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Wizard Spellcasting vs. Clerical Spellcasting...which is better?
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<blockquote data-quote="Al" data-source="post: 1144491" data-attributes="member: 2486"><p>Obviously, 'better' spellcasting needs to be contextualised- comparing sorceror/wizard spells to clerical spells is in a way comparing apples to oranges: give me a horde of mooks and I'm better off with fireballs; healing a dying comrade as a wizard is tricky to say the least (you'd probably have to resort to Limited Wish).</p><p></p><p>Generally, however, sorceror/wizards do have a better spell selection. In terms of offensive capacity, there can be no contest- arcane blast spells are better than divine blast spells almost without exception (the notable exception is the druidic Flame Strike, but we're not talking about druids now, are we <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> ?) Utility-wise, wizards tend to rule the roost. Whilst clerics peculiarly get sending a level lower than wizards (one of the most underrated spells in the game), teleportations, polymorphs and illusions are indispensable at mid to high level play...even ignoring those lesser used but still vital divinations such as tongues, comprehend languages and clairvoyance. Wizards also tend to get better 'strategic' spells: Wall of Force is an incredible spell, and Antimagic Shell is phenomenally useful as well (though admittedly certain domains will get this at the same level). Arcane defensive spells also tend to be superior- Shield + Mage Armour gives a very respectable 1st level AC, right up to the unsurmountable Prismatic Sphere (which can only be defeated by...another arcane caster). In terms of buff spells, it's probably a draw, but that's about the only class where a parity can be established.</p><p></p><p>All in all, then, arcane spells tend to be 'better' than clerical spells, though one cannot factor in the utility of the clerical healing spells. Then again, the arcane casters should be better at magic: they suffer lower hit points, worse saves, no domain powers, worse BAB and fewer proficiencies for their troubles!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Al, post: 1144491, member: 2486"] Obviously, 'better' spellcasting needs to be contextualised- comparing sorceror/wizard spells to clerical spells is in a way comparing apples to oranges: give me a horde of mooks and I'm better off with fireballs; healing a dying comrade as a wizard is tricky to say the least (you'd probably have to resort to Limited Wish). Generally, however, sorceror/wizards do have a better spell selection. In terms of offensive capacity, there can be no contest- arcane blast spells are better than divine blast spells almost without exception (the notable exception is the druidic Flame Strike, but we're not talking about druids now, are we ;) ?) Utility-wise, wizards tend to rule the roost. Whilst clerics peculiarly get sending a level lower than wizards (one of the most underrated spells in the game), teleportations, polymorphs and illusions are indispensable at mid to high level play...even ignoring those lesser used but still vital divinations such as tongues, comprehend languages and clairvoyance. Wizards also tend to get better 'strategic' spells: Wall of Force is an incredible spell, and Antimagic Shell is phenomenally useful as well (though admittedly certain domains will get this at the same level). Arcane defensive spells also tend to be superior- Shield + Mage Armour gives a very respectable 1st level AC, right up to the unsurmountable Prismatic Sphere (which can only be defeated by...another arcane caster). In terms of buff spells, it's probably a draw, but that's about the only class where a parity can be established. All in all, then, arcane spells tend to be 'better' than clerical spells, though one cannot factor in the utility of the clerical healing spells. Then again, the arcane casters should be better at magic: they suffer lower hit points, worse saves, no domain powers, worse BAB and fewer proficiencies for their troubles! [/QUOTE]
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