Q: Sharp Senses

[kreider204]

I'm a bit confused by this Illusionist class ability description:

"SHARP SENSES (Wisdom): An illusionist’s innate ability to distinguish the
real from the unreal imparts a +1 bonus to all illusion saving throws. The
bonus increases to +2 at 4th level, +3 at 7th level, +4 at 10th level, +5
at 13th level and +6 at 16th level."

What does Wisdom have to do with this?

Thanks, as always.

[Go0gleplex]

Wisdom has long been associated with perception and a "common sense" of when things just don't seem right with the world around you.

Of course, this gets disputed frequently and some folks have gone as far as either adding a specific Perception attribute or substituting Intelligence for Wisdom.

[kreider204]

I guess I'm still confused. If I understand it correctly, attributes are listed next to class abilities when that attribute is used for that ability (e.g., a rogue makes a Dexterity roll when using the Moving Silently ability). Sharp Senses just seems to be a bonus to certain saves (and Intelligence ones at that). Have I misunderstood?

[Go0gleplex]

Well...I can see the confusion...and honestly, after looking at this a bit closer, I'd say the (WISDOM) should have come out since the ability gives set bonuses that will stack with the INT modifier.

I'd say your assumption that it is set bonuses to certain saves is a good one.

[kreider204]

Groovy, thanks!

[serleran]

According to every conversation that has ever come up on this, the Wisdom notation is not without intent -- before you get the bonuses of the ability, you must make a successful Wisdom save. I suppose this is to represent the "something is not right" aspect, but I honestly ignore it and give the bonus whenever appropriate, as if the illusionist is innately capable of detecting, through over-application, when a thing has gone awry...

It is C&C. Play how you want.

[Omote]

The (Wisdom) tag should be removed as the bonus applies at all times. The way it is noted, you would need to do as Serleran says and make a roll to get those bonuses. That was not the intention of the author to be sure.

~O