Small Party skill based encounter

[Omegaxicor]

This sounds weird but I have a quest design that starts with a "Zoo" prison break that the PCs must fix and then find the culprit, but the encounter was designed for 4 PCs and I have just found out that 1 guy won't make it so I need to alter the encounter at short notice.

My question is this, the Net in the PHB is a pole with a barbed net for capturing characters, and an exotic weapon. I want to make it easier to use so that all the PCs can be given one and use it immediately and preferably without barbs or can I have the PCs use a Rope Net with the Use Rope skill in some way?

Any ideas?

 

[parinho7]

A character who uses a weapon with which he or she is not proficient takes a -4 penalty on attack rolls.

give them bull's strength and haste potions

 

[Sekhmet]

Give them temporary Master's Touch buffs (Grants proficiency in the equipment worn) through potions or a trap (a fountain, well, altar, etc).

In case you don't have it on hand:

Master’s Touch

Divination
Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, F
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Targets: Self
Duration: 1 minute per level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

Grants proficiency in a single weapon or shield held in your hands at the time of casting.

Proficiency is granted for only a single, specific item, although multiple castings allow for multiple proficiencies. For example, a sorcerer holding a short sword and rapier, with a buckler strapped to his off hand, could cast the spell three times, once for each weapon and shield.

 

[Omegaxicor]

I have never heard of that spell, what book is it from (I ask because our Wizard might want to be able to cast/learn it)

Very good idea though, "Potion of Proficiency", I wonder how you choose which of the weapon to become proficient with?.

Thanks both of you

 

[Sekhmet]

[MENTION=95351]Omegaxicor[/MENTION] I think it was Spell Compendium.

 

[Omegaxicor]

ah, I don't have that book that's why I haven't heard of it

Thanks

 

[Sekhmet]

Ah. It is a good book, recommend it to anyone interested in broadening the depth of magic for every caster class (including bards, paladins, rangers, etc).
Makes half casters almost useful.

 

[Grogg of the North]

What does the party consist of?

Instead of nets you could have your characters be making handle animal checks. Or casting speak with animals to convince them to go back to their habitats. Or if there are enough other people around, you could give everyone torches and use the fire to scare the animals back to the zoo.

 

[Omegaxicor]

[MENTION=36016]grogg[/MENTION] I thought I said that in my first post but I didn't, the party are all Human, Level 2, a Wizard, Knight, Rogue and Paladin (the Wizard will be missing)

I think Potions of Proficiency would be the best idea, but if the player's ideas are equally valid I will allow them to TRY to handle animal (they ALL suck at it), they can't speak with animals (no divine magic ATM) and the zoo is deserted except for a keeper and the four PCs

[MENTION=6690223]BemarcCheman[/MENTION] what is wrong with your post? (three missing images maybe?) I have seen a few posters with a similar effect

 

[the Jester]

[MENTION=6690223]BemarcCheman[/MENTION] what is wrong with your post? (three missing images maybe?) I have seen a few posters with a similar effect

I strongly suspect it's a spambot copy/pasting bits of other posts to get a few posts for credibility. I've already reported it.

(If I am wrong, Bemarc, please post something original to establish it and I will happily apologize to you.)