Simulacrum: Possible Uses for BBEG?

[Iron_Chef]

This isn't a rules question; I understand how the spell works, but I'm looking for ideas on how to best employ a simulacrum in a campaign (particularly in a non-combat support role).

Secondly, if you were a BBEG (my PC is a 13th level LE Zhentarim wizard and loyal Banite, for example), what kinds of uses would you come up with for your own simulacrum to further your evil plans?

It seems you could create several of yourself (all being at least 8th level wizards)and have them as 100% loyal "apprentices" using them as spellcasting support in combat, sleeper agents, emissaries, decoys, stand-ins, cult leaders, guerillas, etc. You copuld effectively be in several different places at once this way.

I'm looking for especially devious uses!

 

[3d6]

I like to call balors and take scales.

Do any nearby temples have relics that are pieces of a deity? That can be useful in combination with simulacrum.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

Using a simulacrum as a diversion would be a good use. For instance, party is protecting something (item, person, etc). Simulacrum engages in combat, leading the party away from their charge. The "real" BBEG comes in an takes what he wants with very little risk to himself.

Another "evil" thing to do would be to have the BBEG make a simulacrum for each member of the party. Then each simulacrum could prepare a set of spells designed to work against a particular party member (ouch, that is really nasty). Balancing this might be a bit tough though.

Yet another use might be to have a simulacrum "turn himself in." If the party doesn't really know about the spell (or that the BBEG uses it), and assuming the BBEG is a "wanted" man or enemy of a state, then the simulacrum could provide a false sense of security, since the BBEG is actually still on the loose (perhaps this falls under diversion as well).

Anyway, just a few ideas.

 

[Iron_Chef]

Oh, wow! Some good ideas here.

Why don't gods with appropriate wizard levels make simulacrums of themselves and send those out to answer gate spells, fight other gods, rule prime worlds, etc.? Why risk avatars at all? For example, why doesn't Bane do this in FR (even on a surreptitious, out of the limelight level)? Would a simulacrum of Bane still be a god with divine abilities?

Creating simulacrums of powerful monsters, outsiders and enemies are great uses of the spell.

 

[Severion]

Oh, wow! Some good ideas here.

Why don't gods with appropriate wizard levels make simulacrums of themselves and send those out to answer gate spells, fight other gods, rule prime worlds, etc.? Why risk avatars at all? For example, why doesn't Bane do this in FR (even on a surreptitious, out of the limelight level)? Would a simulacrum of Bane still be a god with divine abilities?

Creating simulacrums of powerful monsters, outsiders and enemies are great uses of the spell.

I believe that is what an avatar is.

Nasty idea with the Balor, and i love that diversion.