Building a Sucessful Illusionist - Help Please

[JDragon]

I'm in the process of generating a new character for an ongoing FR campaign. My last character was killed by a frost giant.

Due to a change in players our primary arcane caster is leaving and I may try to fill that roll somewhat. The thing is I'm looking at making a gnome illusionist using some of the stuff from Races of Stone, and I could really use some ideas on the build and suggestions on how to make the most of his spells available.

I'll be 8th level to start.

I'm wanting to use the Wisper Gnome from RoS.

I'm thinking of starting with the Gnome Illusionist Racial Substitution Level. (from RoS) I know I won't take the 10th level substitution, but may take the 5th level substitution.

My goal is to go into the Shadowcraft Mage PrC (also from RoS.)

What two schools of magic should I give up to specialize? Also what school should I have to have an effective -1 to my caster level in? (I have to chose from evocation, transmutation or conjuration, and it can't be one I have already given up).

Any suggestions on how to get the best out of my spells?
I haven't really done the illusionist before so any ideas/tricks would be great.

I can post more info on the race/substitution level/PrC if needed.

Thanks

 

[Spatula]

A moderator should probably move this over into the rules forum, where you're likely to get the most help.

For a sort of "classic" illusionist that is still functional, I would select Evocation and Necromancy as your prohibitied schools. Evocation magic is too overt and too messy for a proper illusionist. Necromancy deals with altering lifeforce when an illusionist should concentrate on altering perceptions and minds.

I would possibly take the caster level penalty in Conjuration, since Transmutation is your back-up school to deal with creatures that won't be affected by illusions. Or, it could be vice-versa, but generally transmutation is more useful than conjuration IMO.

I'm not familiar with the Races of Stone stuff so I can't offer any advice there.