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? (Wizards can make good multiclass with Rogues)

With DDO's spell points system and active combat, 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. Wizards are more versatile in the selection of spells they can cast, but have fewer spell points and cast slower.

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 and gets high-level spells one level earlier. On the other hand, the sorcerer is able to cast their spells a greater number of times than the wizard, and with much shorter intervals between castings as well (spell cooldowns are cut in half).

Wizards get bonus metamagic feats at levels 1, 5, 10, 15 an 20, 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. Sorcerers don't get these bonus feats but have ample spell points reserves to fuel them if the player is so inclined. However, Sorcerers must choose their spells carefully on each level up or pay dire penalties for switching. This makes the class ill-suited for complete beginners, as it's difficult to judge the usefulness of a spell from its description only.

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.