PrC for a Wizard Specialized in Illusions

[Master Thrower]

So I am starting a 5th level Campaign. To balance wizards out wizards are always specialized. I decided to go for Illusion for once as I usually do Conjuration. Because of limited sources I have only a couple of PrC that I am considering- Mage of the Arcane Order, Red Wizard, and Rainbow Servant.
what would be better and what feats should I take?

Books- DMG,PH,PLH, CW,CD,CA,CadV,LM,Drc
(Also no early entry stuff)

[Keld Denar]

Honestly, you aren't gonna find anything in your sources allowed that is Illusion specific. In fact, the only 4 PrCs I can think of that are Illusion Specific are Master Specialist, Shadowcraft Mage, Shadowcrafter, and Nightmare Spinner, none of which are in your allowed sources. That just leaves the generic wizard stuff.

A 1 level dip in Wayfarer Guide is pretty easy to swing in any build, and lets you take an extra passenger with you when you go.

I'm a huge fan of Divine Oracle. Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, and eventually an ability that amounts to Persistant Foresight is pretty sweet for any wizard. Never being surprised is really good, as it lets you get your immediate action defenses up in the first round of combat, a very useful thing indeed. It also has a d6 HD and 3/4 BAB, which helps if you shoot rays a lot.

If you only want to dip slightly into DO for evasion, you can transition into Loremaster easily. LM requires Skill Focus for any knowledge...DO requires Skill Focus in Knowledge Religion. Double dip! Loremaster gives you a bonus feat to get back the prereq for both of them. If you want to be REALLY sexy, visit the Frog God's Fane to get SF: Know(Religion) for the low low price of 2000g and keep BOTH feats for yourself!

Fatespinner is another low investment PrC good for 4 levels. The spin is useful when you REALLY want to succeed with the spell, and the forced rerolls are handy.

[navar100]

Must you have a prestige class? What's so terrible about staying wizard?

[Daftendirekt]

Yeah, the best Illusionist needs Races of Stone and/or Underdark. It gives you Shadowcrafter (Underdark) and Shadowcraft Mage (Races of Stone). They do pretty much the same thing, and they stack with each other. They make your illusion spells more real, particularly Shadow Evocation, Shadow Conjuration, and the "Image" line of spells.

BASICALLY, try and convince your DM to allow those books.

[TroubleBrewing]

You've already got Complete Arcane, see if he'll let you have Complete Mage. Master Specialist is truly stellar for Illusionists.

[Master Thrower]

Yeah, the best Illusionist needs Races of Stone and/or Underdark. It gives you Shadowcrafter (Underdark) and Shadowcraft Mage (Races of Stone). They do pretty much the same thing, and they stack with each other. They make your illusion spells more real, particularly Shadow Evocation, Shadow Conjuration, and the "Image" line of spells.

BASICALLY, try and convince your DM to allow those books.

its not a matter of convincing to mix things up we only allow certain source books for our campaign. Unfortunately no CM :smallfrown:

[yugi24862]

Well sorry, we cant help. As the others have said, the Prcs for a Illusionist are in CM, RoS and UD. Why cant you ask your DM to allow CM?

[Master Thrower]

Well sorry, we cant help. As the others have said, the Prcs for a Illusionist are in CM, RoS and UD. Why cant you ask your DM to allow CM?

I asked he said no. So should I bother with a PrC? because I could enter Divine Oracle, Rainbow Servant (Text over table), and mage of the arcane order. Mostly because the advance casting as they are all full casting PrC's.

[Keld Denar]

I'd go with Divine Oracle. As I mentioned, its pretty nice for a wizard. The d6 HD doesn't hurt, and the abilities at 2, 5, and 10 are pretty sexy. The 10th level ability is basically Foresight (a 9th level spell), except you can get it at level 15, and its ALWAYS active.

[yugi24862]

Yes, just pick one those to use. You've got some good options, just nothing for illusions.

[TroubleBrewing]

Yeah. No reason to stay straight wizard; go for something with actual class features, beyond bonus feats.