Beginner Guide to Creating an Evocation Wizard in D&D 5e

[@TrueLimeyhoney]

12:44 If you actually read the rules on this, this is exactly what the component pouch is supposed to do! From Chapter 10 of the PHB: "A character can use a component pouch or a spellcasting focus in place of the components specified for a spell." Mechanically, a component pouch and an arcane focus do the exact same thing.

[@Typical7]

yep mechanically it's worse to use an arcane focus because you cant use costly material components with the same hand holding the arcane focus

[@pinkyd2657]

@@Typical7 wouldn't the arcane focus substitute for material components that dont have value (ie not a diamond)?

[@andrewthemaroon8608]

@@pinkyd2657 arcane focus only substitutes for a component if that component is not consumed during the casting. I don't have a spell off hand but let's say in this example to cast revivify the diamond used for it is consumed then you need the diamond. If the diamond is not destroyed when casting revivify then you can substitute for the arcane focus and just never carry a diamond again..... whole lot of book keeping that's slows down a game and most groups I play in just hand wave it away

[@Typical7]

@@pinkyd2657 adding to what andrew said, according to sage advice, if you hold something in both hands (for example shield in one hand and focus on the other) you will need to waste your free action to "sheathe" the focus so you cant "draw" the component on the same turn, you cheat this by dropping the focus or you can just use a pouch to avoid a dm that will not let you switch weapons without actions.

[@pinkyd2657]

@@andrewthemaroon8608 yeah i think thats what im saying i just worded it bad wkfkekfk. I think all components that are consumed have a material cost to it right?

[@seamama]

I am currently playing a level 4 evocation wizard as my first character. She just learned that her great grandfather was a vampire so went slightly necromancy with the last level up. She is a shy high elf that spent her whole life studying magic under her father. After some family drama she ran away from home. Only to find out some massive family secrets and that she is more powerful then she thought. Your videos and campaign have helped me so much in understanding dnd. To the point I am confidently dming my first campaign.

[@dcoffinh]

She sounds awesome!

[@thiagofrias2471]

Thanks for breaking the taboo that new players cant start with a wizard! And the smooth way you guys guide new players through spells and stuff is sublime! BTW, Kelly picking Hex with his hermit looks like those old grumpies that curse you for stepping on their's lawn!

[@rafis117]

Your cantrip choices make sense for any wizard except Evocation. Evokers get to do half damage on a saving throw success (but none of the effects), but no damage on an attack roll miss. This feature comes in at level 6, which while just outside the range of this guide is probably the least intuitive part of making an evoker; it's easy to overlook because save spells often aren't from the evocation school, so if you look for evocation spells like Fire Bolt you may overlook them. Frostbite (d6), Toll the Dead (d10/d12), and Mind Sliver (d6) are all great combat cantrips that require a save instead of an attack roll. Fortunately, wizards have the easiest cantrip switching with or without Tasha's, so wizard players can easily switch when it becomes relevant.

[@meikahidenori]

My copy of Dungeons of Drakkenheim came yesterday! It looks so gorgeous and amazing! Can't wait to run it with my group!. Thank you guys for making your creation available for everyone to join in the adventures. (It made my day seeing it arrive yesterday! Cheers from Australia!)

[@peaches3835]

Hahaha seems like all the Australians got their copy on the same day

[@Deathven1482]

@@peaches3835 Id hope so! Considering Ghostfire is an Australian based company lol.

[@awesomejac]

Got mine tonight. The cat sat in the box straight away.

[@Ahglock]

On your cantrips the only thing I'd of suggested is mixing and maxing an attack roll with a save required spell. Sometimes you are facing enemies with a high AC and its nice to switch out, and the evocation wizards 6th level ability does nothing ig you don't have a save based cantrip.

[@TheHandgunhero]

Yeah, usually I go with Firebolt or Ray of Frost, then I pick up Toll The Dead to target saving throws and diversify my damage types. At higher levels, I'll then take Chill Touch to target monsters with regeneration and healing.

[@bskec2177]

Generally as a wizard I mix one attack with one save, but for evocation wizards, go with saves only, to work with the subclass features. Just make sure to get different saves - don't take both Bonfire and Acid splash, as they are both Dex saves. Mind sliver (Int) and Frostbite (Con) are good options. I would actually highly recommend Frostbite, as it is the only ranged cantrip that works with both your 6th level subclass feature and your 10th level feature (although at 10th level you shouldn't be relying on cantrips in combat). Thunderclap also works with these features, and the 2nd level Sculpt Spell feature, but has a 5ft range, and that's not where you want to be. The only other wizard I break from the 1 save/1 attack mix is when I make a halfling wizard. Halfling luck just makes me want to be rolling the dice instead of my target, so I take two attack roll cantrips with different damage types. I've never made an evoker halfling, so I don't know what I would take.

[@ME-kd1ko]

You know, this would have been a great point if you actually knew the difference between the two words "have" and "of".

[@FarothFuin]

If your DM is one that allows searching libraries for your same level spells, then heres a little trick for wizards: never choose your own school of magic as your level up spells, since learning those spells is cheaper for you, learn other school of spells as a level up and then pay for your own school spells, since it will take half the money and time, and probably would make more sense that you have access to a master of the character that let it learn new spells of your school or wizards of your school/college allowing you access to your school of magic library, that say other school's wizard teaching you magic or letting you get access to their books, since you are not of the same school

[@theravenousrabbit3671]

Any reasonable DM will allow you to go to wizarding schools and libraries to find spells. However, most places of learning would probably take a small fee for things like this and, the higher the spell, the more rare and less willing a library might be to provide such. "Hey there hobo-looking wizard looking for Fireball. As of this moment we are not really providing lending books..."

[@iododendron3416]

@@theravenousrabbit3671 we don't allow strangers in our library anymore since the last one tried out fireball right away.

[@PiroMunkie]

Another trick is if you have another caster in your group, and you find they have a spell that's on the wizard spell list, ask them to create a spell scroll of that spell, from which you can then copy it into your spellbook. If you have two wizards in the party you can just skip the step of creating spell scrolls and copy from the other wizard's spellbook. So you could learn up to 4 new spells each level if you both happen to pick a two different spells.

[@cfalkner1012]

This is all well and good, but can be rather expensive at lowish levels.

[@FarothFuin]

@@theravenousrabbit3671 which is why the best option is to learn your school spells from your school, remember, is not just a topic magic, is an actual school, with scholars and teachers, from wizards that know you, and yes, you spend money, so is exactly why the best option is to get the cheapest ones from there, so, your savant school, and other school spells from the leveling up

[@dcohen1359]

Cast fireball and only fireball. Nothing but fireball. Just fireball. Just. Fireball.

[@ninjasquirrels]

Q - How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? A - Fireball

[@2keyblades]

I don’t care how big this room is I cast Fireball

[@FarothFuin]

What do you mean, person within fireball range?

[@ninjasquirrels]

This one time, in band camp, I cast fireball.

[@paulmartin4546]

Does the house need to make a dex save?!

[@lenvel8057]

As a newbie to this game you guys have been so important to my learning and understanding. Thank you so much for sharing both your love and knowledge of this game with us.

[@DFG1125]

19:31 I absolutely love that metaphor for wizard spellcasting with food! That was such an interesting way to put it that makes sense!

[@JasonCorfman]

Actually, there is an advantage to picking up proficiency in a class skill that you will also pick up in your background. That advantage is, if you already have the skill proficiency, you can choose any other skill to replace it in your background, not just the skills from the class list. So if you want a skill that isn't on your class list or provided by the background, that is a way to pick it up. That would let you pick up, say, proficiency in perception, which isn't on the wizard list, without having to take, say, the sailor background.

[@jamesbaker2092]

The phb says you can swap out any skills from your background anyway though, so you don't need to do this.

[@LaneyStudios5]

My evocation wizard is a Vedalken architect who is a perfectionist and loves to excavate old ruins so as to learn how great societies fell and how to avoid their mistakes to further improve his race, this perfectionism also translates into his spellcasting which is how he can make his spells do maximum damage when casting them

[@phillipheaton9832]

Note: If your DM doesn't allow feats and you need to boost a stat that is an old number, put the other +1 into Str - it is the only ability score that odd numbers can make a difference because of carrying capacity.

[@luciennerdy6783]

Most dms I’ve had don’t use carrying capacity plus wizards wouldn’t be the group member to be carrying the party’s stuff, so I think most wizards would be better off just capping there int

[@TheHandgunhero]

An interesting feat worth picking up for an Evocation Wizard I recommend is Metamagic Adept. Take Transmuted Spell and Seeking Spell and don't look back. If there's a bunch of creatures resistant or immune to your fireballs? Acidball time. 😉

[@axanarahyanda628]

I agree with Transmuted Spell, but why Seeking Spell? Most good offensive spells are saves, which are unaffected by this metamagic. There are far better options.

[@TheHandgunhero]

@@axanarahyanda628 It's because you don't want to use twinned or quickened spell, as they are too costly when you only get 2 sorcery points. You could take subtle spell, but you probably aren't focusing on infiltration or trickster play as an Evoker. Seeking Spell is great though for if you miss a key Cantrip attack, or if you miss with higher level attack roll spells. It's just the fact that you want something combat orientated that only costs 1 point, which was why I suggested the option.

[@axanarahyanda628]

@@TheHandgunhero Subtle would be a better choice imo. It brings utility and is useful in combat : a spell with no component can't be perceived nor counterspelled. I was about to suggest Empower but it scales on CHA so it's generally a bad idea on a standard wizard.

[@saw31489]

Gotta vehemently go against Monty putting a 12 in Charisma. Since they love and are speaking in almost entirely a mechanical sense, Charisma serves the wizard just slightly more than Strength while Wisdom is a MASSIVE saving throw against magic.

[@FarothFuin]

What do you mean choosing other spells, persons within fireball range?

[@TheDreamburner]

Recently, I got to recreate the first D&D character I ever played as a 5e Evocation Wizard, and it was the first time I actually got to play one (I typically DM for my group). I was so impressed with the capability of Sculpt Spell that it really changed how I viewed the tactical application of his spellcasting. Burning Hands as a spell while hiding behind the tank was nice, and when I finally could achieve Fireball and Thunder Step, it was nice to not worry about blasting my allies with the bursts. The way our DM ran things was very detailed in the shop and social interfaces, so having cheap access to Evocation spells actually had real value, too. I was much more impressed than I expected to be!

[@pinkiprime7877]

My first ever Wizard was a Feral Teifling Evocationist. He learned of his lineage and of how much destruction it has caused and Adopted it into his wizarding schooling. Sadly he sacrificed himself to save his friends in the end by Casting Resilient Sphere on the boss to keep it from leaving a crumbling mineshaft allowing the team to leave with enough tim to get out safely and regroup for a long rest to finish off the boss.

[@kevensutton]

That food analogy was really good. I'm going to be using that for new players.

[@ThatResolves]

excellent video, was always scared to try wizard because i don’t know enough about spells so i lean into just eldritch blasting but this really opens things up

[@levi140]

Currently playing an evocation wizard, and the odd time when melee fighting is unavoidable I sure am glad that I chose Green Flame Blade as one of my cantrips. It seems kind of weak at lower levels, but once you hit level 5, it is HOT and can deal a ton of damage. Highly recommend!

[@Joker-yw9hl]

IKR I've always felt like that cantrip is underrated for some reason

[@lucasm.3864]

A one level dip into Hexblade is amazing for this class. Not only do you get medium armor and shield proficiencies (bumping your AC up from 15 to 18 or 19 depending on the armor available, plus freeing up a spell slot), but Hexblade’s Curse also combos amazingly with Magic Missile.

[@TheHandgunhero]

I actually find Evoker's use Magic Missile less often because they can be more liberal with AOE effects. Additionally, you likely don't meet the multiclass requirements for Warlock because Wizards want to dump strength and charisma usually. A better multi is a level in Artificer to get the medium armour and shield proficiency, some nice cantrips that use the same ability score and spells that use the same ability score. Spells like Faerie Fire from Artificer are great pick-ups. Also, if you go 2 levels in Artificer, you can take the Mind Sharpener infusion and never have to worry about losing your concentration spells again.

[@binolombardi]

@@TheHandgunhero choosing 1 level of artificer, hexblade warlock, or almost any cleric make for an incredible boost for a wizard. Light/medium armor proficiencies go a long way to increase a wizards survivability. Preserves a wizards low hitpoints while reducing the amount of concentration saving throws they have to roll. The additional cantrips can help quite a bit with utility or help the party. Guidance is wonderful. Continued full slot progression is great with the cleric/artificer. The extra 1st level slot per short rest from the warlock can be used in interesting ways. I think the cleric and artificer definitely have a leg up on the warlock though. Prepared casting with access to rituals can go a long way to make your character feel even more magical and helpful.

[@majorcosmos2]

Great video. Additionally, at 5th level, your cantrips get an additional damage die. So you're more powerful, even when you've burned all your spell slots

[@michaelpeterson5545]

I really enjoy your videos! I DM a new group of players and always point them to you to learn more about the game and their classes!

[@rcschmidt668]

Thanks for the video, Dudes! One thing that can be very useful for blaster mages is the wand of the war mage that adds +2 to the attack roll and ignores cover. Another thing to consider when choosing spells is a mix of saving throw DC (and mind sliver to double down). It would be more effective to use Toll the Dead if the enemy’s Wis is low and Sword Burst when their Dex is low. Great shirt, Kelly.

[@nicholasallen1388]

Good lord... Monty saying, "how dare you" to the leaving out the magic missle, I about died!! Haha

[@dylancreighton4276]

Just hit level 3 with my evocation wizard that is an ice magic specialist. Having a blast. One my cantrips is Shape Water and combining it with Ray of Frost is a ton of fun.

[@AzureIV]

Once you hit Level 6, grab the Frostbite cantrip.

[@cleftboywonder]

Oh wow I'm working on watching your older videos from up to 4 years ago and I was like where is the evocation wizard. Haha well here it is!

[@timburbagereads]

Called it! All pre-made characters from Lost Mines of Phandelver

[@deamon506]

In terms of mage armor, at low levels you can always use your arcane recovery to recover the spell slot used for it so you’re still benefitting from it without missing that crucial spell slot

[@cfalkner1012]

The distinction is that you could use arcane recovery for any other spell as well, so your argument can be made for any other spell in the game. The point that mage armor is a high opportunity cost in the early game is still valid.

[@deamon506]

@@cfalkner1012 Unless you have some sort of level 1 utility spell that you might use outside of combat that’s not a ritual before you take a short rest, using it on mage armor to bump your AC from 12 to 15 which you can shield to 20 is not nearly as high of an opportunity cost as you’re making it out to be. Not doing so could very well be the difference between life and death at low levels.

[@binolombardi]

@@deamon506 that’s 2 slots out of 3 total possible at level 1, dedicated to AC. Burning hands, sleep, thunder wave, frost fingers, and Tasha’s caustic brew have the ability to prevent those AC boosts from being needed at all if cast under appropriate circumstances. At least at level 1.

[@cfalkner1012]

@@deamon506 I am not arguing with you about how powerful or useful the spell is. I think mage armor is a good call. I am simply pointing out that the existence of arcane recovery doesn’t lower the opportunity cost of any one spell, it lowers the opportunity cost of them all equally. Therefore the original assertion is unaffected: You have precious few spell slots at low levels, so some people choose to forgo mage armor for a different spell option, and they try to protect themselves in other ways.

[@deamon506]

@@cfalkner1012 nothing that you’re saying changes what I said. The idea that others may value different things is fine, but that goes without saying. Some people, like myself, would prefer the option of the protection of +3 AC that can be shielded to +8, and I’m providing information for others who might want it but may be hesitant due to what the video said. In games I’m in, as well as I’m sure many others, the likelihood of needing more than 3 spell slots at level 1 is low, so taking and using it isn’t much of a sacrifice

[@Solike99]

Such a great video. Thanks!

[@Hadex79]

While dual-wielding wands does sound fun I personally imagine a wandslinger with their wand holstered low, like an arrogant gunslinger. In that case it might be tempting to go with the broad-brimmed hat just to look at someone from under it and challenge them. Beyond wands rods and staves could possibly also benefit from some of the ways people have used guns (maybe some way to conceal a rod or sawed-off staff [same thing?] under the robe/cloak). Good builds as always. Really been enjoying ya'll's character build videos and I look forward to what you cook up next.

[@captianbacon]

At 4th lvl the telekinetic feat is also worth looking into. It's +1 ur int and gives you something to do with ur bonus action constantly as well as increasing the range of your mage hand

[@marceloprates5373]

Amazing vid as always my dudes! Beatdown tier list anytime soon? :D

[@nealpeterson9714]

This was an awesome guide. and TBH it pretty much works for all wizard schools. I cannot wait to see one on warlock to explain how their spells and spell slots work. I loved the Menu analogy for the wizards.

[@RobKinneySouthpaw]

I like the idea that Kelly's gnome is a retired BAMF, eccentric and doddering, with a spell book so annotated, marked over, and doodled in the margin that he's rediscovering his spells as he levels back up. Level 5 the party surrounded by 20 goblins and their chief, wolves etc. "Ah, that's where I'd written it. Anti-Clockwise eh?".🔥🔥 Fireball🔥🔥

[@brett76544]

one time I was firing burning hands, but two segments before someone fired off Grease. It was an interesting combination leading to a 3rd level spell. Napalm. I was playing a fire elementalist and the other mage was a evoker.

[@brunog.campos3236]

I love this type of video, super usefull for beguiners. U Is there others detailed beguiner builds?

[@festivehands]

Kelly is lookin stylish af this episode

[@shiro_the_trap2513]

I used Find Familiar to great effect a few sessions ago, used it to cause some trouble in a Wizard's shop because the vendor I brought a Magic Crystal off of asked me to do so. I had the rat run in, sit on the wizard's foot and cast Bestow Curse. The wizard succeeded on the save, so I just had the rat scamper elsewhere and start causing mischief by roleplaying as a cat and knocking shit down off the shelves :D

[@michaelvaughn7137]

"We are the dungeon dudes" I have never ever heard anything more perfectly geeky in my life I'm 57 !

[@justahattrynachill8748]

I'm convinced Kelly uses the videos to show off his wardrobe.

[@BuzzyEnBee]

personally for the abilities, i like to put 14 in INT and 15 in CON and then use customized origin from tasha's to get +2 in INT and +1 in CON

[@sauljaffe4268]

Kelly said: "There's no point in choosing skills from your class that you're going to get from your background." Actually, there is. The rules say that if you get a skill from your background that you already have, you can choose any other skill. So, if you want a skill that's not available to you from your class, race, or profession, you can choose it in this manner. For the example of the evocation wizard, I might want Stealth - a skill that is not available to my class, race or profession in order to maybe sneak up on an enemy campsite. By doubling up on skills, and taking a skill from the class (like Arcana) that I would also get from my background (for example, if I chose Sage), then I could choose Stealth as a replacement for the Arcana skill I would have gotten from the background, but already have from the class and it's a skill I would not normally be able to chose. While I admit this is not a common occurrence, it might come into play for certain characters and certain builds.

[@AnaseSkyrider]

This is a pretty obscure rule, and I think most people don't do it that way because it feels like cheating, and most online sheet tools aren't built for the free selection.

[@TheHandgunhero]

@@AnaseSkyrider The most commonly used tool for character creation now, Dndbeyond, always has this enabled as this is how it works RAW.

[@sauljaffe4268]

@@AnaseSkyrider It may be an obscure rule but it can help you build your character concept and gives you a bit more versatility. A number of times, people I've played with have said something to the effect of "I wish I'd known that when I was building the character" because they didn't know this rule exists. As for online sheet tools - all the ones I've seen do support it, one way or another.

[@kellywilliam3708]

Kelly looking like an absolute baller here. Hope you guys do something similar to this with Abjuration, one of the less loved subclasses

[@nightraven8814]

Hell yeah, been waiting for this one!

[@Zr0din]

REQUEST A VIDEO: Can you do an explainer and demonstration for the spell points version of controlling how much people can cast (except warlocks)? I have a caster-heavy group and I want to give them as much flexibility as possible.

[@BlackShadow1991]

Thank you for these guides, they are fun, informative and well-made :D Keep up the good work, Dudes :)

[@rcschmidt668]

Nice shout out by Professor Dungeon Master in his latest video on short rests and how the haze in Drakkenheim is dangerous to stay within for too long.

[@phillipheaton9832]

If I was choosing Cantrips, I would pick: Firebolt, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation and Chill Touch. If I was only taking three of them, I might select Chill Touch over Firebolt since it shuts down enemy healing and regeneration. Since Wizards are ritual casters, I want some of those in my spellbook. Find familiar and Detect Magic are good choices for that. Burning Hands gives you an AoE spell, Magic Missile gives you a versatile attack spell. Shield and Absorb Elements boost your defenses. Mage armor is something of a trap; you should use Minor Illusion to give yourself 3/4 cover for a +5 to your AC in the first round of combat instead, leaving all your spell slots for other things. Naturally, I will be looking to add more ritual spells to my spellbook. At 2nd level, if Silvery Barbs is available, I will take that one, otherwise I will take Longstrider. The ritual spell Identify would be my second choice. At 3rd Level I also like Scorching Ray, another versatile spell, and Web. At 4th level I will also boost my Int and take Mirror Image and Shatter (AoE). I don't care for any of the ritual spells a Wizard has available at 2nd level. For my new Cantrip, I would take Chill Touch if I didn't have it, otherwise it would be Mending. At 5th level, I would take Fireball and the ritual Leomund's Tiny Hut. Being able to rest safely is very important to me! I might delay it till 6th level so I could take Counterspell now. Phantom Steed and Water Breathing are both great ritual spells to add to my spellbook.

[@chba1267]

Illusions create concealment not cover. Cover can actual block attacks concealment blocks vision.

[@phillipheaton9832]

@@chba1267 True, but Minor Illusion can make you heavily obscured, which means that your attacker does so at disadvantage and a magic user can't target you with a bunch of spells. If the attacker's arrow goes through the rock, that shows that it is an illusion, but if you make it a small fog cloud or a small area of darkness, the arrow going throw would not prove anything. Your attacker would have to make an Investigation check (using an action) to determine that it was an illusion, as would the magic user; if successful, they could target you next turn.

[@pw3829]

Kelly, I love that shirt. It suits you very well.

[@fuzefuzefuzefuze]

With this info my favorite build is Human Wizard starting feat is Metamagic adept, bcuz I can use transmute spell twice per rest. So my Firebolt and Fireball is always live lol

[@mileslockhart8176]

You forgot to mention Arcane Recovery.

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

12:44 love your idea for a component Pouch I gonna make a transmutation wizard with a component Pouch as a focus also I love casting web like Spiderman

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Great video as usual! Love wizards and this was super helpful - keep the great content coming 🤓

[@ccarrl1257]

at the moment i am playing (in my normal tuesday games that are primarily bi weekly) he is a fire genasi wizard named candle the party is level 11 and i play him as the "make all the enemies constanly make saving throw rolls" with the skulpting spells making sure my allies never have to at around lvl 9 ish the dm allowed my fire genai to have a Ice form (after i finish a long rest i can choose fire or ice my spells using the damage type of fire/ice when in the different forms get the elemental adept bonus to them) witch elemental adept was my 8th level feat that candle took (i was also allowed to take 3 free magic items when i joined so the 3 i took were Ioun Stone of intelect, Necklace of Adaptation, and a bag of holding (and at some point the dm gave me an upgrade to have a Tamed bag of devouering (so no one can steal out of it without getting consumed by the actual bag itself though i have to spend alot on meat to feed the bag )

[@clintbuddy3248]

You guys really rock DND and how to play different classes.

[@cleftboywonder]

Just made my wizard last night. I prefer to roll because it just feels more real. Rolled amazing 17 16 15 13 12 12

[@legomaniac213]

Evocation Wizards: "I'VE GOT ONE QUESTION, AND ONE QUESTION ONLY; EXPLOSIONS?!!!!!"

[@PLanTonN]

I was looking around for a evo wiz build just a couple of hours ago! :D

[@isaackarr6576]

Firling blade common magic longsword while you concentrate on it this one handed sword does 1D12 damage it's pummel is magical too. The blade is a cantrip flickering like a ribbon in the breeze or a fire made of metal when there.

[@Soulstone961]

What are your opinions on Monsters of the Multiverse? Personally, I’m glad I have it in my collection, but I’ll be using Legacy player races myself, and it doesn’t offer much new content for the pricetage

[@Lusa_Iceheart]

Yeah I wasn't a fan of the whole "put your ability bonus in anything you want". It removes a big part of the opportunity cost to race selection and dilutes the storytelling. If I want to, I can make that Orc Wizard with a mediocre Int but a good Str and have to build a back story to explain how in the nine hells an orc became a wizard (as opposed to a barbarian). I lose some of that character development you get right at character creation and instead get what amounts to race selection being a cosmetic skin, like some video game avatar. IDK if it was some 'racial equity' marketing decision to change the rules like that or if cause they liked how each race could fit on a single page if they could cut out that part of the text and it was a purely editorial fit-the-text-on-the-page thing. Either way it feels like some other department made the decision, not the people who actually design and balance the game. Some of those monster races were more than a little too strong IMO anyway. Monsters of The Multiverse is one of those get it if you really, really have to have all the hard copy books, but for my players I have it on my "Just get it off Pirates Bay" list. Everyone got a copy of the PHB and there's at least one copy of Tasha and Xanathars at the table? That's more than enough for me to be happy.

[@SirButterlegs]

Man do I love Wizards, can you guys do a conjuration wizard video next. Thank you

[@guilhermemelo3760]

Nice vid. I would have made a pirate evocation Wizard, to tie in with the sponsor. There was a great one called robillard in the dritz books

[@Phoenixquill123]

I really like taking dragon breath as one my second level spells so I can have my flyby owl shooting energy blasts at my enemies

[@utkarshgaur1942]

Alright fine. this now has my 2nd favourite food analogy from the dudes.

[@TheFrozenite]

I feel like considering they aren’t building to level six, some future planning has been missed in this video. By level 6 the evocation wizard does half damage on cantrips that enemies succeed on their saving throw against. Might’ve done some good to suggest a few more options or maybe even hint toward the feature. I’m thinking of frostbite in this instance instead of ray of frost. P.S. I did kinda have this video on as some background noise so I may of missed them mentioning this very thing, so if they did please link me the moment where mentioned.

[@seankeaney823]

This is why at 6th level Toll the Dead is almost as useful as Magic Missile, got to love auto damage.

[@SirPumpkinKnight]

Had to stop the video before I even started watching it. Kelly, that is a SHARP outfit you're rocking, Orange on Black over Gray? Tight. Alright, now I can watch.

[@ajgunter8932]

When I DM i eliminate the prepared spells per day for wizards. My reasoning is a wizard is pretty smart and they wouldnt need to prepare spells in addition to adding them to a spellbook. Whatever is in the spellbook is prepared. I havent run into problems with it

[@deamon506]

I think Brennan Lee Mulligan did that in the exandria unlimited one shot

[@Hyde_Hill]

Isn't it sometimes advantageous to pick skills that are also in your background? As that let's you chose any skill for that background slot. Or are we keeping it simpler because it is a beginners guide?

[@justarandomkid1152]

At that point just use the custom background option

[@Hyde_Hill]

@@justarandomkid1152 True however sometimes someone wants a specific background and they don't want to do custom hermit however they want proficiency in stealth. And thought it was worth mentioning how it works if you pick the same.

[@justarandomkid1152]

@@Hyde_Hill part of custom background is being able to use the features of another background. So you can grab ur proficiencies and slap on what ever background feature

[@Mario.1997]

I would love to see a video for a elementalist. Which is a variation of the evoker that specifically specializes in elemental damage

[@Flopmind]

In case anyone wanted to know, Kelly is building a Rock Gnome specifically.

[@bskec2177]

I'd like to know why? Why choose a rock gnome over a forest gnome? His stats would have been the same, and he'd have gotten minor illusion for free. I suppose Artificers Lore could be useful on a wizard, but minor illusion would seem like a better option.

[@DivineElementalist]

Great tips! Looking forward to the next one. Hoping it's a Horizon Walker Ranger

[@AlexieCruz]

I just started playing my first Wizard in over 20 years ... I chose Evoker (soldier bg), Member of Flaming Fist in Temple" cause, B000M ... this video is timely :)

[@davidsweet5094]

I would like you opinion on this. In your journeys and adventures you or maybe the rogue "find" (😉) a spell book that contains spells of a higher level than your character. Since you are say a level 3 wiz you can't cast a level 4 or 5 spell, but can you still copy that spell into your book for future use? Would it matter if it was a ritual rather that a normal spell? Can you read and understand the spell enough to copy it ... you just don't have enough umph in your tank to cast it? Or is any spell of a higher level than you just gibberish to you until you achieve that level? Arcana checks maybe?

[@tonyscoggins7028]

The Order of the Scribes has become the ultimate Evoker. I cast fireball but now it is psychic.

[@AmariYou]

I wish I had your guide when I started playing dnd, about 2 years ago. My first character was an evocation wizard and I made a lot of mistakes that you tell us to avoid. Thanks for all your videos!

[@rossdiggle]

Laughing at your HP. Remember playing 2nd edition and having a wizard with d4 HP. I rolled a 1.

[@stevenludlow3384]

Then a cat claws you and it's over. 😂

[@adaelion3772]

funnily enough, you don't want to choose your school of magic when lvlng up. you want to find those in the world because they are cheaper to learn. This is a great way to mitigate your "forever broke" situation.

[@chazstafford7135]

I would love to see you guys do a build for an Archfey Warlock

[@andreweast1313]

Title image, where can I find it. Amazing Tiefling Wizard!

[@teacup_ninja]

KELLY! Off topic but I love the drip you have on. That coat is fire.

[@AgentSmith21119]

Really hoping to see a guide on fiend warlocks soon!

[@Ty-yy7zr]

I think sculpt spell is underrated. You can have your friends be safe when you launch a fireball, cone of cold, or a few meteors.

[@fabiocabiddu1931]

isn't better tool the dead instead of firebolt? I'm building a mage and i can't decide. Especially considering that from lvl 6 they are gonna get half of the damage even when they miss the saving throw

[@efrainlopez3782]

Kelly looking sharp man. Love the shirt

[@JasonCorfman]

I don't know if you are planning on doing more of these. I know you have exhausted the options from the free Basic Rules. I will point out, however, that the rulebook from the D&D Essentials Kit is also available for free PDF download. Those would not only add one additional subclass for each class you've covered (war domain cleric, eldritch knight fighter, arcane trickster rogue and school of transmutation wizard), but also adds the college of lore and college of valor bards. Granted, those character creation rules only go up to sixth level, but your videos so far have only gone to fifth level.

[@JasonCorfman]

If you don't know where the Essential Kit rules are, and I assume KZbin will block direct links, they are under the "Play at Home/Stay at Home" section on the official D&D website in the "Younger Gamers" tab.

[@macksgz]

Just think of your spell book as your closet and your prepared spells as the clothes you choose to wear each morning. You might have the most expansive wardrobe in the realm but you can still only put on so many things

[@JERKIMBALL1]

More fireballs!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@macromondo8026]

Abit miffed you didn't took in consideration the level 6 feature with cantrips, that being said an evocation wizard isn't all about saving throw cantrips, evocation cantrips can also be usefull with the level 10 feature that lets you add your intelligence modifier to the damage. Then again that's level 10 so it doesn't see as much play as potent cantrip, I just like the idea of a level 11 evocation wizard using frostbite to deal 3d6+5 cold damage hit or miss and giving disadvantage to weapon attacks on enemies on a hit.

[@nolifeconsolegamer]

With an evocation wizard. Take the criminal/spy background. Use its second level effect to create a 5 pound bottle of purple worm poison. Then cast catapult to shoot the bottle of purple worm poison at an enemy. Boom you win.

[@rayne6719]

Omg. My group *wasn't* cheating when we ignored material spell components? Phew. I thought they were being nice since it was my first time being a wizard

[@irvingfaverman7419]

Kelly I love your jacket!

[@bubbles9829]

I haven’t tried this but would hex and magic missile be great combo? From hex you are adding an extra d4 for each magic missile. Trying to think about spell combos, not trying to cast spells that quickly, like a one two combo an extra boom.

[@iododendron3416]

Hex adds 1d6 damage to every successful attack roll, which excludes magic missile ;)

[@bubbles9829]

@@iododendron3416 oh, I didn’t look in the book for hex, I try to remember in my mind. A d6 is even more powerful

[@iododendron3416]

@@bubbles9829 you can go crazy with magic missile though, depending on your DM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXWdIVthdt8fas

[@UWOCowboy]

can 8 caste/use flaming sphere and go invisible still controlling the sphere?

[@firedragon9066]

would be nice if they covered the three new subclasses and the race changes in Monsters Of The Multiverse and your race +2 +1 is now free floating you get +2 +1 anywhere to two skills or +1 in three different skills thanks to Multiverse so much better with races now you could have an Orc with +2 in Int and +1 in Wisdom now if you wanted

[@theginger92q13]

Can you do a video on the divine souls sorcerer?

[@Sharkpride808]

Why not Chromatic Orb?

[@Bigswordenergy-b7u]

I feel like in that metaphor spell would be better referred to as ingredients because you might run out of them without making some of the dishes not a single time just like spells you didn't get to use or get a rest and still have spell slots aka ingredients that haven't been used

[@cadaver76]

so Kelly, how would Hex and magic missiles work? a hexroll with every bolt?

[@Hazel-xl8in]

not with magic missile no. hex requires attack rolls, and magic missile has none. if you have jim’s magic missile though, that would work!