D&D 5E How would YOU nerf the wizard? +

[Umbran]

The wizard's current d6 is still too low for level one and two.

All classes should get a bonus to HP at level 1. Determined by the setting's grittiness level.
Gameplay wise, the wizard's and fighter's HP are too close at higher levels considering their combat role options and specialties.

A wizard starting with 5 bonus HP but having a d4 HD gives them a better HP cushion for Tier 2 but keeps their HP within striking range past high tier 2 and beyond.

But again, is that because the Wizard's hit points are too high relative to the incoming damage, or that the fighter's are too low relative to that same incoming damage?

Around me, wizards still get smacked down when they make themselves obvious to the enemy. Fireballs suck, so intelligent enemies will focus fire on targets that can launch them when they can. So, wizard hit points don't seem to high, to me.

Again, why not raise fighter hit points to cover that balance issue?

 

[Mistwell]

I would only alter the spells, not the wizard class itself. I would take all the overpowered spells and turn their power down to be more equal with the other spells.

Spells that come to mind:

• Animate Objects
• Conjure Animals, Conjure Woodland Beings
• Hypnotic Pattern
• Polymorph
• Shield
• Simulacrum
• Goodberry
• Tiny Hut, Wall of Force

 

[Minigiant]

But again, is that because the Wizard's hit points are too high relative to the incoming damage, or that the fighter's are too low relative to that same incoming damage?

Around me, wizards still get smacked down when they make themselves obvious to the enemy. Fireballs suck, so intelligent enemies will focus fire on targets that can launch them when they can. So, wizard hit points don't seem to high, to me.

Again, why not raise fighter hit points to cover that balance issue?

Neither and both

5e's level 1 HP is too low. For everyone.
At mid level's a wizard's HP is too high relative to the traditional expended resources of their party, their resources, and the incoming damage.
At mid level's a fighter's HP is too high relative to the traditional expended resources of their party, their resources, and the incoming damage.

Fighters need more HP across the board.
Wizards need more starting HP and less mid to high level HP.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I'm sorry, that's an argument of "realism", not of gameplay.

If you want to model that, give the fighter a bonus on Con, or increase fighter hit points.

Realism is at least as important as gameplay to me.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Everyone can cast any spell if they have a spell book. It just takes a long time and their DC is terrible. A minute for a cantrip, up to a century for 9th level spells.

Wizards have the ability to cast spells faster pace, and get proficiency to their DC. Though their 9th level spells still take a day at max level.

Similarly to how a wizard can swing a great axe. Just not very well.

That's an interesting idea. Your own work?

 

[Laurefindel]

Echoing what @Mistwell said: I wouldn’t touch the wizard as a class, I would nerf/rearrange the spells themselves.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I would only alter the spells, not the wizard class itself. I would take all the overpowered spells and turn their power down to be more equal with the other spells.

Spells that come to mind:

• Animate Objects
• Conjure Animals, Conjure Woodland Beings
• Hypnotic Pattern
• Polymorph
• Shield
• Simulacrum
• Goodberry
• Tiny Hut, Wall of Force

Having magic itself be less cool is not the method I would choose.

 

[Micah Sweet]

But again, is that because the Wizard's hit points are too high relative to the incoming damage, or that the fighter's are too low relative to that same incoming damage?

Around me, wizards still get smacked down when they make themselves obvious to the enemy. Fireballs suck, so intelligent enemies will focus fire on targets that can launch them when they can. So, wizard hit points don't seem to high, to me.

Again, why not raise fighter hit points to cover that balance issue?

No one in 5e needs more hit points.

 

[Laurefindel]

Having magic itself be less cool is not the method I would choose.

I think the point is for magic to be less abusable, not less cool. If the spells are broken, no amount of fixing the wizard will solve the issue.

 

[mellored]

That's an interesting idea. Your own work?

My own idea, yes.

Never actually made anything with it.