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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ashrym" data-source="post: 9638813" data-attributes="member: 6750235">I don't take hold person on classes who cannot easily swap prepared spells because it's only effective against humanoids.  Compared to slow in the same slot it's two humanoids (hold person) vs up to six creatures (slow) so I prefer slow.On a wizard's who can easily swap spells taking hold person for those areas or adventures high in humanoids can make more sense, but it seems inconsistent to argue the benefits of fireball over numbers when it's less effective against smaller numbers and then not do the same with slow, which becomes more effective versus six than hold person is versus two.I prefer hypnotic pattern to most 3rd level spells and also prefer slow or fear to fireball.  I prefer stinking cloud to fireball too.  I also prefer major image, sleet storm, and summon undead.Fireball not being a concentration spell is helpful but I don't mind the concentration restrictions for the effects on other spells.Fireball definitely has it's uses, but it's not always useful.  I'll take haste instead because it's always useful.When I played a bard in 2e I always grabbed fireball when I could.  When I play a bard in 5e I never take it and it's easier to add now.  The reason for that is the hit points of the monsters compared to the damage of the spell.</blockquote>