How to use an Illusionist?

[KarinsDad]

Also the really nice thing about illusions is an enemy has to interact with them before they get a save.

Also the really bad thing about illusions is that an enemy who interacts with them gets an auto-save.

 

[KarinsDad]

Ah! Thanks. Somehow I thought it said something about "noticing the look of concentration on the mage's face...".

This still happens.

You just do not get a SpellCraft check for a still/silent spell.

But, it is still applicable for things like readied actions versus casting a spell. Unless you are invisible and silent, it is hard to hide the fact that you are casting a spell.

 

[Whimsical]

Dread Wraiths make ideal subjects for silent image. They make no noise at all and produce no scent or temperature. If they spring attack, "miss", then "go into a wall", it makes it very dificult to interact with it. If they do and their attack goes through it, well that must be that incorporeality, right? Same with if it is hit with area effect attacks and it didn't react but didn't take any damage. Incorporeality effects spells also, right? Plus undead are immune to mind influencing effects so there would be nothing to lock onto if the attacker tries to affect it's mind or even use detect thoughts. Plus this is the monster that if your opponent knows anything at all about undead, they would panic and try to escape when they see it.

 

[Lonely Tylenol]

Also the really bad thing about illusions is that an enemy who interacts with them gets an auto-save.

Which is why it's usually best to make illusions that your opponents don't want to/won't think to interact with. An illusionary Blade Barrier or Wall spell is a good way to get the bad guys to go around the long way, and it's darn easy to hide in an illusionary barrel.

I think the best way to run illusions is to play with the target's expectations. So ask yourself, "how can I control the target using only sights and sounds?" A unit of guards tromping up the street can make a thief decide to leave the scene, and an illusionary wall can make the target turn around and go elsewhere. Remember, you are a wizard, and people expect wizards to do weird things. So when you sprout three huge snakes from your back that rear up menacingly, the enemy might decide that you're currently not a very viable target and try someone else, thinking that maybe if they wait, your "defense spell" will run out.

 

[Twowolves]

Works really good as a lure for an ambush too. A Silent Image of a pile of gold coins just inside the cave entrance, for example. Or a dropped coin purse in the middle of the trail (with everyone hiding with readied actions to pincushion who or whatever tries to pick it up). Or skeletons/zombies standing perfectly still (and quiet) on guard, wasting the cleric's turn/rebuke attempts on them. Etc etc etc

Twowolves Howling

 

[joe2435]

How have you used Silent Image for good effect?

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

How have you used Silent Image for good effect?

Silent Image has a things to keep in mind.

Effect: Visual figment that cannot extend beyond four 10-ft. cubes + one 10-ft. cube/level (S)
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: Will disbelief (if interacted with)

This spell creates the visual illusion of an object, creature, or force, as visualized by you. The illusion does not create sound, smell, texture, or temperature. You can move the image within the limits of the size of the effect.

The first is the duration of Concentration. On the one hand, it means that the illusion can last as long as you need it to. On the other, it means that you will be doing nothing other than maintaining your illusion for awhile.

Second, the illusion does not have very many sensual components. It's strictly visual. Therefore, you're limited in what you can create with it and achieve some semblance of believability.

Thirdly, it's a 1st-level spell. Saving throws are likely to beat this one pretty easily.

Finally, you're looking at a pretty small area of effect - 500 square feet at 1st level, and an additional 100 square feet each level after that. (Note that you can stack the cubes one atop the other if you need something tall and skinny, but then it won't be able to move around as much.)

The best part of this spell, however, is the ongoing control you have. You can move your image whereever you want within that 500 square feet.

So, what you want to look at creating with a silent image is:

1. Something that doesn't make a lot of noise
2. Something that doesn't radiate heat
3. Something that won't be touched, at least for awhile
4. Something that can take advantage of the mobility afforded by the area of effect
5. Something that can avoid being interacted with for as long as possible

To me, this practically screams out "rapidly-moving incorporeal creature."

Other good effects are illusory cloud spells, walls, and false traps (like an arrow shooting out of one of six nearly-identical holes in the wall - bonus points if one of them is actually real!).

 

[blargney the second]

I cornered a cloaker that was trying to escape by making an illusion of stalactites and stalagmites growing out of the ceiling and floor.

-blarg