Well, I could see Sarevok underestimating Gorion. He's smart, but he makes some awful decisions sometimes, probably due to being Chaotic, Intelligent and Charismatic, making him likely incredibly narcissistic, if being a Bhaalspawn alone didn't do it. He certainly sounds pretty sure of himself.
Still, the Web idea is good regardless, there is no better spell to double up on for levels 1 and 2. 2 Magic Missiles vs 2 saves at -2? Heck, if he has saves of 1, he has a 10% chance of being webbed by 1 Web, meaning 20% by 2 Webs, this without using a Greater Malison. 20% isn't great I agree, but he has no other tools other than items he clearly didn't bring/have to deal with actual threats, and we know there was other enemies in the Sword Coast region, from bandits to monsters. The double Web is an ace in the hole IMHO, especially at this level.
"Oh dear, it seems that someone has poisoned that upstanding young scholar Koveras! And, coincidentally, I happened to find this completely legitimate contract that promises Winthrop a lifetime supply of elven hookers if he does one last job. My my, what a pity, never would have suspected him, etc. and I really must go help Charname with his studies."
Well, I could see Sarevok underestimating Gorion. He's smart, but he makes some awful decisions sometimes, probably due to being Chaotic, Intelligent and Charismatic, making him likely incredibly narcissistic, if being a Bhaalspawn alone didn't do it. He certainly sounds pretty sure of himself.
Still, the Web idea is good regardless, there is no better spell to double up on for levels 1 and 2. 2 Magic Missiles vs 2 saves at -2? Heck, if he has saves of 1, he has a 10% chance of being webbed by 1 Web, meaning 20% by 2 Webs, this without using a Greater Malison. 20% isn't great I agree, but he has no other tools other than items he clearly didn't bring/have to deal with actual threats, and we know there was other enemies in the Sword Coast region, from bandits to monsters. The double Web is an ace in the hole IMHO, especially at this level.
Technically it's 19%. But yeah. Honestly it's probably Gorion's best shot.
On the subject of Sarevok's narcissism, it should be noted that this is the moment when he identifies a problem and personally goes to deal with it, instead of just sending some random underling (although he sends those too, to be thorough). He even brings backup, even though he doesn't really need it against most enemies. While I can see Sarevok underestimating Gorion, in this particular incident he seems to have prepared pretty well.
@elminster If there's a task to save CHARNAME as well, then I guess Gorion should choose Invisibility 10' Radius (instead of one of Melf's Minute meteors) and cast it as soon as enemies are sighted.
Our teenage protagonist starts out at level 1 and maxes out (as a mage) at level 31 (iirc). The transformation from helpless weakling to invulnerable demigod takes what, six months of in-game time? Eight if he rests a lot?
Gorion, meanwhile, is supposed to be this wise, seasoned, battle-tested mage, but the best he could manage after decades of study and experience was level 9? How does that work?
Anyway, if I was Gorion I'd make an honest, unflinching assessment of my strengths and weaknesses, and then I'd go be a scribe or a book keeper or something.
what strategy and spells would you use in preparation of the inevitable battle against Sarevok and gang to ensure your and CHARNAME's survival, considering Gorion is a level 9 mage?
If I were Gorion, I would cast my Lightning Bolt of Instant Slaying that he slaughters CHARNAME with should CHARNAME attempt to be evil in Candlekeep.
That, or try to talk to him about his feelings with Sarevok under the influence of a Friends spell.
Seriously. Try taking him on with the strongest Charname you can import and see what happens....zap!
I wonder if Charname will still be slayed instantly if he/she gulps down a potion of Absorption or cast any spells/scrolls that grant a 100% electrical immunity
Anyway, if I was Gorion I'd make an honest, unflinching assessment of my strengths and weaknesses, and then I'd go be a scribe or a book keeper or something.
Our teenage protagonist starts out at level 1 and maxes out (as a mage) at level 31 (iirc). The transformation from helpless weakling to invulnerable demigod takes what, six months of in-game time? Eight if he rests a lot?
Gorion, meanwhile, is supposed to be this wise, seasoned, battle-tested mage, but the best he could manage after decades of study and experience was level 9? How does that work?
This is the general pattern, though. Elminster managed to get to about the level cap, but it took him centuries. Drizzt is level 16, I think, and he's been at it for decades. For some reason (*coughgamedesigncough*), Charname and co. level up ridiculously fast compared to pretty much everyone else in the Realms.
If I were Gorion I'd have hired for protection that invisible stabby guy who can kill anything that tries to attack the Shadow Thieves' hold before it's time in the plot to do so.
I'd Hire a professional thief and have him set spike traps all around character name's room and never let character name leave Winthrop's inn. Problem solved.
Comments
Still, the Web idea is good regardless, there is no better spell to double up on for levels 1 and 2. 2 Magic Missiles vs 2 saves at -2? Heck, if he has saves of 1, he has a 10% chance of being webbed by 1 Web, meaning 20% by 2 Webs, this without using a Greater Malison. 20% isn't great I agree, but he has no other tools other than items he clearly didn't bring/have to deal with actual threats, and we know there was other enemies in the Sword Coast region, from bandits to monsters. The double Web is an ace in the hole IMHO, especially at this level.
On the subject of Sarevok's narcissism, it should be noted that this is the moment when he identifies a problem and personally goes to deal with it, instead of just sending some random underling (although he sends those too, to be thorough). He even brings backup, even though he doesn't really need it against most enemies. While I can see Sarevok underestimating Gorion, in this particular incident he seems to have prepared pretty well.
♫Brave brave Gorion, Gorion ran away...♫♪
That, or try to talk to him about his feelings with Sarevok under the influence of a Friends spell.
Our teenage protagonist starts out at level 1 and maxes out (as a mage) at level 31 (iirc). The transformation from helpless weakling to invulnerable demigod takes what, six months of in-game time? Eight if he rests a lot?
Gorion, meanwhile, is supposed to be this wise, seasoned, battle-tested mage, but the best he could manage after decades of study and experience was level 9? How does that work?
Anyway, if I was Gorion I'd make an honest, unflinching assessment of my strengths and weaknesses, and then I'd go be a scribe or a book keeper or something.