Wall of Ice as an Ice Raft/Floatation Device ???

[Shard O'Glase]

I don't have a problem with clever thinking. In fact, I definately encourage it, but the initial thinking is what would have gotten them killed in my game.

They would have asked "Can I do this?" (the floating place of ice thing)
I would have said "Try it."
It wouldn't have worked. (spell would have failed) They would wade the river. They would the suffer whatever ill effects came about from their decision.

With that said, however, if lack of experience with D&D is hampering the players, meaning the player with the wizard couldn't come up with anything else because he hasn't been playing for long, I might throw him a hint or two. I'd still kill 'em if they jumped into that river though.

This is where I differ with that approach. I only say try it if there's a reason they don't know the outcome. If the spell would just fail, I wont say try it because while the player might not know the spell would fail, the wizard would. Or if its a really new spell I might require a spellcraft check.

Also not knowing what they were carrying I can't guage how difiicult it would be to swim the river. But a couple endure element spells and there good. Swiming a slow river is a tak they should be able to accomplish without any real checks. The cold part might add a check without any protection from cold up, and if in heavy gear well I'd just tell them, your wearing chain mail you'll sink like a rock.

 

[Stalker0]

A great example of why dms need to be careful planning their campaigns too far ahead

 

[dcollins]

The Party's Wizard then piped up that he had learnt wall of ice and could they just cast that in the water and then climb aboard and float to safety ?

I'm a very by-the-book DM, and I have no problem with what occurred here. This kind of surprise and creativity under extreme pressure is precisely the fantastic thing about D&D and RPG'ing in general, and I think this turned into a great scene.

- The "needs anchor" language is mostly to prevent the wall from being used to squish an opponent; that wasn't the use here, so I'm happy to hand wave it in this case.

- You left the exact success up to a random die roll, which was passed with flying colors, so an exceptional result is a completely valid result for DM adjudication.

- Finally, congratulations to you for being flexible enough as DM to let go of your prior adventure plans because the PCs were exceedingly skilled and clever. They should feel highly rewarded for their success -- many, many lesser DMs would enforce the capture scenario on them regardless of what they managed to do. Sounds like you're in the category of creative, fair, and conscientious DMs.

 

[Quidam]

Of course, that's not to say that the giants might not catch up to them downriver and capture them anyway.

 

[kreynolds]

I only say try it if there's a reason they don't know the outcome.

If he knew the outcome, he wouldn't have asked.

If the spell would just fail, I wont say try it because while the player might not know the spell would fail, the wizard would.

I suppose so, but then again, he should have read the spell description. If he was confused about the spell description and that's why he asked, such as if he asked what the purpose of an anchor point was and if it was required in this situation, I would happily help clarify that. But, if its simply a matter of him not reading the spell description, I doubt I would help.

Or if its a really new spell I might require a spellcraft check.

That's a different approach, and kinda interesting too. But, I try to avoid using Spellcraft as the ultimate method for doing anything with magic other than its intended purpose. What I mean is that I don't require Spellcraft rolls to aim a spell, disguise a spell, target another spell, etc, etc. I just use it for its intended purpose to keep things simple and sweet. Gives me more time to address the bigger problems.

 

[Hackenslash]

Thankyou Everybody for your suggestions and comments.

Hello all, sorry I did not reply sooner but I have been working and then could not find my post ??? DOH !!!!!

What a Fantastic reponse to my post. I am very impressed to say the least. To address some points raised and to clarify the situation, the river was way too wide (350 ft) to attempt the "bridge option" and while the current would certainly allow swimming, the water was at a freezing temp. and the majority of the 7 PC's were in some form of armor and all fully equiped. The river was also too deep (30ft) to wade, even for the Frost Giants. The cleric had not learnt enough resist or endure elements and the Frost Giants boulders (8 in total plus Winter Wolves for support - remember I had intended for them to give up and surrender)were closing in with unerring accuracy. The Wizard in question was at 9th level and so were the rest of the PC's but this was towards the end of a session and most were injured and getting low on hitpoints and spells etc...The Wizard is in fact my youngest player, and was indeed suitably re-warded with a hefty XP bonus. I was sure that the originality of the idea for casting of the Wall of Ice spell was worth exploring but as I try and stick to the rules as best I can, had to admit to being hesitant to let them just cast it and then be off down the river. So that is why I imposed the concentration check with such a high DC due to the stress, cold and nearly drowning of the player characters. Plus having to dodge boulders while freezing to death in icy cold water does not make for ideal casting conditions. The PC's did escape and ended up on the other side of the river, Freezing, tired and uncomfortable but...alive and not slaves!! They all gripped onto the "Wall of Ice" Raft and kick paddled there way to the opposite shore, but after being carried down river for about 3 miles. Yes, after the response I have got from all of you and carefull consideration I think that I made the right decision even though it cost me to re-think and plan the next few nights adventures. I thought that it would be too unfair for the Frost Giant Party to catch up with them straight away so they are safe from them for now, but have no way to get out of the immediate area at the moment. Good clifff hanger stuff to be sure. Thanks again for all your advice and suggestions. Bye for now.