Living the Lie: The Philosophical Illusionist

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

So, I saw "The Prestige" a while ago, and I've been wanting to make my gnome illusionist a bit more like the magicians in that movie (without giving anything away, although I expect the movie will get spoiled pretty badly in this thread, and it's an AWESOME twist at the end) and really commit to being an illusionist in all aspects of life.

Next level, he's picking up Bluff and Sleight of Hand (I'm kicking myself for not starting off with those), but am looking for advice on ways to incorporate deception and illusion into everyday life and mannerisms for him, bearing in mind he's only level 1 at this point.

 

[DJCupboard]

He could affect mannerisms and body language implicative of some form of physical handicap that he does not actually have. Being underestimated is a good way to get away with alot. Similarly he may want to come accross as more wide-eyed and naive than he actually is.

 

[SteelDraco]

Never tell anyone the entire truth, about anything. After all, deception is a skill, and like any other skill, it must be practiced. Even your best friends shouldn't be entirely sure about what's true and what isn't. But don't make it hurtful lies, or something that's going to get you into trouble - that will just lead to problems. Just don't tell them the truth.

Honestly, if you've seen Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, act like Garak. He's a "plain, simple tailor" who turns out to be one of the finest spies in one of the best intelligence agencies in the series. Even his best friend in the show doesn't really know his whole story until near the end.

If you can get a Hat of Disguise, do so. Cultivate multiple identities, and spend enough time in each of them to give them some reality. Develop friendships, business partners, the whole deal. You'll just have to give some reason as to why you're not around all the time.

Unverifiable facts are your friend. If people see holes in your story, they'll tear it apart, but if they never get enough details to see those holes, it'll work better.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

You're a gnome illusionist, but your party thinks you're a half-elf fighter. Enjoy.

 

[Particle_Man]

Not sure if you have already made the character, but have you considered the Beguiler from PHB II? Seems to be tailor made for deception of the type you seek.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Max out your disguise skill levels.

Invest money in a big robe & stilts so they think you're a short old human spellcaster as opposed to a youngish gnome...

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Being underestimated is a good way to get away with alot. Similarly he may want to come accross as more wide-eyed and naive than he actually is.

Mwah ha ha, WAAAAY ahead of you there. When the Ptolus: The Tenth Precinct story hour goes up at some point, remember this suggestion of yours.

 

[Graf]

It really depends on the group. If you can get time with the DM to develop this it'll work well. Otherwise you'll have issues as you try to run around by yourself (making other players sit around and wait) and deceive the other players characters (and or the players themselves).

When you do these things you need to ask yourself "Is this the right game and situation to be doing this?"

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

It's a pbp game. ALL the time in the world for stuff like this.

 

[Byrons_Ghost]

One thing to consider about this is the character's motivations for acting the way he does. Even though the movie presented this as a philosophy, each of the characters which lived this way had definite, concrete reasons for doing so. For the Chinese magician, it was part of his act- he was constantly supporting the one trick for which he was famous. And the two main characters both had personal and family reasons for keeping their secrets hidden.

The skills etc listed above are good starting points. The next question should be what it is that your character needs to hide from those around him, and that should give a fairly good idea of how he needs to act and what tricks he needs to pull.