Sorcerer vs Wizard

[Bow_Seat]

So for the past day or so I've been in and out of the sorcerers are better than wizards threads, and I have just notice something when comparing them that I didn't notice if anyone else noticed:

The total spellpoints (willpower) that the sorcerer has per day is the same number as the weighted average of spells that the wizard can cast (weighted by spell level). So if you take a 3rd level wizard, who can cast:

4 level 1 spells
2 level 2 spells

4*1 + 2*2 = 8

notice now that the sorcerer has 8 spellpoints at level 3

taking the level 5 wizard:

4 level 1 spells
3 level 2 spells
2 level 3 spells

4*1 + 3*2 + 2*3 = 16

notice now that the sorcerer has 16 spellpoints at level 5

What does the sorcerer have that the wizard does not?

he can reallocate those spellpoints to effectively skew his spells per day chart, gaining more of one level of spell in exchange for another level of spell.
he does not have to prepare the perfect selection of spells. All of his spells are available to him at any time (assuming he has the willpower)
he is not subject to spell disruption, and can (I think) cast while magically or otherwise silenced
the sorcerer gains utility as he loses more of his willpower, but this cannot be done quickly, on a whim, and cannot be turned off (if ever there were some consequence to it)

what does the wizard have that the sorcerer does not?

he can learn new spells without gaining a level! if he doesn't want to give up the next level of spell to gain a lower level spell, that's cool he only has to buy a scroll.
he learns higher level spells faster than the sorcerer. On even levels this is less of a factor, but he will still know more of that level than the sorcerer (least twice more, in fact)
the wizard has better to hit rolls with his spell, and correspondingly also has high DC's for the spells that he casts on people



What else is worth noting, but not putting up above, is that the sorcerer that was given to us has much higher hp and can wear armor, but since that is based upon his bloodline I didn't want to include it since we don't know what the wizard traditions are going to do.


What do you guys think of this? has anyone playtested? I am unfortunately stuck out of the country for another 5 days.

 

[Ultimatecalibur]

he is not subject to spell disruption, and can (I think) cast while magically or otherwise silenced

He is subject to spell disruption and must still follow the rules of casting spells, and the wizard isn't effected by being silenced either currently.

what does the wizard have that the sorcerer does not?

he can learn new spells without gaining a level! if he doesn't want to give up the next level of spell to gain a lower level spell, that's cool he only has to buy a scroll.
he learns higher level spells faster than the sorcerer. On even levels this is less of a factor, but he will still know more of that level than the sorcerer (least twice more, in fact)
the wizard has better to hit rolls with his spell, and correspondingly also has high DC's for the spells that he casts on people

The wizard also has a much wider variety of spells.

The wizard has access to Charm Person, Grease, Sleep, Thunder wave, Counter Spell, Flaming Sphere, Hold Person, Sunburst and Web for additional combat spells.

 

[Bow_Seat]

He is subject to spell disruption and must still follow the rules of casting spells, and the wizard isn't effected by being silenced either currently.

Right, thanks. What I was misremembering was about sorcerous powers. It says:

A sorcerous power is a magical effect that functions as a spell in all respects, except that using a sorcerous power does not require you to speak or have a hand free, and the power is not subject to spell disruption

The wizard also has a much wider variety of spells.

The wizard has access to Charm Person, Grease, Sleep, Thunder wave, Counter Spell, Flaming Sphere, Hold Person, Sunburst and Web for additional combat spells.

Also good points

 

[1of3]

The change log for this playtest says that the wizard isn't subject to spell disruption anymore either. In fact, it isn't listed for the current wizard.

 

[Ultimatecalibur]

The change log for this playtest says that the wizard isn't subject to spell disruption anymore either. In fact, it isn't listed for the current wizard.

That is because Spell Disruption has been moved to the Spell rules in the How to Play pdf. All spell casters have to make a DC 10 Dex check when casting in melee unless the spell targets something within 5 feet or creates an area of effect that includes a square within 5 feet of the caster.

 

[Advilaar]

There is also another thing. If you have a resource like spell points, you tend to blow them more quickly than if you only have set spells. Then, you are done.

 

[1of3]

That is because Spell Disruption has been moved to the Spell rules in the How to Play pdf. All spell casters have to make a DC 10 Dex check when casting in melee unless the spell targets something within 5 feet or creates an area of effect that includes a square within 5 feet of the caster.

Oh, sorry. I've missed that. It's not only moved but a different rule than the one in the first playtest. Thanks.

 

[Chris_Nightwing]

The most irritating difference for me is the gaining of level 2 spells (and higher levels) a level later than the Wizard. Bad balance, must try harder.

 

[Moon_Goddess]

That is because Spell Disruption has been moved to the Spell rules in the How to Play pdf. All spell casters have to make a DC 10 Dex check when casting in melee unless the spell targets something within 5 feet or creates an area of effect that includes a square within 5 feet of the caster.

This is the thing that annoys me about 5e the most.

This is basically the same as the rule in 4e about opportunity attacks but in 4e, it was simply Melee and Close do not provoke

This urge to eliminate keywords makes 5e so much more confusing.

What's wrong with keywords? they are valuable?

 

[tlantl]

He is subject to spell disruption and must still follow the rules of casting spells, and the wizard isn't effected by being silenced either currently.



The wizard also has a much wider variety of spells.

According to the D&DNext Panel: Monsters, Magic Items, and DM Mischief, the sorcerer uses the exact same spell list as the wizard. The Tome Show around 1:06:00

I can only guess that the list given for the sorcerer was made in a hurry or was the victim of limited space since it's bloodline was rather long winded.