Invisibility

[Lauberfen]

I've noticed that there are several monsters which have effects that make them invisible for a certain period, with no specification that it goes if they attack.

Is this effectively like Improved invisibility in 3rd ed?

 

[Dalzig]

Err... yes. There is nothing inherent in being Invisible about it disappearing when you attack. If an invisibility effect is ended on an attack, the specific effect will state so.

However, being invisible does not automatically mean you are hidden. Check out the retooled stealth mechanics in the PH Updates or PH2.

 

[Nytmare]

Sounds like it. Can you give an example creature?

 

[N0Man]

There is no rule about the invisibility state that says it is broken if you attack. The duration is exactly what the power says, nothing more, nothing less. If the power says it is broken upon attacking, it does. If the power doesn't say, then it doesn't.

 

[Lauberfen]

Good, it's as I thought then.

It does mean that creatures like the Gnome Mistwalker (MM2 p128), a level 5 lurker, has some phenomenal lurking power- it has a power with recharge 4,5,6, where it goes invisible til the end of next turn, shifts 2 squares and makes an attack (it's a standard action).

This means it will typically be invisible for a bit more than half the fight, while continueing to attack and move around. Additionally, since the power gives invisibility before the attack, the mistwalker with have combat advantage on almost all attacks, except when it fails to recharge for 2 turns in a row.

 

[Thundershield]

Good, it's as I thought then.

It does mean that creatures like the Gnome Mistwalker (MM2 p128), a level 5 lurker, has some phenomenal lurking power- it has a power with recharge 4,5,6, where it goes invisible til the end of next turn, shifts 2 squares and makes an attack (it's a standard action).

This means it will typically be invisible for a bit more than half the fight, while continueing to attack and move around. Additionally, since the power gives invisibility before the attack, the mistwalker with have combat advantage on almost all attacks, except when it fails to recharge for 2 turns in a row.

Notice, though, that invisibility "merely" means you get CA and an effective +5 bonus to defenses against melee and ranged attacks (not close or area attacks). To become untargetable, you need to become Hidden.

Most lurkers work in this fashion, exposing themselves only for short moments each fight. The idea behind lurkers is basically that they ambush someone for heavy damage, then are vulnerable for a short time before becoming hard to hurt again while they set up their next heavy attack.

This is of course a generalization. The stirge, for instance, is vulnerable to begin with, then makes a "heavy" attack and starts "lurking" by gaining a +5 bonus to defenses while sucking its victim dry. Then you make it vulnerable again by shaking it off, but only briefly as it will reattach itself again the next round.