The Many uses of Kites

[Tonguez]

I'm going to be introducing a NPC who will be a Master Kite-maker (Expert 8+) maybe a special PrC 'Kite Master' and was wondering what are some nifty abilities he might have

I know kites were historically used for signalling during war, in divinition, to lift people off the ground (ie gliders) and in duels. Can anyone else suggest what a Kite Master might be able to do with his Kites?

and of course suggestions for types of enchanted kites would be cool too.

 

[NoOneofConsequence]

Kites could be used to attack fliers. If made from fantasy materials - magical cloth, adamant struts, mithril strings etc. - then it could attack fliers at an intermediate range - like a missile weapon.

A kite master could make kites that fly on ethereal winds, making them usable in conditions where conventional winds don't blow (ie. indoors)

A kite master could fly a kite as a free action giving him two at once - ie. he hooks one to his armour while he uses the other one.

Kites could have magical properties like light (shining a light spell from a height might give it a greater radius).

Just some thoughts

 

[DerianCypher]

A kite master could probably attach some reflective material to the bottom and angle it so he can "see" from a higher altitude.

A kite master could probably animate a kite

A kite master may be able to launch a kite as a Free/ME action

They may be able to make certain parts of it out of a blade or something that way they could control it to fly by something to "attack" it.

 

[alsih2o]

kite trap...like a snare, you step in the wrong place and a kite takes off, with one end attached to your leg.

kite trap...like a flare, if someone enters an area a kite is sent up

kite weapon...attching alchemist fire or tangle foot bag and dropping it in from a distance

 

[der_kluge]

I recall an ancient Chinese story about how a Chinese general flew a kite over the enemies fortress, and marked the string when the kite was over the fortress. They then measured that string, and dug a tunnel that length which put them right under the enemy's fortress.

Presumably, they factored in the angle of the kite when measuring.

Not a very magical use of a kite, but an interesting one.

 

[Agback]

G'day

Try the Ben Franklin trick. Kites can summon lightning.

Regards,


Agback

 

[Maldur]

Or the use of kites to reduce moral (scary faces, causing fear effects)

Or creating illusions: "there is a dragon comming!!! run!!"

 

[Buttercup]

Kites could drop all sorts of nasty things--volitile oil, caltrops, heck even feces.

Kites with mirrors could be used to start fires behind enemy lines, if the mirrors could be focused.

A wizard and a kite master together would be formidible indeed. Many spells could be cast on a kite to be triggered later. Just think if you had 50 kites flying over the enemy that all errupted into Tasha's Hideous Laughter right as the other side was about to charge. Or the sleep spell, or any of the summon monster spells, or, well you get the idea.

You might have to create a new feat--Enchant Kite.

 

[Tewligan]

I think he would have really fun birthday parties.

 

[Kilmore]

Kites can be inscribed with Glyphs or Symbols