for someone who wants a character that uses primarily Illusion & Enchantment magic, would it be better to go Wizard, sorcerer, Bard or Arcane Trickster?
Any advice on race would be welcome.
Race wise our DM is allowing any race as long as it is in a published D&D book.
In my opinion they all have good things that are great. I’d pick the one that has the flavor that you like the most. I’d probably avoid the Arcane Trickster because they’re not very good at spell casting compared to the other classes, but that’s because I love playing spell casters.
Bards have a LOT of enchantements and a reasonable amount of illusions. They are short Necromancy, Conjuration and Abjuration. But the real key is Magical Secrets, which lets you get ANY spell you like. The two skills that focus on enchantment like ideas are Whispers and Glamour. While they are not the best bard sub classes, they focus on what you are interested in, and to be honest, there is no bad bard sub-class.
Wizards have the highest number of spells, but you won't be able to steal the best from other classes - no Magical Secrets. The abilities for the schools of Illusion and Enchantment are not the best, but they are focused on what you are looking for.
Sorcerer is a primary spellcaster, but the class itself is short enchantement and illusions. You would need to make it up with your subclass, such as Abberant Mind. An acceptable choice, but not as nice as Wizard or Bard in my opinion, at least for what you desire.
Warlocks and Arcane Tricksters are not primary spellcasters. They are more of a half-caster class that has lots of other abilities. Arcane Tricksters have skills and sneak attack, while Warlocks have invocations and patron abilities.
I think Bard is most likely to make you happy, but Wizard in either Enchantment or Illusion could come close.
Personally, I'd narrow it down to Wizard, Bard, or Warlock.
Wizard has the most extensive list of illusion/enchantment spells and can learn the most. They also have the illusion/enchantment schools, for whichever you want to focus on.
Bard has some subclasses that can add mechanical benefits to the core concept. They actually have a smaller selection of illusion/enchantment spells, but magical secrets can help grab great ones from other classes. I recommend the Eloquence or Glamour colleges.
Warlock is technically a half-caster with a smaller illusion/enchantment spell list. However, they have invocations that can fill those gaps. The main two are Misty Visions, which lets you cast Silent Image at will, and Mask of Many Faces, which lets you cast Disguise Self at will. For patrons, I would recommend the Archfey or maybe even the Great Old One.
I'd recommend going for Enchantment Wizard as the class. I personally find Illusion more fun to focus on, but Enchantment Wizard gets some really nice subclass features that I think outdo Illusionist features. In particular, the 10th level Split Enchantment feature is a great way to make your enchantment spells even more versatile, since at zero resource cost an enchantment spell can target two creatures simultaneously.
I think if you want to double-down on the idea of being a tricky character, the best race to play is a Changeling. Save yourself a spell slot on Disguise Self and just shape shift into new forms as the situation demands. Try and find a magic item that can alter its form... or even just its color and it can really help you to vanish into a crowd or trick your way into a dangerous situation.
For race/species, some good options not yet mentioned on this thread are Firbolgs, Kenku, and Githzerai...assuming your DM let's you use Tasha's rules for starting character stats.
Firbolgs get you a free 1/long rest casting of Disguise Self, Detect Magic, and Invisibility. Plus, you can talk to beasts and plants without limit. These can can help you make your illusions more realistic.
Kenku - While you don't get innate spellcasting with this option, you can perfectly mimic any sound you've heard before. That's a major plus a for character who frequently uses Minor Illusion and Silent Image. They also get Deception, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand as skills. If you want a mind mage who can be sneaky and steal/replace objects at opportune times, this is a good choice.
Githzerai - If you want a more defensively-oriented manipulator of perception, Githzerai are great. Detect Thoughts and Shield for free 1/long rest. Advantage against being Charmed or Frightened conditions. At will invisible Mage Hand. Mischief is practically baked in.
Warlock is technically a half-caster with a smaller illusion/enchantment spell list. However, they have invocations that can fill those gaps. The main two are Misty Visions, which lets you cast Silent Image at will, and Mask of Many Faces, which lets you cast Disguise Self at will. For patrons, I would recommend the Archfey or maybe even the Great Old One.
I know WotC are moving away from short rest features but when bid warlocks become half casters? Some of the invocations only give to an extra spell known. Classes like paladin and ranger are known as half casters because they get more an upgrade to their spell slots every other level so for example they are level 9 before they get 3rd level spells compared with full casters being able to cast them at level 5.
Warlocks are a bit different because they have less spells but they are all at the most powerful level and they recover on a short rest.
They are only directly comparable with (other(?) full casters at level 1 and 2. Ignoreing features and magic items that allow spell recoverey At level 1 warlocks have 1 spell per short rest and the rest have 2 per long rest, at level 2 warlocks have 2 per short rest compared to 3 per long rest. As long as the party are getting short rests the warlock is getting at least as many spells per day probably more but they are less flexible (you can't keep them all for a single boss fight)
To look at a bit higher up lets compare them at level 5. A warlock has 2 3rd level spells per short rest whele traditional full casters have 4 1st level, 3 2nd level and 2 3rd level. If the party have 2 short rests per day a warlock gets 6 spells per day compares to a 9 from traditional classes but they are all at the highest level. A lot of the invocations do things that a traditional full caster would do with low level spells, either cast at will low level spells with little use in combat (e.g. mask of many faces) or make your eldritch blast more powerful so it is comparable with a low level in combat spell. (e.g .agonising blast).
I do however agree with two face tony that the best options for a "mind mage" are wizard, bard or warlock. One issue with the warlock is they, like sorcerers, only have a few spells known, the list is increased by those you get from the sub class so if you go warlock you really want ot go Archfey for the enchantment / illusions spells you get from that. For Bard you could pretty much go any subclass and while you could for wizard as well it probably makes sense to go school of enchantment or illusion.
I was probably wrong in calling warlocks "technically a half caster", but I definitely wouldn't consider them a full caster. They seem closer to half-casters because they often play similar to other half-casters. They use their eldritch blast for most attacks (in the same way other classes attack with a melee or ranged weapon) and occasionally throw out big spells to potentially take control of a situation. Perhaps instead of a half-caster, they're like an arcane martial class, a martial caster? They feel like someone wanted to mix a martial and caster class without making a half caster.
Warlocks are 'full casters', but they are NOT primary casters. They are about invocations, not spells. They are not really mages per say, but more like a monster that casts.
If you want to think of them as being mind mages, then you need to list the invocations that are worth it, because the small number of spells is not.
So here are the Enchantment/Illusions type effects:
Chains of Carceri
Beguiling Influence
Bewitching Whispers
Cloak of Flies
Dreadful World
Mask of Many Faces
Misty Visions
One with Shadows
Shroud of Shadow
Thief of Five Fates
10 Invocations, several of them are crappy 1/day spells.
Several 1st and 2nd level illusion spells at will, and an at will version of Hold Monster that only works on extraplanars. I can't see building a good Enchantment/Illusion magic type using these.
I was probably wrong in calling warlocks "technically a half caster", but I definitely wouldn't consider them a full caster. They seem closer to half-casters because they often play similar to other half-casters. They use their eldritch blast for most attacks (in the same way other classes attack with a melee or ranged weapon) and occasionally throw out big spells to potentially take control of a situation. Perhaps instead of a half-caster, they're like an arcane martial class, a martial caster? They feel like someone wanted to mix a martial and caster class without making a half caster.
That is very dependent on how frequently you get short rests.
Yes most warlocks on their turn has a choice of casting a high level spell or a cantrip (usually eldritch blast). A hexblade mght make a weapon attack instead of eldritch blast.
Many traditional full caster has the choice of casting a levelled spell or a cantrip on their turn, a cleric might use toll the dead most of the time a wizard might use firebolt. They might have a couple of options two deal with resistances and immunities. Some ("martial" clerics, sword and valour bards, bladesingers) might replace a cantrip with a weapon attack.
A half caster has a few low level spells but they are also strong in martial combat (though not as stron as the full martial classes).
The only differences between a traditional full caster and a warlock then is how frequently they can potentially cast levelled spells and the fact that a warlock can not cast low level spells. The DMG suggests a typical adventuring day consists of 6-8 encounters with a couple of short rests. Going with 6 encounters with 2 short rests a warlock between levels 2 and 10 (where most compaigns lie) can cast one spell per encounter. A traditional full cast can cast an average of 0.5 spells per encounter at level 2 increasing 1 at level 3 then gradually increasing ot to 1.7 at level 10. So while a warlock can cast less levelled spells that other casters from level 4 onwards they are all at the highest possible level. As level 5 for example you can probably do more with 6 3rd level spells than 4 first level, 3 second level and 2 third level.
Half casters are the exact opposite to warlocks, they have the low level spells warlocks lack but none of the higher level spells, and only artificers have any cantrips.
OK I admit the way the game has developed in practice most adventuring days have less than 6 encounters and may not have 2 short rests, so in practise it might not be as good as that but eldritch blast being the most powerful cantrip in the game makes up for the lack of levelled spell power if you are only getting 1 short rest.
If however a "typical campaign day" consists of a single mega combat warlocks are not half casters they are just weak casters. Where the Wizard / Cleric / Sorcerer / Bard / Druid can use high level spells every round, and use the low level slots with their reaction for things like shield or silvery barbs (as well as a few high level counterspells) the warlock will only be able ot cast 2 spells during the entire combat. While eldritch blast is good it will never keep up with the damage of a simialtr level martial class.
You say eldritch blast is similar to a martial attack mechanically it might be similar to a (range) weapon attack but the same also applies to something like firebolt, and is toll the dead that much different because it requires a save from the enemy rather than a roll against their AC?
Unless you expect to go 10th level and beyond, Bard with the Subtle Spell metamagic is probably the best if you want good mileage from using Charm spells. This is because you need a high Charisma to reliably convince a "friendly acquaintance" to do favors for you. As a Bard you can be really good at Persuasion and Deception without expending limited resources.
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for someone who wants a character that uses primarily Illusion & Enchantment magic, would it be better to go Wizard, sorcerer, Bard or Arcane Trickster?
Any advice on race would be welcome.
Race wise our DM is allowing any race as long as it is in a published D&D book.
Another option is an Archfey Warlock.
In my opinion they all have good things that are great. I’d pick the one that has the flavor that you like the most. I’d probably avoid the Arcane Trickster because they’re not very good at spell casting compared to the other classes, but that’s because I love playing spell casters.
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Bards have a LOT of enchantements and a reasonable amount of illusions. They are short Necromancy, Conjuration and Abjuration. But the real key is Magical Secrets, which lets you get ANY spell you like. The two skills that focus on enchantment like ideas are Whispers and Glamour. While they are not the best bard sub classes, they focus on what you are interested in, and to be honest, there is no bad bard sub-class.
Wizards have the highest number of spells, but you won't be able to steal the best from other classes - no Magical Secrets. The abilities for the schools of Illusion and Enchantment are not the best, but they are focused on what you are looking for.
Sorcerer is a primary spellcaster, but the class itself is short enchantement and illusions. You would need to make it up with your subclass, such as Abberant Mind. An acceptable choice, but not as nice as Wizard or Bard in my opinion, at least for what you desire.
Warlocks and Arcane Tricksters are not primary spellcasters. They are more of a half-caster class that has lots of other abilities. Arcane Tricksters have skills and sneak attack, while Warlocks have invocations and patron abilities.
I think Bard is most likely to make you happy, but Wizard in either Enchantment or Illusion could come close.
Gnome illusionist. You just can’t beat the classics.
Personally, I'd narrow it down to Wizard, Bard, or Warlock.
Wizard has the most extensive list of illusion/enchantment spells and can learn the most. They also have the illusion/enchantment schools, for whichever you want to focus on.
Bard has some subclasses that can add mechanical benefits to the core concept. They actually have a smaller selection of illusion/enchantment spells, but magical secrets can help grab great ones from other classes. I recommend the Eloquence or Glamour colleges.
Warlock is technically a half-caster with a smaller illusion/enchantment spell list. However, they have invocations that can fill those gaps. The main two are Misty Visions, which lets you cast Silent Image at will, and Mask of Many Faces, which lets you cast Disguise Self at will. For patrons, I would recommend the Archfey or maybe even the Great Old One.
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I'd recommend going for Enchantment Wizard as the class. I personally find Illusion more fun to focus on, but Enchantment Wizard gets some really nice subclass features that I think outdo Illusionist features. In particular, the 10th level Split Enchantment feature is a great way to make your enchantment spells even more versatile, since at zero resource cost an enchantment spell can target two creatures simultaneously.
I think if you want to double-down on the idea of being a tricky character, the best race to play is a Changeling. Save yourself a spell slot on Disguise Self and just shape shift into new forms as the situation demands. Try and find a magic item that can alter its form... or even just its color and it can really help you to vanish into a crowd or trick your way into a dangerous situation.
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For race/species, some good options not yet mentioned on this thread are Firbolgs, Kenku, and Githzerai...assuming your DM let's you use Tasha's rules for starting character stats.
Firbolgs get you a free 1/long rest casting of Disguise Self, Detect Magic, and Invisibility. Plus, you can talk to beasts and plants without limit. These can can help you make your illusions more realistic.
Kenku - While you don't get innate spellcasting with this option, you can perfectly mimic any sound you've heard before. That's a major plus a for character who frequently uses Minor Illusion and Silent Image. They also get Deception, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand as skills. If you want a mind mage who can be sneaky and steal/replace objects at opportune times, this is a good choice.
Githzerai - If you want a more defensively-oriented manipulator of perception, Githzerai are great. Detect Thoughts and Shield for free 1/long rest. Advantage against being Charmed or Frightened conditions. At will invisible Mage Hand. Mischief is practically baked in.
I know WotC are moving away from short rest features but when bid warlocks become half casters? Some of the invocations only give to an extra spell known. Classes like paladin and ranger are known as half casters because they get more an upgrade to their spell slots every other level so for example they are level 9 before they get 3rd level spells compared with full casters being able to cast them at level 5.
Warlocks are a bit different because they have less spells but they are all at the most powerful level and they recover on a short rest.
They are only directly comparable with (other(?) full casters at level 1 and 2. Ignoreing features and magic items that allow spell recoverey At level 1 warlocks have 1 spell per short rest and the rest have 2 per long rest, at level 2 warlocks have 2 per short rest compared to 3 per long rest. As long as the party are getting short rests the warlock is getting at least as many spells per day probably more but they are less flexible (you can't keep them all for a single boss fight)
To look at a bit higher up lets compare them at level 5. A warlock has 2 3rd level spells per short rest whele traditional full casters have 4 1st level, 3 2nd level and 2 3rd level. If the party have 2 short rests per day a warlock gets 6 spells per day compares to a 9 from traditional classes but they are all at the highest level. A lot of the invocations do things that a traditional full caster would do with low level spells, either cast at will low level spells with little use in combat (e.g. mask of many faces) or make your eldritch blast more powerful so it is comparable with a low level in combat spell. (e.g .agonising blast).
I do however agree with two face tony that the best options for a "mind mage" are wizard, bard or warlock. One issue with the warlock is they, like sorcerers, only have a few spells known, the list is increased by those you get from the sub class so if you go warlock you really want ot go Archfey for the enchantment / illusions spells you get from that. For Bard you could pretty much go any subclass and while you could for wizard as well it probably makes sense to go school of enchantment or illusion.
I was probably wrong in calling warlocks "technically a half caster", but I definitely wouldn't consider them a full caster. They seem closer to half-casters because they often play similar to other half-casters. They use their eldritch blast for most attacks (in the same way other classes attack with a melee or ranged weapon) and occasionally throw out big spells to potentially take control of a situation. Perhaps instead of a half-caster, they're like an arcane martial class, a martial caster? They feel like someone wanted to mix a martial and caster class without making a half caster.
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Warlocks are not half-casters or full-casters. They have their own special niche of magic power management.
Warlocks are 'full casters', but they are NOT primary casters. They are about invocations, not spells. They are not really mages per say, but more like a monster that casts.
If you want to think of them as being mind mages, then you need to list the invocations that are worth it, because the small number of spells is not.
So here are the Enchantment/Illusions type effects:
10 Invocations, several of them are crappy 1/day spells.
Several 1st and 2nd level illusion spells at will, and an at will version of Hold Monster that only works on extraplanars. I can't see building a good Enchantment/Illusion magic type using these.
That is very dependent on how frequently you get short rests.
Yes most warlocks on their turn has a choice of casting a high level spell or a cantrip (usually eldritch blast). A hexblade mght make a weapon attack instead of eldritch blast.
Many traditional full caster has the choice of casting a levelled spell or a cantrip on their turn, a cleric might use toll the dead most of the time a wizard might use firebolt. They might have a couple of options two deal with resistances and immunities. Some ("martial" clerics, sword and valour bards, bladesingers) might replace a cantrip with a weapon attack.
A half caster has a few low level spells but they are also strong in martial combat (though not as stron as the full martial classes).
The only differences between a traditional full caster and a warlock then is how frequently they can potentially cast levelled spells and the fact that a warlock can not cast low level spells. The DMG suggests a typical adventuring day consists of 6-8 encounters with a couple of short rests. Going with 6 encounters with 2 short rests a warlock between levels 2 and 10 (where most compaigns lie) can cast one spell per encounter. A traditional full cast can cast an average of 0.5 spells per encounter at level 2 increasing 1 at level 3 then gradually increasing ot to 1.7 at level 10. So while a warlock can cast less levelled spells that other casters from level 4 onwards they are all at the highest possible level. As level 5 for example you can probably do more with 6 3rd level spells than 4 first level, 3 second level and 2 third level.
Half casters are the exact opposite to warlocks, they have the low level spells warlocks lack but none of the higher level spells, and only artificers have any cantrips.
OK I admit the way the game has developed in practice most adventuring days have less than 6 encounters and may not have 2 short rests, so in practise it might not be as good as that but eldritch blast being the most powerful cantrip in the game makes up for the lack of levelled spell power if you are only getting 1 short rest.
If however a "typical campaign day" consists of a single mega combat warlocks are not half casters they are just weak casters. Where the Wizard / Cleric / Sorcerer / Bard / Druid can use high level spells every round, and use the low level slots with their reaction for things like shield or silvery barbs (as well as a few high level counterspells) the warlock will only be able ot cast 2 spells during the entire combat. While eldritch blast is good it will never keep up with the damage of a simialtr level martial class.
You say eldritch blast is similar to a martial attack mechanically it might be similar to a (range) weapon attack but the same also applies to something like firebolt, and is toll the dead that much different because it requires a save from the enemy rather than a roll against their AC?
Unless you expect to go 10th level and beyond, Bard with the Subtle Spell metamagic is probably the best if you want good mileage from using Charm spells. This is because you need a high Charisma to reliably convince a "friendly acquaintance" to do favors for you. As a Bard you can be really good at Persuasion and Deception without expending limited resources.