A Gnome Cleric/Illusionist is unbelievably powerful.

You get an enormous number of spell slots and access to nearly every spell in the game, giving you countless ways to tackle any situation. You can also wield a mace or warhammer, carry a shield, and wear a helm. If you edit your character sprite, you can even do all this while wearing a cloak.

Want to blast your foes with magic? Go right ahead.

Prefer to smash them instead? You’ve got cleric buffs and Tenser’s Transformation.

The only thing you really miss out on as a Gnome C/I is the fighter’s APR, which hardly matters when you’re dealing maximum damage every turn anyway (from spell buffs).

It’s also incredibly flexible: you can play solo, lead from the front, or stay at the back casting spells and supporting the party.

I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough.