My current campaign just started, and it quickly became apparent that we have no rogues in the group, or even anyone that knows how to pick a lock. Currently, our paladin and our barbarian is taking the lead on opening doors in the not-so-subtle way you'd expect. So far this hasn't caused much problems, but I think we can all see a point when it would. I'm currently a second level illusionist, but I was considering taking a level in Rogue, or possibly 3 or 4 to pick up the Arcane Trickster (3 to get the subclass, 4 if I decide to not waste the ability score bonus.)
My problem is that this feels like it puts me WAY behind in spellcasting. Is it worth it? Should I just forget about it and let the first person to die bring in a rogue instead, (whenever that happens?) I don't expect the campaign to go beyond the 10-15 level range, so end game spells or abilities probably won't come into play.
If you're mostly just about getting through a locked door without breaking it, spells like Knock, Dimension Door, Passwall and such will serve you better than a multiclass.
Taking a single level of multiclass will remove: 1 7th level spell slot, 4 spells you dont have to pay for, and Signature Spells that let you cast 2 3rd level spells once per day for free. 2 levels of multiclass lose you the above plus: 1 ASI, 4 more free spells. 3 levels of multiclass loses you the above plus Spell Mastery which let you choose a 1st level spell and 2nd level spell you can cast at-will (hello infinite Shield for +5 AC every round plus infinite misty stepping).
Another multiclass beyond that and you lose 9th level spell slot. Given the versatility of Wish or crowd damage of Meteor Swarm this is a massive loss.
Not worth at all, in my opinion. If you need to break in stealthily just use Silence and Knock. Much better than multiclassing and technically more effective than lockpicking. If time is not an issue Silence can even be used as a ritual so you'd only use the one spell slot for Knock. Lets not forget you can even make Knock Scrolls to use it without using spell slots.
I agree completely! Your illusionist can pick up spells to fill the rogue’s role. Don’t forget about Mage Hand to open those trapped doors from 30’ away either.
I would concur with the above posters as well, for the same reasons. You know, as an alternative, you could always take the Skilled feat to gain proficiency in thieves' tools and two other sneaky skills. As an illusionist, two of Deception, Sleight of Hand or Stealth would fit nicely.
Use your familiar. Dismiss it and re-summon it on the other side of a closed or locked door. :)
This works brilliant with Misty Step.
Find Familiar summoning from the pocket dimension is literally anwyhere within 30 ft that is unoccupied. You do not need to see the space. Misty Step is 30 ft but requires you to see the space but nothing stops you from looking through your familiar's eyes to target a space you normally could not see. This could also help you Misty Step to freedom silently if you're bound and blindfolded. It's a great combo.
Agree with everyone so far just pick up a few spells like knock, find familiar (you should have this already as find familiar is a 3rd level spell and a class feature masquerading as a first level spell) and mage hand.
Simply put for all the sneaky things a rogue does other classes can do ( shadow sorcerers, way of the shadow monks, any wizard with the right spells, hunters )
The skills are attainable from backgrounds or feats. So while a rogue can be nice to have it certainly isn't necessary.
I've found in 5th that you can have a party of almost any make up and have it work.
I have found that in 5e, there is little reason to multiclass. min/maxers do it a bit, roleplayers do it if the story matches. but generally it is a net loss to get something that often could have been attained or approximated in other ways, as is the case here.
Personally I think the best Multiclass for an Illusionist is Warlock.
You only need 2 levels of it, then go back to Wizard. 2 lvls of Warlock gives you 2 Innvocations and you want Misty Visions which lets you cast Silent Image at will! You can also get Mask of Many Faces to get Disguise Self at will, but I would do this for an Arcane Trickster over an Illusionist.
This will also give you 2 more cantrips (pick utility because I assume your Charisma isn't amazing), 3 spells know, and 2 Short Rest spells.
I am not sure misty visions is the most effective choice. an illusionist gets improved minor illusion malleable illusion, which to me, it seems like silent image isn't too useful considering the great invocations available.
The makpr advantage of Silent Image over Minor Image is the size of the illusion. I like using minor illusion on my gnome illusionist to create the illusion of garbage cans to hide me when skulking alleys. With a half elf you can do this, but you need to crouch which the DM for that campaign classifies as being prone . . .
As an illusionist I have both. The characters is Wizard (3rd Illusion) / Warlock (2nd - Hexblade) with Agonizing Blast & Misty Visions.
Hexblade grants be Studded Leather, shield, and I can use my CHA for my melee weapon Quarterstaff.
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Watch your back, conserve your ammo, and NEVER cut a deal with a dragon!
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My current campaign just started, and it quickly became apparent that we have no rogues in the group, or even anyone that knows how to pick a lock. Currently, our paladin and our barbarian is taking the lead on opening doors in the not-so-subtle way you'd expect. So far this hasn't caused much problems, but I think we can all see a point when it would. I'm currently a second level illusionist, but I was considering taking a level in Rogue, or possibly 3 or 4 to pick up the Arcane Trickster (3 to get the subclass, 4 if I decide to not waste the ability score bonus.)
My problem is that this feels like it puts me WAY behind in spellcasting. Is it worth it? Should I just forget about it and let the first person to die bring in a rogue instead, (whenever that happens?) I don't expect the campaign to go beyond the 10-15 level range, so end game spells or abilities probably won't come into play.
If you're mostly just about getting through a locked door without breaking it, spells like Knock, Dimension Door, Passwall and such will serve you better than a multiclass.
Taking a single level of multiclass will remove: 1 7th level spell slot, 4 spells you dont have to pay for, and Signature Spells that let you cast 2 3rd level spells once per day for free. 2 levels of multiclass lose you the above plus: 1 ASI, 4 more free spells. 3 levels of multiclass loses you the above plus Spell Mastery which let you choose a 1st level spell and 2nd level spell you can cast at-will (hello infinite Shield for +5 AC every round plus infinite misty stepping).
Another multiclass beyond that and you lose 9th level spell slot. Given the versatility of Wish or crowd damage of Meteor Swarm this is a massive loss.
Not worth at all, in my opinion. If you need to break in stealthily just use Silence and Knock. Much better than multiclassing and technically more effective than lockpicking. If time is not an issue Silence can even be used as a ritual so you'd only use the one spell slot for Knock. Lets not forget you can even make Knock Scrolls to use it without using spell slots.
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I agree completely! Your illusionist can pick up spells to fill the rogue’s role. Don’t forget about Mage Hand to open those trapped doors from 30’ away either.
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I would concur with the above posters as well, for the same reasons. You know, as an alternative, you could always take the Skilled feat to gain proficiency in thieves' tools and two other sneaky skills. As an illusionist, two of Deception, Sleight of Hand or Stealth would fit nicely.
USE YOUR ILLUSION, I AND II
Jesus Saves!... Everyone else takes damage.
Use your familiar. Dismiss it and re-summon it on the other side of a closed or locked door. :)
Watch your back, conserve your ammo,
and NEVER cut a deal with a dragon!
This works brilliant with Misty Step.
Find Familiar summoning from the pocket dimension is literally anwyhere within 30 ft that is unoccupied. You do not need to see the space. Misty Step is 30 ft but requires you to see the space but nothing stops you from looking through your familiar's eyes to target a space you normally could not see. This could also help you Misty Step to freedom silently if you're bound and blindfolded. It's a great combo.
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Spells | Magic Items | Feats
Need help with Homebrew? Check out this FAQ/Guide thread by IamSposta
See My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond
Agree with everyone so far just pick up a few spells like knock, find familiar (you should have this already as find familiar is a 3rd level spell and a class feature masquerading as a first level spell) and mage hand.
Simply put for all the sneaky things a rogue does other classes can do ( shadow sorcerers, way of the shadow monks, any wizard with the right spells, hunters )
The skills are attainable from backgrounds or feats. So while a rogue can be nice to have it certainly isn't necessary.
I've found in 5th that you can have a party of almost any make up and have it work.
I have found that in 5e, there is little reason to multiclass. min/maxers do it a bit, roleplayers do it if the story matches. but generally it is a net loss to get something that often could have been attained or approximated in other ways, as is the case here.
Jesus Saves!... Everyone else takes damage.
Personally I think the best Multiclass for an Illusionist is Warlock.
You only need 2 levels of it, then go back to Wizard. 2 lvls of Warlock gives you 2 Innvocations and you want Misty Visions which lets you cast Silent Image at will!
You can also get Mask of Many Faces to get Disguise Self at will, but I would do this for an Arcane Trickster over an Illusionist.
This will also give you 2 more cantrips (pick utility because I assume your Charisma isn't amazing), 3 spells know, and 2 Short Rest spells.
I am not sure misty visions is the most effective choice. an illusionist gets improved minor illusion malleable illusion, which to me, it seems like silent image isn't too useful considering the great invocations available.
Jesus Saves!... Everyone else takes damage.
The makpr advantage of Silent Image over Minor Image is the size of the illusion. I like using minor illusion on my gnome illusionist to create the illusion of garbage cans to hide me when skulking alleys. With a half elf you can do this, but you need to crouch which the DM for that campaign classifies as being prone . . .
As an illusionist I have both. The characters is Wizard (3rd Illusion) / Warlock (2nd - Hexblade) with Agonizing Blast & Misty Visions.
Hexblade grants be Studded Leather, shield, and I can use my CHA for my melee weapon Quarterstaff.
Watch your back, conserve your ammo,
and NEVER cut a deal with a dragon!