Can you suggest some original abilities for a Wizard in a simplified RPG game?

[SeekerOfTruth007]

I want the wizard to do things other than just "direct damage to everything". This is like debuffs, buffs, and battlefield manipulation rather than "blaster". Examples:

Ice Orb

Deals 1 damage to target monster. Then if that monster fails a Dexterity Save at difficulty 8, it becomes frozen for the next entire round. Frozen creatures can't attack, move, or take any other actions.

Tangle

Target Foe rolls their Strength Save against difficulty 8. If they fail, they become trapped in a web for the next three rounds. They can't move, Attack, or take any other actions.

Lightning Bolt (Okay some blasting is fine)

Deals 3 damage to target foe.

Haste

Target ally has his movement doubled for the next 5 rounds and attacks twice per turn. If they are a spell caster they may instead cast two spells per turn for the duration.

Mage Armor

Target ally gains +2 Armor for the next 5 rounds. This can't increase Armor above 5.

Teleport

You disappear and reappear at a single space within your present sight radius.

Acid Fog

All enemies in sight radius take 1 damage and have their armor set to "1" for the remainder of the mission unless they make a Strength Save at difficulty 8.

etc.

Players are limited to just one use of each spell per mission, so they should conserve their spells and use them at the right times.

Can anyone suggest good "simplified rules" spells for Wizards or Clerics?

I have clerics mostly being healers.

Least Heal

Target ally gains 1HP.

Minor Heal

Target ally gains 2HP.

Heal

Target ally gains 4HP

Major Heal

Target ally gains 6HP

Full Heal

Target ally gains max HP. (Barbarian has 12HP at max, so theoretically this could heal him by 11HP)

Sacred Hammer

For the next 3 rounds, your Hammer attacks become ranged and do 4d6 damage. They do an additional 1d6 damage to Undead.

Divine Shield

For the next 3 rounds, you become completely Invincible.

Etc

[Anonymous]

How about burning shield?

The shield can burn arrows and other range attacks directed towards the Wizard, and from close range, it can cause fire damage to attackers.

[SeekerOfTruth007]

That might work. I'll give it some thought.

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks for the MHO

[SeekerOfTruth007]

I'm going to use a similar ability for "Chaos Magic" which the villains use. i think this ability is too powerful for the Heroes to use in a Level 1 campaign.

[Opinion Owner]

I agree, it's suitable for Chaos Magic, or Fire Elemental Magic (if you have a hero who is an Elementalist).

[AI Opinion]

Creating unique abilities for your Wizard can enhance the gameplay experience by incorporating strategic and tactical elements. Here are some suggestions:

Temporal Shift: Cast a spell that temporarily rewinds an enemy's last action, either negating their last attack or reversing their movement.

Enchantment Burst: Temporarily turn an enemy into an ally for the next round, causing them to attack their previous allies.

Astral Step: A short-range teleport that allows you to pass through enemies and obstacles, confusing foes, and gaining a temporary defense boost.

Ethereal Shield: Create a magical barrier that grants immunity to physical damage for two rounds but reduces spellcasting abilities slightly during its duration.

Dream Walk: Put an enemy into a deep slumber for two rounds, rendering them immobile and unable to react but waking them if attacked.

These abilities emphasize control and strategic depth, encouraging players to think critically about each move. 🎨✨