cramped dungeons.

 

[bret]

The rustle of wind through your clothes (listen check) or perhaps a slight distortion seen against some background (spot check) would allow them to notice you, just like normal.

 

[kreynolds]

The rustle of wind through your clothes (listen check) or perhaps a slight distortion seen against some background (spot check) would allow them to notice you, just like normal.

Yup. Although it is rather difficult. If anyone is interested, page 78 of the DMG, Invisibility, has information regarding Spot and invisibile creatures.

 

[Zaruthustran]

What they said. Fly + Invisible is a killer combo, but it's not foolproof. Thing is, the Listen check is flawed because you're not really Moving Silently. As in, your movement doesn't cause *any* sound. So, instead of an opposed roll of your Move Silently vs. your opponent's Listen, it should be a straight Listen roll for your opponent vs a static DC:

(from the Listen skill entry of the SRD):
DC Sound
30 An owl gliding in for a kill

-z

 

[Vaxalon]

As in, your movement doesn't cause *any* sound.

Where does it say this?

 

[Plane Sailing]

(from the Listen skill entry of the SRD):
DC Sound
30 An owl gliding in for a kill

-z

That is just an Owl taking 10 on its move silently (skill +20)

 

[Aluvial]

To see something moving and invisible takes a spot check, DC of 20.

Don't have the Epic Level Book but I think someone said that Invisible and still is a DC of 40.

 

[kreynolds]

To see something moving and invisible takes a spot check, DC of 20.

Yup. That's to take notice, not pinpoint though. Actually beating the DC by 20 will let you pinpoint.

Don't have the Epic Level Book but I think someone said that Invisible and still is a DC of 40.

Actually, it's in the PH as well, DC 30. For those that are interested, here are the rest of the DCs...

Notice presence of unmoving, living invisible creature - DC 30.
Notice presence of inanimate invisibile object - DC 40.
Notice presence of unmoving, unliving invisibile creature - DC 40.
Defeat Illusion - DC 80.

 

[Ravellion]

You can actually use spot (ie Vision) to find inVisible creatures? My groups 9th level ranger with +25 is going to get rule zero'd really soon...

Rav

edit: in case your wondering: Ranks 13, elf +2, alertness +2, eyes of the eagle +5, Wis +3.

 

[mmu1]

You need a DC 20 check not to spot an invisible creature but to become aware that one is around... Then, the DC to actually pinpoint it is, as someone said, 20 points higher. So:

1. Your ranger's chances of pinpointing someone aren't all that great,
2. Obviously, it only works for him so no one else will really be able to use the information to target the creature with direct melee or missile attacks,
3. The 50% miss chance because of complete concealment and all other issues, like being denied your dex bonus will sitll apply - you pinpoint the exact 5' square, you don't actually see the person as normal.
4. House ruling to pre-empt a character's abilities sucks...