Complexity--Living Objects

Generally, the higher the Hit Dice or level of the illusionary creature, the more complex it is to convincingly create and the more likely it is for a subject to disbelieve. An illusion of an ant is easier to create than the illusion of a dragon. This also applies to illusionary NPCs--a 15th-level warrior is harder to create than a peasant with 3 hit points. Similarly, the more creatures included in the illusion, the harder it is to create; an illusion of 20 peasants would be more difficult than a single peasant.

Illusions of active creatures are more difficult to create than illusions of relatively inactive creatures. If the illusionary creature is executing a simple action, such as standing still, polishing its sword, or grazing in the grass, no special modifier for the subject's saving throw may be required. However, if the illusionary creature is executing a complex series of actions, such as singing a song while dancing and juggling, or attacking with two weapons while shouting a war cry, a modifier may be in order.

If the illusionary creature is a generic monster or NPC--that is, it is a "typical" orc or NPC warrior--there is no need for a special modifier for the subject's saving throw. However, if the illusionary creature is a specific, one-of-a-kind monster or NPC that the subject is familiar with--such as a friend of the subject, or the subject's pet dog--the subject should receive a special modifier.

As with the modifiers for inanimate objects, these factors are not necessarily cumulative. Only in exceptional cases would an illusion result in a saving throw modifier of more than +3.

Examples:

· An illusion of a single orc standing still, polishing his sword. Saving throw modifier: 0. Nothing is particularly difficult about creating an illusion of a single, low HD creature engaged in a relatively simple action.

· An illusion of King Sluz, the famous orc ruler, brandishing his five-pronged trident, screeching a war cry, and leading a squad of six snarling orc soldiers. Saving throw modifier: +3. The modifier assumes the subject is familiar with King Sluz. Casting a believable illusion of a well-known NPC is always extremely difficult, particularly when he is executing a complex action and is accompanied by other creatures.

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