The playtest wizard is a very solid character (probably my second-favorite after the cleric of Pelor). Although 5e does not appear to use the same "combat role" mentality (where every character class was a defender, striker, controller, or leader) that we saw in 4e, the 5e wizard is still a great controller.
One particularly nasty control spell is Ray of Frost. This is a "minor" spell, so it functions like a 4e At Will power -- in other words, the wizard can cast it an unlimited number of times per day. Ray of Frost inflicts no damage, but it reduces the target's speed to zero until the wizard's next turn. I love it. This spell is really going to lock down melee-only opponents, allowing the party's ranged attackers to pour on the damage while the monster sits there with nothing to do.
There needs to be more details about what movement 0 means. They can still defend. If the target is a caster droping nasty spells on the party, it won't help.
ReplyDeleteI am concerned a bit about balance. A huge Ogre advances on the party. Zap him to 0 movement? How can a little spell have the same effect on creatures of different sizes?
Right, a creature with a movement of 0 can still defend itself. It's not subject to a condition such as Restrained, Stunned, Paralyzed, etc. And you're right that it's probably not very useful against a caster.
ReplyDeleteBut against creatures like the ogre you cited...it's extremely powerful. As written, the spell specifies only a "creature" (no size limitation) within 100 feet of the caster. If the target has no ranged attack, he's toast.