Talk:I would like to create a Mage. Should I pick a Wizard or a Sorcerer?

Ask yourself questions like:
 * Do I want to be versatile? (Wizards can change their spells much more easily than Sorcerers).
 * Do I have a clear view of what I like my caster to be good at? (Sorcerers need to plan carefully what spells to pick. They can exchange an old spell for a new one only once per three days, and they must pay platinum pieces for the privelege).
 * Do I want to multiclass with Rogue later on? (Wizards make good multiclass with Rogues)
 * Do I want to multiclass with Cleric later on? (Sorcerers make good multiclass with Clerics)

The choice between a wizard and sorcerer has changed a little from PnP. Sorcerers have become the specialist caster in DDO. They benefit from a largely increased pool of spell points, and much faster casting times. Because DDO uses a spell point system, the wizard prepares his spells once, but casts them until he runs out of spell points coupled with the lack of specialization in a specific school, wizards are geared to be the more versatile caster.

While the sorcerer has a small list of spells memorized which to cast from, the wizard instead scribes spells to a spellbook and chooses which to prepare at each tavern and rest shrine. The wizard is capable of scribing every arcane spell into the spellbook, giving a large variety to select from. Additionally the wizard is able to memorize a larger number of spells at one time than the sorcerer. On the other hand, the sorcerer is able to cast their spells a greater number of times than the wizard, and much shorter intervals between castings, as well.

Wizards get bonus metamagic feats allowing them more chances to manipulate their already large selection of spells, again focusing on the wizard's strength of being able to use exactly the type of spell ideal for the situation at hand.

Finally, the last difference is their primary ability score. Wizards use intelligence and sorcerers use charisma. As such, the wizard will generally have many more skill points to use and the sorcerer will be better at charisma focused skills such as Use Magic Device and Diplomacy.