How do I deal with enemies that can cast cloudkill in Baldur's Gate 3?

Dealing with enemies that can cast Cloudkill in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of preparation, tactical positioning, and quick decision-making. Cloudkill is a powerful area-of-effect spell that creates a cloud of poisonous gas, dealing significant damage over time to anyone caught within it. The cloud also moves on its own, following the direction of the wind, which can make it particularly dangerous if not handled correctly. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to manage this threat effectively.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of Cloudkill. The spell creates a 20-foot radius cloud of poisonous gas that lasts for 10 rounds, or until it is dispelled. Any creature that starts its turn in the cloud or enters it for the first time on a turn must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 5d8 poison damage, and half as much on a successful save. The cloud also moves 10 feet in a direction determined by the caster at the start of each of their turns, which can make it difficult to avoid if youÔÇÖre not paying attention.

To counter Cloudkill, you need to focus on several key strategies. First, positioning is crucial. If you know an enemy caster has Cloudkill, try to spread out your party members so that the spell canÔÇÖt affect multiple characters at once. This reduces the overall damage your party takes and makes it easier to manage the situation. Additionally, try to position your characters on high ground or behind cover, as this can limit the effectiveness of the spell and give you a better vantage point to deal with the caster.

Another important strategy is to disrupt the caster. If you can prevent the enemy from casting Cloudkill in the first place, youÔÇÖll save yourself a lot of trouble. Spells like Counterspell can be used to negate Cloudkill before itÔÇÖs even cast. If you donÔÇÖt have access to Counterspell, consider using abilities or spells that can incapacitate the caster, such as Hold Person or Silence. These can prevent the caster from using their spells and give you time to deal with them.

If Cloudkill is already in play, youÔÇÖll need to act quickly to mitigate its effects. One of the most effective ways to deal with the cloud is to use spells or abilities that can disperse it. Gust of Wind, for example, can blow the cloud away, effectively neutralizing it. Alternatively, you can use Dispel Magic to remove the cloud entirely. If you donÔÇÖt have access to these spells, consider using movement abilities to get your characters out of the cloud as quickly as possible. Misty Step, for example, allows a character to teleport a short distance, which can be used to escape the cloud and reposition safely.

ItÔÇÖs also important to consider your partyÔÇÖs composition and abilities when dealing with Cloudkill. Characters with high Constitution saving throws or resistance to poison damage will have an easier time surviving the spell. If you have a Cleric or Paladin in your party, consider using abilities like Protection from Poison or Aura of Protection to reduce the damage your party takes. Additionally, characters with access to healing spells or abilities should be ready to provide support to anyone who takes significant damage from the cloud.

One common mistake to avoid is clustering your party members together. This makes it easy for the enemy caster to hit multiple characters with Cloudkill, increasing the overall damage your party takes. Instead, spread out your characters and use the environment to your advantage. Another mistake is ignoring the caster. If you focus solely on dealing with the cloud, youÔÇÖll give the caster free rein to continue casting spells and causing havoc. Prioritize taking out the caster as quickly as possible to prevent further issues.

Advanced techniques for dealing with Cloudkill include using environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, if youÔÇÖre fighting in an area with flammable objects, you can use fire spells to ignite them and create barriers that block the movement of the cloud. Additionally, you can use spells like Wall of Fire or Wall of Stone to create barriers that prevent the cloud from moving into certain areas, effectively controlling its spread.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, Cloudkill is a 5th-level conjuration spell that follows the standard rules for area-of-effect spells. The spellÔÇÖs movement is determined by the caster, and it can be affected by environmental factors like wind or magical effects that alter the terrain. Understanding these rules can help you anticipate how the cloud will move and plan your actions accordingly.

A specific example of dealing with Cloudkill might occur in a battle against a powerful wizard in a confined space. The wizard casts Cloudkill, creating a large cloud of poison gas that begins to move towards your party. In this scenario, you might use Gust of Wind to blow the cloud away from your party, while a Rogue uses Cunning Action to Dash out of the cloudÔÇÖs range. Meanwhile, your Fighter uses Action Surge to close the distance to the wizard and attack, preventing them from casting further spells. By combining these strategies, you can effectively neutralize the threat of Cloudkill and turn the tide of the battle in your favor.

In conclusion, dealing with Cloudkill in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of preparation, tactical positioning, and quick decision-making. By understanding the mechanics of the spell, spreading out your party, disrupting the caster, and using spells or abilities to disperse the cloud, you can effectively manage this powerful spell and keep your party safe. Remember to avoid common mistakes like clustering your party or ignoring the caster, and consider using advanced techniques like environmental hazards or barrier spells to control the cloudÔÇÖs movement. With these strategies in mind, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to handle any encounter involving Cloudkill.