From: "Larry Hunsaker" Gnome Illusionist Description: The gnome illusionist is very much like any other illusionist with regard to the power he wields. The difference lies in the way a gnome illusionist sees his art. He sees it not as many other illusionists do, a way to power, but as a means to discover the hidden truth of life. Only special gnomes have what it takes to become illusionists. A 16 DEX and 16 WIS are the ability requirements, and a Lawful alignment the other requirement. The gnome illusionist's great focus on reality and truth is what actually makes them the greatest producers of deceit and illusion. They have such an innate grasp of life, and the fundamental truths of life that they can make their illusions very real. This focus on their art from a different vantage than traditional illusionists take, make these gnomes what they are. They study life, truth and purpose primarily, and this knowledge gives them their great skill in illusion. Whereas other illusionists study the art directly and focus on the imaginary, stealing from them the innate grasp of illusion the gnome illusionist has. Because of their study of wisdom, they are often the advisors of the gnomish kingdoms they live in. Indeed, it can be argued that the gnome illusionist is the only reason the gnomes still exist and even thrive today. Special Abilities: Gnome illusionists cast all illusion/phantasm spells as if they were specialized in them. Thus, they gain all the special bonuses for every such spell they use. This talent comes from their innate understanding of illusion and phantasm. Their other special ability comes from their deep focus on their art. Every spell they cast of their illusion/phantasm school is treated as if it were 1 spell level higher than it actually is. This does not alter the actual spell in any way, it just causes the spell to be treated as if 1 spell level higher. Thus, a minor globe of invulnerability normally blocks 3rd level spells or less, but a 3rd level illusion cast by a gnome illusionist is treated as a 4th level spell, so it would pass through the globe unblocked. Also, high INT scores give immunity to illusions of a certain level or less. A 25 INT gives immunity to 7th level illusions or less, but a 7th level illusion cast by a gnome illusionist acts like an 8th level illusion, so such INT would not grant immunity to it. The final special talent these gnomes have is their amazing insight. If they give enough study to a particular problem, they can determine the best path to choose. This ability is similar to the commune spell, except the knowledge gained is not restricted to yes/no only. This knowledge comes only after much thought and research, typically 1 month for events that will effect a group of people. The larger the group the decision effects, the more time needed to think and study. Times in years can be required for truly major decisions. Often this knowledge will be a blessing only in the long term. The gnome may never see the benefit in his generation, but generations to follow will be those who reap the blessings. In fact, many times following the advice produces more turmoil in the short term, the necessary price to pay for long term blessing. This effect will sometimes cause a gnome civilization to abandon the advice and go their own way. Only a very lucky few of these civilizations manage to survive. This is how important these gnomes are to the race as a whole. Disadvantages: The gnome illusionist takes some penalties from his devotion to wisdom and illusion. These gnomes do not have only necromancy as an opposition school as normal illusionists have. The normal illusionist has necromancy as opposition with invocation/evocation and abjuration as minor schools. The gnome has all three as opposition schools. In addition, he only gets divination and conjuration/summoning schools as minor schools. Also, their often blunt way of expressing themselves offends others at times. They tell the truth, but in a very insensitive way at times. They receive a -2 reaction to those who don't know them personally, not understanding their blunt way of speaking.