3.5 Illusionist Build

[quillnink]

I need build help for an Illusionist in D&D 3.5.
This is my second time DM-ing and first time using 3.5 to DM in.
I am looking for build suggestions up to 20th level.
Race will probably be human (suggestions for this are welcome too).

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

You need Shadowcraft Mage (RoS) to make a powerful illusionist, and you need to be a Gnome of some kind for that. I wouldn't go with any Gnome subrace that loses the Illusion DC bonus.

Wizard 3, Chains of Disbelief and Shadow Shaper (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/specialistWizardVariants.htm#illusionistVariants). Also get Illusion Mastery (with Focused Specialist) if it can be a substitute for Spell Mastery to take Signature Spell (PGtF).

Master Specialist 4 (CM), that +2 DC to anything with Will Disbelief applies to shadow evocation/conjuration and anything that emulates those.

Shadowcraft Mage 5 (RoS), take it earlier if possible. With Signature Spell: Silent Image and Heighten Spell you'll be able to spontaneously convert any prepared spell into a shadow illusion. Get Earth Spell (RoS) for a huge caster level bonus and be able to emulate a spell of the same level as the converted spell. Keep in mind that (Greater) Spell Focus: Illusion and Minor School Esoterica applies to these, both the disbelief save and the save for the spell emulated.

Shadowcrafter 8 (Und) is pretty good for finishing out the build, it gives +20% reality for emulating evocations and conjurations, plus (Greater) Spell Penetration for illusion spells.

Shadow Adept 1 (PGtF) is popular at some point in the build if you're using the Shadow Weave mechanic. If you use early qualification shenanigans you can go Wizard 2/ Master Specialist 3/ Shadowcraft Mage 5/ Master Specialist 1/ Shadow Adept 1/ Shadowcrafter 8. That requires two flaws and yet another extra feat by 2nd level for Earth Sense, Heighten Spell, Earth Spell, and Spell Focus: Illusion. Moderate Taint from Heroes of Horror can get you an extra feat at any level.

Required feats: Spell Focus: Illusion, Heighten Spell, Earth Sense, Earth Spell, Residual Magic (CM).
Required if available feats: Signature Spell: Silent Image, Enhanced Shadow Reality.
Optional feats: Shadow Weave Magic, Ability Focus: Silent Image, Item Familiar, Obtain Familiar, Improved Familiar (Imp or Quasit).

[Spuddles]

You need Shadowcraft Mage (RoS) to make a powerful illusionist, and you need to be a Gnome of some kind for that. I wouldn't go with any Gnome subrace that loses the Illusion DC bonus.

Wizard 3, Chains of Disbelief and Shadow Shaper (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/specialistWizardVariants.htm#illusionistVariants). Also get Illusion Mastery (with Focused Specialist) if it can be a substitute for Spell Mastery to take Signature Spell (PGtF).

Master Specialist 4 (CM), that +2 DC to anything with Will Disbelief applies to shadow evocation/conjuration and anything that emulates those.

Shadowcraft Mage 5 (RoS), take it earlier if possible. With Signature Spell: Silent Image and Heighten Spell you'll be able to spontaneously convert any prepared spell into a shadow illusion. Get Earth Spell (RoS) for a huge caster level bonus and be able to emulate a spell of the same level as the converted spell. Keep in mind that (Greater) Spell Focus: Illusion and Minor School Esoterica applies to these, both the disbelief save and the save for the spell emulated.

Shadowcrafter 8 (Und) is pretty good for finishing out the build, it gives +20% reality for emulating evocations and conjurations, plus (Greater) Spell Penetration for illusion spells.

Shadow Adept 1 (PGtF) is popular at some point in the build if you're using the Shadow Weave mechanic. If you use early qualification shenanigans you can go Wizard 2/ Master Specialist 3/ Shadowcraft Mage 5/ Master Specialist 1/ Shadow Adept 1/ Shadowcrafter 8. That requires two flaws and yet another extra feat by 2nd level for Earth Sense, Heighten Spell, Earth Spell, and Spell Focus: Illusion. Moderate Taint from Heroes of Horror can get you an extra feat at any level.

Required feats: Spell Focus: Illusion, Heighten Spell, Earth Sense, Earth Spell, Residual Magic (CM).
Required if available feats: Signature Spell: Silent Image, Enhanced Shadow Reality.
Optional feats: Shadow Weave Magic, Ability Focus: Silent Image, Item Familiar, Obtain Familiar, Improved Familiar (Imp or Quasit).

I would hate to DM for that, especially if it was my second time DMing.