So I have an idea for a character or NPC whose job is to defeat illusionists (and no this is not in response to a PC using illusions so no need to give me the spiel about good GMing).
All I can think of is detect magic (preferably permanent), high spellcraft/arcana, and a massive will save. Are there any classes, prestige classes, feats, or spells that would be good for this sort of character?
EDIT: Are there any deities that have truth or something similar in their portfolio?
A high Perception can't hurt. Nor could Sense Motive. Perception is good for noting details, like "Why aren't the goblins leaving footprints?" Sense Motive gives you hunches, which can also help, to the tune of "My gut is telling me there's something fishy going on here."
After that, you'll want true seeing for higher levels, possibly arcane sight at mid-levels.
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Illusions come in several flavors. Defeating all of them requires several distinct skills;
- Figments tend not to permit a saving throw unless you interact with them or question them. So, a clever illusionist creates illusions you don't want to interact with, and that you don't think to question.
The problem here is for your NPC to recognize that something is going on in the first place. Good Perception and Knowledges can help you notice details that aren't right; if you know more about dragons than the illusionist, you might notice that the illusory dragon isn't behaving like a real dragon would.
- Glamers These are kind of like figments. The two main glamers to worry about are Invisibility and Disguise Self/Other.
Ivisibility can't be disbelieved but See Invisibility, Invisibility Purge, Glitterdust and Faerie Fire are helpful.
Disguise spells allow a saving throw as soon as you interact with them, so make sure to shake everyone's hand.
- Phantasms These are dropped into a specific person's mind. If you're not the target, you can't see it happening. If you are the target, you certainly get a saving throw.
You could try to keep an eye on your allies, watch out if they start reacting to things that aren't there, and convince them that what they're seeing is fake; that way they can attempt renewed saving throws with the +4 bonus for someone telling you about the illusion. Sense Motive may be useful to monitor your allies.
- Patterns These are often combat effects that fascinate, stun or render people unconscious. In the case of fascination, it should be easy enough to snap your friends out of it. Just make sure you really understand the Fascinated condition.
- Shadows These spells are rather weird. They tend to offer saving throws without you having to take specific action for it. Even if you make the save they still sort of exist, so be prepared to counter conjuration, evocation and even enchantment magic.
True sight! How could I forget true sight?!
Thanks a lot you two.
EDIT: Good point about shadows. I forgot about all those amazing "Shadow X" spells.
Be a gnome; get a +2.
Try find a way to get Cha to Will saves. I also recommend Sorcerer so you can keep your anti-illusion spells as spells known rather than preparing them and not using them.
Or if you stick with Wisdom as a high stat, swap regular gnome magic for Fell Magic. You can play as a gnome outcast or cynic who just hates illusions with a passion.
high spellcraft/arcana, and a massive will save. Are there any classes, prestige classes, feats, or spells that would be good for this sort of character?Was practically made for this.
EDIT: Also can get True Seeing at 13 or higher.
EDIT: Are there any deities that have truth or something similar in their portfolio?
Maat, Eritrice, Zohls.
Sarenrae has Honesty, which is similar.Shizuru and Iomedae, alongside Sarenrae, have the Revelation subdomain for Sun, which appears ... at least parallel to what you want.
I also recommend Sorcerer so you can keep your anti-illusion spells as spells known rather than preparing them and not using them.
Yes. I'm debating between arcanist, wizard, and sorcerer currently. That's one of the factors that's really pushing me towards sorcerer.
Spellbreaker Inquisitor
Spellbreaker inquisitor is good too. Not sure if I want to go full caster or inquisitor now...
Maat, Eritrice, Zohls.
Maat and Zohls are perfect!
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This guy sounds like a real pain to hang out with. Basically a conspiracy theorist who insists on touching everything.
"Sure has been raining a lot lately."
"I don't know, HAS it!?"
He'd be real hit at parties that's for sure. Just walkin' around, awkwardly touching everyone...
One thing that sort of makes me want to go arcanist is counterspelling. The best way to beat an illusion is to make sure it never existed in the first place after all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRU4iZUsTY0
Just going to put this here. ^-^
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Something's not quite right...
Who goes there?!
Someone's been spending too much time in Suramar.
Anyone with Goggles of True Sight
Someone's been spending too much time in Suramar.
One can never spend too much time in Suramar.
Ohh, fancy goggles.
I chose an arcanist in part due to the Illusion Catcher exploit. It was exactly what I was looking for.