Skip to content

Gnome builds.

DukeHollyroodDukeHollyrood Member Posts: 16
in General Discussion (Spoiler Warning!)
Hey folks. I'm considering playing as a gnome in my next BG play through. I've never played a gnome before and the only experience I have of the class is having Jan Jansen as a companion in BG2.

Can the good people of the forum suggest some gnome builds for me?


Cheers :)

Comments

  • JumboWheat01JumboWheat01 Member Posts: 1,028
    Well, I would recommend anything with Illusionist in it. Gnomes are the only race by default to hit 19 INT, which removes the limit on the number of spells they can learn per level, along with giving them a very good chance on learning new spells.

    Unlike the other "shorty" races, they don't lose any points in any of the physical stats, so being a Fighter/Illusionist or a Thief/Illusionist is quite easy to do. Illusion spells have some good defensive bonuses, so being able to prepare more of them can be quite useful. Sure, you'll have to roll for a while to get a good 18/XX STR, 18 DEX and 18 Con (if fighter,) and 19 WIS, but it can be done, and is worth it. Plus, you can snag some Elven Chainmail down the road that'll give you fair AC while still letting you cast spells. Again, if Fighter/Illusionist.

    I've also come to love the Cleric/Illusionist, despite the -1 WIS they have. Cleric covers some of the Necromancy spells that Illusionist lose out on, and you can make a VERY powerful support character that way.
  • DukeHollyroodDukeHollyrood Member Posts: 16
    Gnome Fighter/Illusionist sounds really interesting! I think that'll be the choice for the next play through.

    Cheers folks
  • Abi_DalzimAbi_Dalzim Member Posts: 1,428
    There's also Cleric/Illusionist, if half-elf Cleric/Mage doesn't tickle your fancy. Plenty of awesome combos to be had with putting Cleric spells into spell sequencers and the like.
  • PK2748PK2748 Member Posts: 381
    Cleric/Thief is great fun and support all in one. Thief/Illusionist is a favorite as well.
  • PteranPteran Member Posts: 388
    Dwarves are the master race, if only because of their massive beards that help protect them. Gnomes are a very close second.

    Really you cannot go wrong with any of the X/Illusionist multiclass combos. They can all be ridiculously powerful and Illusion spells have great synergy with pretty much any playstyle.
  • GrumGrum Member, Mobile Tester Posts: 2,100
    Pteran said:

    Dwarves are the master race, if only because of their massive beards that help protect them. Gnomes are a very close second.

    Really you cannot go wrong with any of the X/Illusionist multiclass combos. They can all be ridiculously powerful and Illusion spells have great synergy with pretty much any playstyle.

    This is a fact. You cannot deny it.

    With that said, Gnomes are a close cousin to dwarves. As seen by their lackluster beards, they are almost amazing. Almost.

    A fighter/illusionist is a fun way to play. Buff them up, put on some elven chain, and pretend that you have a dwarven defender!
  • JumboWheat01JumboWheat01 Member Posts: 1,028
    Pteran said:

    Dwarves are the master race, if only because of their massive beards that help protect them. Gnomes are a very close second.

    Grum said:

    With that said, Gnomes are a close cousin to dwarves. As seen by their lackluster beards, they are almost amazing. Almost.

    Halflings for life! If you're gonna be short, be properly short, and have fun while you're properly short.
  • comebackhomecomebackhome Member Posts: 254
    Or you can use item revisions and cast spells in full plate/EE keeper in the dwarven defender kit ;)
  • DukeHollyroodDukeHollyrood Member Posts: 16
    booinyoureyes said:

    Clay looks quite good, and it is easy to work with



    Stone requires a lot of precision, but creates a sturdy final product



    Wax looks really good, but you should make sure to keep it clear of any open flames or hot instruments



    Then there is always plastic, but it looks kinda tacky to me



    I'll fire up the O'l 3D printer
  • AnduinAnduin Member Posts: 5,745
    mlnevese said:

    Gnome fighter/illusionist is one of the most powerful characters you can play in this game. Some actually say it's the most powerful.

    I say.

    Sorry for the late reply. Was dealing with other gnome related postings...

    A gnome cleric/illusionist is very interesting as you get to play with sequencers, can use the stinking cloud, animate dead tactic to great effect and can buff up with cleric spells...

    Plus you get the great shorty saves!

    Other brilliant gnome related facts. 17 wisdom is not a hinderance as BGEE has 3 tomes of wisdom to collect.

    Slightly miffed at missing out on necromancy spells? As a cleric you get some of these back anyway... but play evil and you get them as bhaal powers!
Sign In or Register to comment.

2025 Overhaul Games, a division of Beamdog. © 2025 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Baldur's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons, D&D, Forgotten Realms, Baldur's Gate, Wizards of the Coast and their logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the U.S.A. and other countries, and are used with permission. Hasbro and its logo are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. and are used with permission. © 1998 BioWare Corp. All Rights Reserved. BioWare, the BioWare Infinity Engine and the BioWare logo are trademarks of Bioware Corp. Black Isle Studios and the Black Isle Studios logo are trademarks of Interplay Entertainment Corp. Atari and the Atari logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.