Fun stuff to do with illusions

[Cyan]

I'd like some tips on fun/cool/cheesy stuff you can do with illusions(minor , major image etc.).

As an example: minor image as darkness spell centered on you, you see fine but your enemies don't. Also in this case when do they get a save, as they enter the darkness or just by viewing it at a distance?

Is the interaction criterium to get your will save limited to physical contact with the illusion.

Also can a group of 5 Balors be counted as one illusion, or does that require 5 separate spells?

Can you make an illusion(example: dire octopus) that grapples an enemy and if he fails he's grappled?

Can you make enemies think they are om fire (illusion of fire/acid on the targets)? Do they take subdual damage of this?

Illusion of a bottomless pit under your target?

Lots of questions but I think this area needs some clarifications

 

[LordAO]

I was under the impresion that Image spells can only create creatures and objects, not scenery.

 

[Silver Griffon]

Interaction is relative and does not always mean physical contact. If, for example, you target the illusion with a spell or psionic ability that would be interaction. If you are a bard and you play or sing music to the illusion, that would be interaction. If you engage the illusion in shouted conversation (two-way conversation that is, not just yelling at it!) from 30 feet away that is interaction. Even if the illusion reacts appropriately you are still interacting with it and still get any save allowed for interaction. In general you cannot use an illusion to inflict illusory damage (even subdual damage) unless it is in the spell description. See the "quasi-real" spells shadow conjuration and shadow evocation as examples. As far as multiple creatures created with one illusion, that depends on the spell description. For example, silent image creates an "illusion of an object, creature, or force..." so can only make one creature. Shadow conjuration, on the other hand says "illusions of one or more creatures, objects, or forces" and "can mimic any sorceror or wizard conjuration spell of 3rd level or lower" so can mimic a monster summoning III for example and make illusions of up to 1d4+1 creatures from the 1st-level summon monster list.

 

[DM with a vengence]

The classic is having an illusion of you summoning some incredibly powerful creature, like a Balor or Dragon. Another good use for an illusion would be luring guards out of place, making quick roadblocks so you could strike an ambush. A really fun thing to do if you have prep time is to cover the doors with illusions of the wall and place illusionary doors elsewhere. Great for tripping up pursuers and such.

 

[LokiDR]

As an example: minor image as darkness spell centered on you, you see fine but your enemies don't. Also in this case when do they get a save, as they enter the darkness or just by viewing it at a distance?

A stretch, but yes. They will only get a save if they go into the darkness. The same holds true for an illusion of a wall. They only save if they try to touch it.

Is the interaction criterium to get your will save limited to physical contact with the illusion.

It could be mental contact. A creature able to touch others minds. Normally (99% of the time) it does mean physical contact or careful study.

Also can a group of 5 Balors be counted as one illusion, or does that require 5 separate spells?

Technically, 5 spells. Silent image mentions creating a illusion "of an object, creature, or force". This is contrary to accept use though, and some other spell descriptions. One of the image spells mentions orcs playing cards and then getting into a fist fight. That would be multiple orcs. Rule of thumb: if it fits in the area of the spell, it is generally ok.

Can you make an illusion(example: dire octopus) that grapples an enemy and if he fails he's grappled?

Yes, if he fails, he may be convinced he is grappling and act accordingly. If the character is faced with "incontrovertible proof" of an illusion needs no save, but that would be like falling through an illusionary floor.

Can you make enemies think they are om fire (illusion of fire/acid on the targets)? Do they take subdual damage of this?

Yes, you can make illusions of acid or fire. The lack of heat from a Silent Image fire would probably give a circumstance bonus on the save. However, figments (all image spells) can not cause real effects, so they can not directly cause subdual.

Illusion of a bottomless pit under your target?

No. This falls under "incontrovertible proof" when you see the pit but do not fall.

Lots of questions but I think this area needs some clarifications

Illusions are tricky, but can be a lot of fun. Less monotonous than those repeated attack spells. Take a look at PH page 58 for more information.

 

[DreamChaser]

one of my favorites (all though I'm not sure which spell it would fall under now) is to create an illusion of solid ground where none exists. The best way is to extend a cliff or cover a pit. I had a player do this with a cliff over a pool of lava. The Poor Goblins!!!

When facing large, hostile, not terribly intelligent groups (read Goblins) creating illusions of their mortal enemies among their ranks but near their comrads is fun. If they aren't very disciplined, they will attack the images (which you then make vanish) and then their comrads get ticked as their comrads seem to attack them.

DC

 

[LokiDR]

one of my favorites (all though I'm not sure which spell it would fall under now) is to create an illusion of solid ground where none exists. The best way is to extend a cliff or cover a pit. I had a player do this with a cliff over a pool of lava. The Poor Goblins!!!

DC

Silent Image works.

Another fun use is to make a whole bunch of pits appear in the hallway behind you. Enemies will think twice before running blindly on, giving you a chance to escape.

Major Image: town guards. You whistle, they show up. That should be enough to stop many fights.

 

[Archade]

Illusion Ideas

Another good set of ideas.

- Press yourself against a wall or corner, and create an illusion of a wall over top of you - a limited form of invisibility.

- Create the illusion of smoke or fog to simulate Obscuring mist as a spell (concealment cover, with will saves when they interact with the smoke)

- Create a hedge, fence or barrier to ward off animals (including bulls, bears and other not-too-agressive animals, as they won't even touch the barrier, and have low will saves).

- Create the illusion of an arcane sigil marked on a door. People will spend time trying to 'de-ward' the door.

- Create the illusion of a shark or squid underwater, you don't have to worry about sound or tactile effects.

This help?

 

[Murrdox]

Keep the ideas coming! I created a new wizard last night, and I want to play around with illusions more than I have in the past. More ideas!

 

[JChung2003]

Watch Saturday morning cartoon classics for fun ideas for illusions.

The archetypal cartoon classic for me is the classic battles between Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. They are fascinating studies on what can go wrong with illusion magic (and other kinds of magic) done poorly or too well.