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Old 11-14-2008, 05:37 PM   Top  -  End  -  #1
Deepblue706
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Default How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Greetings and Salutations, friends! The manuscript you’ve just no doubt purchased from your local vendor (or found in his trash) is a recounting of how one can reliably survive an encounter with the mother of all foes; the dreaded Tornado.

Most balk at the idea of crossing paths with this fearsome enemy to man, and most should. Tornadoes are as dangerous as they are windy. Now, you may encounter this beast one day on a journey of your own, so it is necessary to pay heed to what it is capable of.

A Tornado is CR 10, however, it is capable of killing just about any PC that may cross it. According to the SRD:

“Those who come in contact with the actual funnel cloud are picked up and whirled around for 1d10 rounds, taking 6d6 points of damage per round, before being violently expelled”.

Falling damage may apply afterwards, which can deal as much as 20d6 damage. All things considered, one who gets sucked into a tornado can be dealt a grand total of 80d6 damage; which is not a boat you want to be in, my friend. This baby can deal up to 480 points of damage to you, which is nothing to scoff at (the odds of this are approximately 5.596 × 10^(-63)).

With the proper character structure, you will never have to worry about this absurdly unlikely event ever happening to you. Your character must own all of the following:

- 20 levels of d12 HD class
- an effective CON of 46
- A Potion of Aid

A Dwarf Barbarian does the trick very well (starting CON 20, +8 from mighty rage (gained at level 20), +6 from a CON-boosting item, +5 from levels, +5 inherent bonus from 5 consecutive wishes, and Improved Toughness).

On average, a d12 HD will grant you 6.5 HP. Add average HP each level (with max at first), drink your potion (get average roll), and you will have 471 HP. This means that at the very worst, you will be knocked to -9 HP at the end of your encounter (unless it picks you up again).

Now, should you expect to join a tornado-heavy game, and have drawn the ire of the cosmos, you know how to stay alive. Take that, universe!

Last edited by Deepblue706 : 11-14-2008 at 10:47 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 05:53 PM   Top  -  End  -  #2
Eldritch_Ent
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

A ring of Feather Fall or the like will also help a lot, removing that pesky 20d6 falling damage.
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Old 11-14-2008, 05:59 PM   Top  -  End  -  #3
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Or be a Master of Many Forms 7, and turn into something with regeneration... Be sure to pick up steadfast determination (you get Endurance as a bonus feat if you enter the class right, anyway) to avoid death from massive damage!

Last edited by ChaosDefender24 : 11-14-2008 at 06:00 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 06:01 PM   Top  -  End  -  #4
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Rope Trick
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Old 11-14-2008, 06:34 PM   Top  -  End  -  #5
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Control Weather. Fight fire with fire.
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Old 11-14-2008, 06:42 PM   Top  -  End  -  #6
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Turn ethereal or incorporeal.
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Old 11-14-2008, 06:45 PM   Top  -  End  -  #7
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Interestingly enough, it turns out objects are mentioned nowhere in the Tornado's entry. A Necropolitan or similar undead is fine.
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Old 11-14-2008, 06:47 PM   Top  -  End  -  #8
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Control Winds will tame wicked tornadoes four levels and 10 minutes earlier than Control Weather ever will.
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Old 11-14-2008, 07:01 PM   Top  -  End  -  #9
douglas
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Cast Stormrage.
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Old 11-14-2008, 07:09 PM   Top  -  End  -  #10
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Don't tell your DM to roll for weather. No seriously! My group told me to (said it could be fun), and I rolled a tornado. I nerfed it (they are level 3) so everyone lived, but really, it was a TPK waiting to happen.

Also, by a Frenzied Berserker. When it damages you, fly into a deathless frenzy. There, you outlast the tornado.
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Old 11-14-2008, 07:10 PM   Top  -  End  -  #11
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

How about using stone shape on self? How would that affect damage?

Of course, the barbarian plan works better than spellcasting because of Concentration problems inside a 300+ km/h whirlwind!
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Old 11-14-2008, 07:17 PM   Top  -  End  -  #12
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Alter Self/Polymorph/Wild Shape/Metamorphosis into something with a Burrow speed. Cast Stone Shape to make a shelter of solid rock. Cast Meld Into Stone and wait for it to pass. Be capable of outrunning it.
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Old 11-14-2008, 07:39 PM   Top  -  End  -  #13
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stupendous_Man View Post
Rope Trick
2nd level spell > CR10 environmental threat.
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Old 11-14-2008, 08:17 PM   Top  -  End  -  #14
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

I agree that rope trick works quite well.

I think that having a dig speed and/or getting underground would work pretty well, not as easy as having the party spellcaster cast a single 2nd level spell, but still.
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Old 11-14-2008, 08:36 PM   Top  -  End  -  #15
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Cast Teleport.
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Old 11-14-2008, 08:48 PM   Top  -  End  -  #16
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

On average a tornado deals 115.5 plus 70 falling damage. The tornado advances at 250 feet per round. Casting it and getting the party inside takes 1 round plus a round per party member. Not to mention concentration checks in high wind. The DM has a 1% chance of rolling severe weather.

And beating it with a 2nd level spell? On a 3rd level caster? Did you really prepare that in your highest level spell slot? Plus it takes 1 round per party member to enter plus a round to cast. If the tornado's that far away you might be able to run for cover or just get lucky and it won't even come for you. That hardly seems like a challenge anyway.

Psssh, how about I do it with a level 1 character, with no special prep?
Ranger 1
Max survival w/ 14 wis => +6 mod.
gear: rations, camping stuff, etc.

Take a 10 on the DC 15 survival check to predict weather a day in advance. Walk 24+ miles away whenever a tornado is predicted. No special prep necessary.

With 2 levels, an 18 wis, feats, knowledge(nature) and knowledge(geography) bump you can get survival up to 18, allowing you to predict the tornado 3 days in advance.

Avoiding the tornado really isn't that hard. I think it's CR 10 when you actually defeat it or accidentally walk right into one.
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Last edited by ericgrau : 11-14-2008 at 09:19 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 08:57 PM   Top  -  End  -  #17
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bosssmiley View Post
2nd level spell > CR10 environmental threat.

i lol'd

Last edited by Stupendous_Man : 11-14-2008 at 08:57 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 09:01 PM   Top  -  End  -  #18
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by UglyPanda View Post
I agree that rope trick works quite well.

I think that having a dig speed and/or getting underground would work pretty well, not as easy as having the party spellcaster cast a single 2nd level spell, but still.
For a Druid, that's not a problem - Summon Nature's Ally II (you'll also need Speak with Animals) can get you a Dire Badger, which has a special Dig speed - it leaves a usable tunnel. For another caster, you'll need Summon Monster III, for a Celestial Dire Badger - with the bonus that the Speak With Animals spell isn't needed, as Celestial Dire Badgers technically understand Common.
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Old 11-14-2008, 10:41 PM   Top  -  End  -  #19
Chineselegolas
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Stormcaster Capstone. Immune to being blown away, knocked down or checked by winds.
But that takes so much effort to get to 15th level to beat a CR 10 challenge without trying

Stormlord is much more fun (And involves worshiping Talos for extra fun). At 3rd level storms have no effect on you (Anything thrown by them even... They somehow miss you). 6th level, you can fly during storms.

And if you want to claim these abilites don't affect tornado's, they are listed under "Powerful Storms" in the DMG, and are in the table "Wind Effects"
Tornado, who needs to worry.
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Old 11-14-2008, 10:43 PM   Top  -  End  -  #20
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chineselegolas View Post
Stormcaster Capstone. Immune to being blown away, knocked down or checked by winds.
But that takes so much effort to get to 15th level to beat a CR 10 challenge without trying

Stormlord is much more fun (And involves worshiping Talos for extra fun). At 3rd level storms have no effect on you (Anything thrown by them even... They somehow miss you). 6th level, you can fly during storms.

And if you want to claim these abilites don't affect tornado's, they are listed under "Powerful Storms" in the DMG, and are in the table "Wind Effects"
Tornado, who needs to worry.
I feel not enough attention is being given to my "Be a horrid undead monster" suggestion.
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Saph:It's surprising how many problems can be solved by one druid spell combined with enough aggression.
I play primarily 3.5 D&D. Most of my advice will be based off of this. If my advice doesn't apply, specify a version in your post.
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Old 11-14-2008, 10:46 PM   Top  -  End  -  #21
Signmaker
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chineselegolas View Post
Stormcaster Capstone. Immune to being blown away, knocked down or checked by winds.
But that takes so much effort to get to 15th level to beat a CR 10 challenge without trying

Stormlord is much more fun (And involves worshiping Talos for extra fun). At 3rd level storms have no effect on you (Anything thrown by them even... They somehow miss you). 6th level, you can fly during storms.

And if you want to claim these abilites don't affect tornado's, they are listed under "Powerful Storms" in the DMG, and are in the table "Wind Effects"
Tornado, who needs to worry.

Stormsinger. Literally dispel the tornado with your voice. And then in the next round, make it your own. >D
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Old 11-14-2008, 10:47 PM   Top  -  End  -  #22
Deepblue706
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Did...nobody understand the point? I...I'm...this...idfbgspkjgf

I can take "Dude, that's just not a funny joke" but, this...actually depresses me.

Last edited by Deepblue706 : 11-14-2008 at 10:50 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 10:55 PM   Top  -  End  -  #23
Sstoopidtallkid
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deepblue706 View Post
Did...nobody understand the point? I...I'm...this...idfbgspkjgf

I can take "Dude, that's just not a funny joke" but, this...actually depresses me.
You presented a way to survive a tornado, a task that quite a few of my friends have done, that required level 20. We decided to find much easier ways of doing it. It's not depressing, it's the playground.
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Saph:It's surprising how many problems can be solved by one druid spell combined with enough aggression.
I play primarily 3.5 D&D. Most of my advice will be based off of this. If my advice doesn't apply, specify a version in your post.
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:02 PM   Top  -  End  -  #24
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sstoopidtallkid View Post
It's not depressing, it's the playground.
can i sig that? because that is just pure win...

-UGNG
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:07 PM   Top  -  End  -  #25
Sstoopidtallkid
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Sure. my subliminal messages will be spread by you forever!!!1!
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Avatar by the incredible CrimsonAngel.
Saph:It's surprising how many problems can be solved by one druid spell combined with enough aggression.
I play primarily 3.5 D&D. Most of my advice will be based off of this. If my advice doesn't apply, specify a version in your post.
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:42 PM   Top  -  End  -  #26
Deepblue706
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sstoopidtallkid View Post
You presented a way to survive a tornado, a task that quite a few of my friends have done, that required level 20. We decided to find much easier ways of doing it. It's not depressing, it's the playground.
Finding an easier way to do it completely misses the idea. I was trying to provoke "lol, tornadoes".

And I wanted a way to set up a joke that involves grappling your foes and dragging them with you into a tornado as viable means of dealing damage.

You know, good old nonsense.

Last edited by Deepblue706 : 11-14-2008 at 11:43 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:43 PM   Top  -  End  -  #27
monty
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deepblue706 View Post
You know, good old nonsense.
Nonsense? This. Is. PLAYGROUND!

Yeah, I know. Close enough.
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Last edited by monty : 11-14-2008 at 11:43 PM.
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:44 PM   Top  -  End  -  #28
Chineselegolas
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deepblue706 View Post
Did...nobody understand the point? I...I'm...this...idfbgspkjgf

I can take "Dude, that's just not a funny joke" but, this...actually depresses me.
I love to take jokes literally for precisely this reason.
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:44 PM   Top  -  End  -  #29
monty
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Anyway, if you're looking for nonsense, just head over to the weekly monk thread.
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Old 11-14-2008, 11:55 PM   Top  -  End  -  #30
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Default Re: How to Reliably Survive a Tornado, Pre-Epic [3.5]

Quote:
Originally Posted by monty View Post
Anyway, if you're looking for nonsense, just head over to the weekly monk thread.
lol, monks.

Last edited by Vinotaur : 11-14-2008 at 11:56 PM.
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