Wizard vs. Sorcerer

[Reno]

Which one do you like better?

In general, I like wizards better than sorcerers. While the sorcerer can throw a few more spells than wizards can, and that spontaneous casting is awfully nice, I think wizards have more to recommend them:

-They get Scribe Scroll for free, which lets them basically store up extra spells to use later. In the long run, this can more than make up for the extra daily spells the sorcerer gets.

-It's much easier to qualify for a prestige class with a wizard. Except for the few that are made specifically with sorcerers in mind, like Dragon Disciple. As a general rule though, wizards qualify much more easily because they reach new spell levels earlier, and they get a couple metamagic feats that help.

-Pharaun Mizz'rym from the War of the Spider Queen series is the coolest character R.A. Salvatore ever invented.

[bluecommander]

I think we just did this in the classes thread.

I say bluff as a class skill is crucial. Sure wizards can scribe for free and yes it helps to make up for their lake of spells per day. However while they are busy scribing away in a room, the Sorcerer is out and about bluffing his way in and out of places and hurling spells if need be.

I don't have a cool example of one from a book so you got me there.

[Kain]

This doesn't really answer your question, but I'm honestly not sure which one I'd prefer. I've played both and don't know which one I liked more. Both had good points and bad points.

[fenris]

Although I've never palyed a wizard I think I like sorcerer more. Not for the more spells they get but they are more of a lzy class. Wizads can be fun if done right. The right feats allow them to prepare spells without thier spellbooks and even let them swap out spells. I just would rather spend my feats on other things.

[Reno]

bluecommander said:

I think we just did this in the classes thread.

We did. I thought I'd step out here to this thread for a more expanded debate on the subject.

I had forgotten that Bluff was a class skill for sorcerers. It's definitely a useful one, but with the right spells (suggestion or dominate person to get somebody to do what you want, divination spells to learn something from them, or what have you), you can eventually accomplish things that way instead.

And there really aren't any good examples of sorcerers in the books. Well, in the Ravenloft novel Death of a Darklord there is, but that book is pretty crappy and not worth the effort to read.

Anyway, playing a sorcerer lets you do things more on the fly, and gives you more versatility in the moment, but in the long run wizards have a much larger repertoire and a carefully prepared wizard can beat pretty much anybody or anything.

[fenris]

I'm just not a fan of arcane magic altogether. The closest character I've ever liked that was like this isn't even from D&D. It's an Elven Mage from a Shadowrun novel. Mages in Shadowrun sound very much like wizards with thier books and researching spells. My biggest problem is I can count the spells that I like after 3rd level on one hand.

[bluecommander]

Ah but if a wizard loses his spellbook it's trouble-city for him. Sure there are feats that can make 1 or 2 spells able to cast like a Sorcerer normally can from the begginning: I suppose that's why wizards get so many bonus feats. True wizards get more actual spells but if they are without their spellbook it means nothing due to the fact that Sorcerers actually know thier spells by heart. wizards seem to have short term memory loss or something since they have to memorize the spells they want a day. Speaking of that, what if you don't have the time to memorize them? You're in trouble again then as a wizard where a Sorcerer can get a good nights sleep and wake up ready to cast on a moments notice

[Reno]

If you don't have time to memorize then at least you still have whatever's left over from the previous day. And with Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion or at least a high-level Rope Trick you should have plenty of time to get a good night's sleep and prepare what you need.

[bluecommander]

Not if a wizard drops his spellbook in the mud. Blast, bested by my own favorite spell. Okay so high level wizards with the right spell can keep themselves safe while they study up for the day.

[Reno]

How often have you seen wizards lose their spellbook anyway? Sure, it's a danger, but it's not too hard to protect, and no wizard would be so careless as to drop it accidentally or leave it around where just anybody could up and walk away with it.

[bluecommander]

You're right i've never seen anyone drop the book in the mud it was just a careless example. But it is a danger. Maybe if DM's made this a little more possible the difference between the classes would shine alittle more. Meaning people coming after wizards for their books or other spellcasters trying to destroy their opponents' books. Or for that matter having the memories of Sorcerers messed with so they can think to cast their spells. Could be a whole new element to how they all fight ya know?

[Reno]

Indeed. Class weaknesses that are seldom exploited.

[bluecommander]

Well I think we can agree that these are both good classes with their own strengths and weaknesses right?

[Reno]

Certainly. It comes down a lot to personal preference.

And honestly I liked sorcerers better until I read the War of the Spider Queen books and decided I wanted to play a wizard.