Use Your Illusionist

ILLUSIONIST (#12/30, #164/365) [POT]

SKILL: 8

STAMINA: 11

ATTACKS: 1

WEAPON: Dagger

ARMOUR: None

DAMAGE MODIFIER: None

HABITAT: Towns, Dungeons, Ruins, Caves, Forests

NUMBER ENCOUNTERED: 1

TYPE: Humanoid

REACTION: Neutral

INTELLIGENCE: High

Illusionism is another popular variant of Wizardry, and the art of casting convincing illusions and other magical mirages, with which to trick and deceive those who witness them. Illusionism is the magic of deception, the arcane art of making things appear differently to what they really are, and as an offshoot of Wizardry, it shares many similar spells.

The average Illusionist has a MAGIC score of 5-7, a Magic-Illusionism Magic Special Skill of 1-3 (with 12-20 Magic Points worth of Illusionist spells), and a Magic-Minor Magic Special Skill of 1-3 (with 3-9 cantrips). They are considered to be a Rich Humanoid on the Creature Treasure table (see Encyclopedia Arcana: Volume 1, p. 30), but will have little in the way of possessions other than their spellbook, robes, and a trusty sharp dagger hidden somewhere about their person.

There is lively debate as to Illusionism’s origins for Gnomes claim they created it, exposed as they were to the magnificence of Tela Oriens the Elven White Lord who dwelt at the heart of the One Forest. Others state it was properly developed by a companion (who the Gnomes claim was one of them working with older lore) of Erridansis Whitewolf, at his original School of Magic within the Forest of Yore.

Whichever of these tales is correct, it is certain that Gnomes do know some Illusionist magic, and what they know they are very proficient in. They will soon give a demonstration of it to anyone who approaches them aggressively, for they use it to ensure that they are not disturbed!

 

However, from the School of Magic of Erridansis Whitewolf, it spread widely, and Illusionism today can be found everywhere, though not always under the best of circumstances. For Illusionists seek to deceive, which is not always a positive thing, and its practice is often frowned upon by the general populace.

 

Senyakaz of Zagoula, hidden usurper of Neuberg is one such example of a nefarious Illusionist, while dread Mordraneth and his nascent Empire of Illusions is unfortunately another. Yet more troublemakers include Yorgar of the Crystal Caves, and the trickster Renfren of Kakhabad. There are Illusionist Heroes too however, probably the most famous of which are Elselvier Gringlewald (see Citadel of Chaos, pp. 119-120) and Jalen Umbersmoke of Kazan (see Heroes of Titan, p. 49).