Illumian Paragons represent the Illumians' goals and psychology; they strive to preserve the Ritual of the Word Made Flesh, to rebuild the Library of the Sublime, to exact revenge on the Githyanki who sacked it, and to constantly learn and improve. They, even more so than normal Illumians, are in tune with the power of words... written, spoken, or magical.
Adventures: Illumian Paragons are usually sent on missions for their Cabal; a Paragon from a Quill Cabal to gather knowledge, a Paragon from a Chain Cabal to expand his Cabal's influence or spy network, etc. But in any case, the Black Table would be foolish to keep such a trustworthy adventurer safe inside the Cabal... unless the Cabal itself were under attack.
Characteristics: Illumian Paragons are inquisitive and ambitious. They will constantly do their utmost to strengthen themselves, and their Cabal. Illumian Paragons are also extremely flexible in how they accomplish their goals, even more so than humans, since Illumians so frequently learn more than one discipline.
Alignment: Illumian Paragons are not restricted to any alignment, although the strict order of daily life in the Cabal will cause a tendency towards lawfulness.
Religion: As with any other Illumian, Illumian Paragons occasionally worship human gods (Boccob being a common choice, with Vecna trailing behind), but frequently choose to worship Tarumid, the first Ascended Illumian.
Background: Almost all Illumians are born and raised in a Cabal, alongside other Illumians, and only journey out into the world after reaching adulthood.
Races: With the exception of the Githyanki, Illumians treat most other races the same way: with pragmatism. They will tend to keep people at arm's length until trust can be built, but they recognize that allies are very useful to have, and that allies are only kept by remaining loyal to them in return.
Other Classes: Illumian Paragons are very accepting of other classes, frequently having two other classes themselves, although they tend to look most favourably upon companion wizards or other people who share the desire to collect knowledge.
Game Rule Information
Table: the Illumian ParagonLevel | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | Spells Per Day |
1 | +0 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Supreme Literacy, Subtle Sigil | - |
2 | +1 | +0 | +0 | +3 | Semantic Resonance, Bright Sigil | +1 Level of Existing Class |
3 | +2 | +1 | +1 | +3 | Enhanced Power Sigils, Ability Boost (+2) | +1 Level of Existing Class |
Illumian Paragons have the following game statistics.
Abilities: Illumian Paragons are curious and always want to learn more, and thus desire a high int stat. Like anyone else, they also find that a high con score is always a benefit. Beyond these, Illumians are a diverse race, and the desirability for other attributes will depend on their other classes.
Alignment: Any.
Hit Die: d8.
Class Skills: The Illumian Paragon's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Bluff(cha), Concentration(con), Craft(int), Decipher Script(int), Diplomacy(cha), Forgery(int), Gather Information(cha), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen(wis), Profession(wis), Search(int), Sense Motive(wis), Spellcraft(int), Spot(wis), and Use Magic Device(cha). Speak Language is already a class skill for all Illumians.
Skill Points at each level: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Features
All of the following are class features of the human paragon.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Illumian Paragons are proficient with all simple weapons and with light armor.
Spells per Day: At 2nd level, an Illumian Paragon gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if she had also gained a level in a spellcasting class she belonged to before adding the level. She does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained (bonus metamagic or item creation feats, bard or assassin abilities, and so on). This essentially means that she adds the level of half-elf paragon to the level in the spellcasting class, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly.
If a character had more than one spellcasting class before she became a half-elf paragon, she must decide to which class she adds the level of half-elf paragon. If a half-elf paragon has no levels in a spellcasting class, this class feature has no effect.
Supreme Literacy (Ex): At 1
st level, the Illumian Paragon learns one language for free, due to her affinity for words. This bonus language may not be a secret language (such as Druidic). She is also able to read twice as fast.
Subtle Sigil (Ex): At 1
st level, the Illumian Paragon gains the Subtle Sigil feat (RoD, pg 154) as a bonus feat.
Semantic Resonance (Ex): At 2
nd level, the Illumian Paragon's synchronization with magic words (which comes in the form of Glyphic Resonance) extends to spoken words, as well. She takes -4 to saves against Power Word spells of a caster level higher than her character level, but she is immune to Power Word spells of a caster level lower than or equal to her character level. She may consciously allow Power Word spells to affect her if she wishes as a free action.
Bright Sigil (Ex): At 2
nd level, the Illumian Paragon gains the Bright Sigil feat (RoD, pg 150) as a bonus feat.
Enhanced Power Sigils (Ex): At 3
rd level, the Illumian Paragon gains the Enhanced Power Sigils feat (RoD, pg 152) as a bonus feat.
Ability Boost (Ex): At 3
rd level, an Illumian Paragon increases one ability score of her choice by 2 points.