I've been trying to get creative with my NPC's especially in the realm of torturing for information. Is there any D&D spells that match well with Zone of Truth that force the person to talk?
Also, are there other good combo spells out there that become more powerful when used together for non-battle situations?
Man, I was like what is happening in this kooky thread?! I have more than a few of those...
But instead, let's answer your question. Interrogation by magic huh?
Well, first, beings you said torture and pairs well with Zone of Truth: I think you already have it figured out there. Zone of Truth creates a 15 foot radius area of where the effected creature can not tell deliberate falsehoods. They can still repeat shit they think is true. They can choose not to say anything at all. And you can't be sure they're effected by it (failed their save). Actual torture accompanying this gets them to talk, zone of truth ensures that things said are likely true. Rinse and repeat.
But I think Detect Thoughts is way more to the point. Combined with questioning, specifically produces the thoughts you are looking for. Boom! Sprinkle in a little torture, you just so these scum adventurers know how serious we are!
You can get crazy with Modify Memory, after they fail the save you can role-play a whole big scene that later, OMG GUYS, never actually happened. Like inception, but in game feels like it was an old school illusion magic scene.
Not sure how well it would work for interrogation (asides from very, very brutal torture) but last week our DM allowed us to attempt combo attacks and our dragon-blood sorcerer and wizard combined a firebolt and disintegration ray that essentially turned into a floating green fireball they could keep for 4 rounds if concentration wasn't broken. This thing was like a massive acid-fireball, and ate through enemies like they were nothing. It was awesome, if for nothing other than aesthetic purposes.
The turn the faithless is one of a paladins channel divinity and sentinal is a feat but here is a good combo anyway.
This only works if the enemy is a fey/fiend.
Have the sentinel feat, then cast compelled duel. Then use turn the faithless. As they try to run away you get to do an opportunity attack on each of them.
I don't know if this works as I haven't done this before but I think it's a useful truck for a paladin if it does.
But I think Detect Thoughts is way more to the point. Combined with questioning, specifically produces the thoughts you are looking for. Boom! Sprinkle in a little torture, you just so these scum adventurers know how serious we are!
I would add the cantrip Mind Sliver as you question to cause distress and weaken their resolve to fight your probings. Mix in a big batch of Phantasmal Force once you know what they truly fear if needed as well. Low damage, high stress spells which open the mind to being more truthful.
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IMHO, Earthdawn is still the best fantasy realm, Shadowrun is the best Sci-Fi realm, and Dark Sun is the best D&D realm.
I would pair the zone of truth with the suggestion spell and the command "Answer my questions for the next hour in a direct, straightforward manner". That should remove the inclination to refuse to talk or otherwise dance around telling you what you need to know.
The best part is, it requires only one caster and doesn't require torture or even restraint! (for your less than evil interrogation needs).
I've been trying to get creative with my NPC's especially in the realm of torturing for information. Is there any D&D spells that match well with Zone of Truth that force the person to talk?
Also, are there other good combo spells out there that become more powerful when used together for non-battle situations?
Man, I was like what is happening in this kooky thread?! I have more than a few of those...
But instead, let's answer your question. Interrogation by magic huh?
Well, first, beings you said torture and pairs well with Zone of Truth: I think you already have it figured out there. Zone of Truth creates a 15 foot radius area of where the effected creature can not tell deliberate falsehoods. They can still repeat shit they think is true. They can choose not to say anything at all. And you can't be sure they're effected by it (failed their save). Actual torture accompanying this gets them to talk, zone of truth ensures that things said are likely true. Rinse and repeat.
But I think Detect Thoughts is way more to the point. Combined with questioning, specifically produces the thoughts you are looking for. Boom! Sprinkle in a little torture, you just so these scum adventurers know how serious we are!
You can get crazy with Modify Memory, after they fail the save you can role-play a whole big scene that later, OMG GUYS, never actually happened. Like inception, but in game feels like it was an old school illusion magic scene.
Kill them, decapitate them, Zone of Truth + Speak with Dead? Too far?
Those are great ideas!!!! Thanks for that. I'm going to delve into modify memory to see what I can do with that because that could be really cool.
Spike growth + gust of wind...require 2 character tough.
Not sure how well it would work for interrogation (asides from very, very brutal torture) but last week our DM allowed us to attempt combo attacks and our dragon-blood sorcerer and wizard combined a firebolt and disintegration ray that essentially turned into a floating green fireball they could keep for 4 rounds if concentration wasn't broken. This thing was like a massive acid-fireball, and ate through enemies like they were nothing. It was awesome, if for nothing other than aesthetic purposes.
This is something contagion would be good for.
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You could fear them, then roll for intimidate. Or phantasmal killer for the tougher guys.
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The turn the faithless is one of a paladins channel divinity and sentinal is a feat but here is a good combo anyway.
This only works if the enemy is a fey/fiend.
Have the sentinel feat, then cast compelled duel. Then use turn the faithless. As they try to run away you get to do an opportunity attack on each of them.
I don't know if this works as I haven't done this before but I think it's a useful truck for a paladin if it does.
I would add the cantrip Mind Sliver as you question to cause distress and weaken their resolve to fight your probings. Mix in a big batch of Phantasmal Force once you know what they truly fear if needed as well. Low damage, high stress spells which open the mind to being more truthful.
IMHO, Earthdawn is still the best fantasy realm, Shadowrun is the best Sci-Fi realm, and Dark Sun is the best D&D realm.
I would pair the zone of truth with the suggestion spell and the command "Answer my questions for the next hour in a direct, straightforward manner". That should remove the inclination to refuse to talk or otherwise dance around telling you what you need to know.
The best part is, it requires only one caster and doesn't require torture or even restraint! (for your less than evil interrogation needs).