Is the Illusionist Dead?

[GlassJaw]

I've always liked illusionists but yeah, you definitely don't see too many anymore. I would still love to play the gnome cleric/illusionist/mystic theurge (with the Illusion and Gnome domains) character idea I have.

 

[Darkness]

I like illusionists but I wouldn't normally play them. I'd play necromancers, necromantic clerics, or assassins.

I don't play much ('cause I usually DM), so I don't have much opportunity to play lots of different characters.

 

[Xythlord]

One of the really nice things about having a prepared Illusionist as a foe is that the PC's tend to either a) spend resources (ammo, spells, cures, charges, etc.) on illusionary foes and damage or b) imagine everything is an illusion and therefore spend time trying to save vs. everything.

Therefore you can make an Illusionist's layer a deathtrap by intermixing traps and spells. There is also a really nice 3rd level spell in Relics & Ritutals 2 that is called Illusionary Shell that covers a creature with an easily penatrable illusion, therefor when the PC's "make their save" against it, they will ignore the totally real creature underneath......this is also great for traps, much paranoia insists afterward.

And don't forget ambushes as the PC's are taking their time with poles and such things, disbelieving everything they comeinto contact with, while invisible minions with poisoned crossbows.

And one last thing, if you wish to really spice up your Specialist Illusionist, try this product
http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2452
There are a few good PrC's and lots of good spells (I own it and my players fear it....just don't leave it out if you are trying to hide the fact that you have an Illusionist in the area, or leave it out to cause more paranoia!)

Xyth

 

[Gray Mouser]

Back in 'the good old days', i.e. 1. edition, there was two arcane spellcaster
classes: The Magic-user, and the Illusionist. While the Magic-user was by far the
most popular class, the Illusionist was a distinct class with his own spell list and
level progression table. Gnomes often used the Illusionist as part of a multi-class
combo. Then in second edition we got the option of specializing in any school of magic,
and the illusionist sort of dissappeared in the crowd. In 3.0 his last refuge was as the
favored class of the Gnome. Now the gnomes have started singing instead.

Not to hi-jack this thread but why do gnomes have Bard as their favored class???

Gray Mouser

 

[drothgery]

Not to hi-jack this thread but why do gnomes have Bard as their favored class???

If I were to guess, probably because a trickster/tinkerer who knows a bit of magic (i.e. a bard) seems about right for stereotypical D&D gnomes, and because they understood that making a specialist the gnome's favored class was silly.

 

[fafhrd]

Not to hi-jack this thread but why do gnomes have Bard as their favored class???

Gray Mouser

They have that nice high pitch without all the messy and painful snipping.

 

[Akrasia]

If I were to guess, probably because a trickster/tinkerer who knows a bit of magic (i.e. a bard) seems about right for stereotypical D&D gnomes....

What does being a 'tinkerer' have to do with being a bard? And a 'trickster' is better represented by a rogue or illusionist. Bards tend to charm and inspire.

... and because they understood that making a specialist the gnome's favored class was silly.

Why?

 

[Tyler Do'Urden]

If I were to guess, probably because a trickster/tinkerer who knows a bit of magic (i.e. a bard) seems about right for stereotypical D&D gnomes, and because they understood that making a specialist the gnome's favored class was silly.

I still think the gnome got screwed in 3e/3.5... They should have had a +2 Int/-2 Wis rather than their current bonuses, and just should have had Wizard as a favored class outright (and the Elves could have had Ranger or Sorcerer, both of which seem to fit better than the technical, bookish Wizard...)

 

[Ruined]

One of the current PCs in my campaign is a halfling Wizard (Illusionist) 5 / Rogue 3 / Arcane Trickster 2. He's definitely enjoying the mix and making the most out of his illusions when possible.

 

[Gray Mouser]

If I were to guess, probably because a trickster/tinkerer who knows a bit of magic (i.e. a bard) seems about right for stereotypical D&D gnomes, and because they understood that making a specialist the gnome's favored class was silly.

Actually, since a stereotypical D&D Gnome began as being able to be an Illusionist and not a Bard I'd have to disagree with you.

Gray Mouser