Should Certain Summons or Creatures Reveal the Fog of War?

Chippy

I remember altering my familiar (from item) with an editor to do this back in the day (I think I either changed it from a summon creature to a player character - which also allowed it to move from one area to another with the party, or gave it an equipable item that replicated the wizard spell. So though I'd put this up for discussion - like what are the PnP rules for a simulcrum?.

CrevsDaak

Only Familiars and Wizard Eyes clear out For of War. Not sure about P&P rules so I'll let others talk about that.

the_spyder

What would be the justification on this one? Just because you summon them doesn't mean that you can see through their eyes (except familiars, and you can do it with them). Most creatures that are capable of being summoned aren't going to be the most reliable at relaying information back to the party anyway, right? These aren't your friends, they are indentured servants.

meagloth

It does say certain summons. Maybe like planetars and devas, or similarly powerful/intelligent creatures? It doesn't make sense for a gibbering though.

the_spyder

So again, why so for Planetars or Devas. These are POWERFUL beings that are being forced into servitude. Why would they do anything more than the absolute letter of your command?

Summoner: "Tell me what's in that room over there."
Planetar: "Air"

Or better yet:

Summoner: "Tell me EXACTLY what's in that room over there."
Planetar: "Well, there are EXACTLY ten quadrillion bazillion oxygen molecules. I counted them. They appear to be moving around in what appear to be random patterns, although upon examination there is actually a method to their movement patterns. In addition, there are some carbon molecules that seem to be over in the left quadrant. It looks like there is the remnants of methane gas proliferating the room."

Gallowglass

Interesting OP question. I can't see any justification for summoned (or gated) creatures to clear fog. However, your simulacrum isn't an indentured servant, he's "you", so it makes more sense for a simulacrum to be more helpful.

the_spyder

Hmmm.. How many times in Science Fiction stories have clones been helpful to the Original? Usually they fight you tooth and nail.

Chippy

the_spyder said:

So again, why so for Planetars or Devas. These are POWERFUL beings that are being forced into servitude. Why would they do anything more than the absolute letter of your command?

Summoner: "Tell me what's in that room over there."
Planetar: "Air"

Or better yet:

Summoner: "Tell me EXACTLY what's in that room over there."
Planetar: "Well, there are EXACTLY ten quadrillion bazillion oxygen molecules. I counted them. They appear to be moving around in what appear to be random patterns, although upon examination there is actually a method to their movement patterns. In addition, there are some carbon molecules that seem to be over in the left quadrant. It looks like there is the remnants of methane gas proliferating the room."

Maybe I should have been more specific (my apologies) - I was thinking in terms of a summoned creature (like from a figurine with playername roleplaying Drizzt > Guenyvar) having the intelligence (as we may be able to assume the creatures summed from such figurines in the game possess) to not so much count the molecules of air in the room, but maybe just spot the lich?.

Creating this thread also reminded me that certain summons disappear when you transition from on area to another (I'll be specific) like from inside an inn, you open the door, and you are now outside of the inn - so technically your familiar, or summon, should still be with you. That is unless the spell has expired and they have dissipated into ten quadrillion oxygen molecules, carbon, and methane gas.

the_spyder

@Chippy - Even Drizzt can not see through Guenhwyvar's eyes. Of the fantasy books that I've ever read, pretty much only familiars have any kind of psychic connection such that the 'Summoner' would benefit from their eye sight and experiential perceptions. Well, homumculi as well, but....

As for the molecules comment, I was trying to show that beings who are Compelled to do as they are told, particularly extremely intelligent beings, will often times do the exact letter of what is being commanded, instead of the spirit. You ask a Planetar "What is in that room" instead of responding "10 orcs in the left corner", he is going to potentially give a completely useless and ridiculous, but totally factual response. There are in fact air molecules in that room.

Yeah, my DM could be cruel at times.