| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
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| #1TheJester1994Jul 03, 2015 2:22:11 | Hello. I'm currently rocking a level seven Forest Gnome Wizard. I chose the Illusionist archetype because I thought was rather flavorful for my tricksy (not malevolent) spellflinger. I'm hungry for suggestions and advice for my illusionary prowess, keeping in mind features such as "Improved Minor Illusion" and "Malleable Illusions."
Actually, that brings me to an interesting question. The feature "Malleable Illusions" allows me to change the nature of an illusion that lasts for a minute or more. It still has to follow the original parameters for the spell, and I have to be able to see it. However, what does "change the nature" actually mean in mechanical terms? It seems unclear to me.
The core reason for this thread is that I'm looking for suggestions on how to effectively use my illusion spells in tandem with my archetype to the best benefit of my party. It doesn't seem (on the surface) super combat effective. Which is why I need help.
Here's a list of spells that involves illusions that I'd like suggestions for:
Thank you all for your help! I hope we can come up with some ideas that will make my Gnome Illusionist combat effective, and not just flavorful and socially useful. |
| #2Danny_MontannyJul 03, 2015 5:16:12 | The thing with Illusions is that they're not what you'd normally call combat spells, except the Phantasmal ones.
The thing you can do is potentially confuse the enemy which might give your side an advantage. This of course needs a DM that can adjudicate your actions properly. Remember that your actions need a goal and and an approach. "I'm going to try and get the goblin archers to stop fighting by creating an illusion of a goblin chief telling them to stop." Goal: get the goblins to stop fighting. Approach: cast Major Image.
You can drastically alter the terrain of the battle which might give your comrades enough time to slay their immediate foes before the others see through your illusion. Battle isn't won by DPR, it's won by sound teamwork tactic.
Remember, it's a world of Magic. An illusion is just as likely as the real thing to happen. I suggest you use your illusions to mimic other spells. You might not be able to conjure 4 Fire Elementals, but the enemy doesn't know that! |
| #3Treantmonklvl20Jul 03, 2015 12:01:01 | Malleable illusions is quite good. Here's how it works:
Let's say you cast a silent image spell. You make an illusionary wall to divide the enemies. Enemy set #1 is defeated and the wall isn't doing you any good anymore. Now you decide you want your illusion to be an Ogre, ready to smash in the heads of one of the enemies (and hopefully draw his attack). Most Wizards would need to cast the spell again, but as an illusionist you can "reset" your existing silent image spell, removing the wall and creating the ogre (at the cost of one action).
Keep in mind that the duration does not reset, you are still limited to the duration of the spell from the original casting.
If you like illusions (especially if you like using them in combat), you will get lots of miliage from Malleable Illusions - it will save you several spell slots!
It is definitely a selling point of the illusion tradition, but just wait until Illusory Reality! Then that Wall you created with silent image can be made real with a bonus action...in other words - for other wizards, using a wall of stone in combat requires a high level slot and concentration - but for an illusionist with illusory reality, it requires a first level slot and a bonus action.
The biggest use I've seen for Improved Minor Illusion is creating images of "wax statues" of creatures ready to attack, and add the sound of them shouting a war cry or some such thing to add to the credibility. Otherwise, every use is pretty circumstantial.
hope that helps |
| #4TheJester1994Jul 03, 2015 14:52:23 | Thank you both for the clarification! I hope to have a lot of fun today putting some of this knowledge to work. If anyone else has an suggestions, advice, or tips concerning Illusionary magic than do let me know. I just hope my party won't think I'm useless when I'm not casting Fireballs and Lightning Bolts every other round...
EDIT: Oh. I had another question! The PHB doesn't specify any specific crafting guidelines, but I've heard it said the DMG outlines crafting as a downtime activity that can be done. Additionally, can Wizards craft magical items, given time and resources? How have DM's/Players dealt with crafting in their games before? Can my Tinker Gnome Illusionist craft magical bits for the party!? Yes please. |
| #5Treantmonklvl20Jul 03, 2015 16:21:34 |
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| #6TheJester1994Jul 03, 2015 18:11:39 | That was helpful. An interesting late campaign question would be the uses of Illusory Reality with Mirage Arcane... Dear god. |