Is Solid Fog "broken"

[green slime]

Do you have an example? Perhaps we can help you with your NPC tactics, so the PCs keep their cool spell, but it no longer overwhelms every encounter?

For example, do your "isloated" NPCs ever run into the fog to escape the PCs? The PCs can't follow faster than 5 ft. per round, after all.

Cheers, -- N

Additionally, if you can't actually determine what you are shooting at in the fog, how can you be certain the fireball won't prematurely detonate?

Freedom of movement, dimension dooras well as the Travel Domain special ability prevent the PC's from being absolutely certain where their foes are. Meld into stone, is another way to escape, and lasts 10 times the duration of the solid fog. This NPC emerges completely unscathed while the PC's have burnt off all their fireball's to little or no avail. To say nothing of potions of protection from fire, or a simple gust of wind.

Thirdly, why would an NPC at the outside of the fog, charge through the middle of the fog, when they can step backwards and circumnavigate the fog in some other manner? Or withdraw?

 

[Cheiromancer]

I second the idea of using solid fog on the party and seeing what they do.

 

[Nifft]

Common counters:

Tower Shield: One can be used to grant total cover. Do this, and slowly retreat, with full immunity to arrows, fireballs, etc.

Illusion: (Works on spellcasters of all types.) Sure, you can unload your spells on the sleeping dragon. Wait, what's that flapping sound behind you?

Elevation: Note this passage regarding all Conjuration spells:

A creature or object brought into being or transported to your location by a conjuration spell cannot appear inside another creature or object, nor can it appear floating in an empty space. It must arrive in an open location on a surface capable of supporting it.

So you can't create fog 10 ft. off the ground; it must be created at ground level (or above a liquid). 20 ft. of elevation frees you from being ensnared.

Anyway, give an example of what the NPCs did; I'm pretty sure we can help you without any changes to the spell itself.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Raduin711]

You could also throw some opponents at them that arent affected by the fog by their nature. Things that dig. Things that fly. Things that *bamf*. There are plenty in the MM, and as long as they have a logical reason for being there, you're kosher.