Here's a sorted ranking of the votes so far, with breakouts to separate some groups. First, the runaway leader:
Shield: 72.9% of Users - 51 votes
Then, the super-voted:
Find Familiar: 55.7% of Users - 39 votes
Mage Armor: 44.3% of Users - 31 votes
Magic Missile: 42.9% of Users - 30 votes
Detect Magic: 38.6% of Users - 27 votes
Sleep: 27.1% of Users - 19 votes
Then, the masses, which I've somewhat arbitrarily separated into two groups:
Absorb Elements: 18.6% of Users - 13 votes
Alarm: 18.6% of Users - 13 votes
Feather Fall: 18.6% of Users - 13 votes
Thunderwave: 17.1% of Users - 12 votes
Chromatic Orb: 15.7% of Users - 11 votes
Ice Knife: 15.7% of Users - 11 votes
Identify: 14.3% of Users - 10 votes
Catapult: 14.3% of Users - 10 votes
Disguise Self: 12.9% of Users - 9 votes
Burning Hands: 11.4% of Users - 8 votes
Comprehend Languages: 11.4% of Users - 8 votes
Charm Person: 10% of Users - 7 votes
Fog Cloud: 8.6% of Users - 6 votes
(Tasha's) Hideous Laughter: 8.6% of Users - 6 votes
Expeditious Retreat: 7.1% of Users - 5 votes
Witch Bolt: 7.1% of Users - 5 votes
The least voted:
Grease: 5.7% of Users - 4 votes
Protection from Evil and Good: 5.7% of Users - 4 votes
Silent Image: 5.7% of Users - 4 votes
Unseen Servant: 5.7% of Users - 4 votes
Jump: 4.3% of Users - 3 votes
Longstrider: 4.3% of Users - 3 votes
Snare: 4.3% of Users - 3 votes
Cause Fear: 2.9% of Users - 2 votes
Color Spray: 2.9% of Users - 2 votes
Earth Tremor: 1.4% of Users - 1 votes
False Life: 1.4% of Users - 1 votes
(Tenser's) Floating Disc: 1.4% of Users - 1 votes
Illusionary Script: 1.4% of Users - 1 votes
Ray of Sickness: 1.4% of Users - 1 votes
I'm a bit surprised that Shield has such a lead, but, honestly, I agree with those who describe it as an invaluable spell. On the other hand, I would expect Find Familiar to be about as popular, but apparently I'm wrong. I'm also a bit surprised that every spell has at least one vote, but I'm guessing someone simply voted for all the spells, which is the equivalent of voting for none, really. I was also a bit surprised to see Feather Fall ranked so high, when I've seen it used maybe once in thirty years of gaming. But I guess that's what I get for making assumptions based on my experience. As others have stated, I don't find Identify that valuable in 5e, and I'm wondering why utility spells like Unseen Servant and Tenser's Floating Disk are ranked so low. Maybe because it's a combat-focused game.
I apologize if i misunderstood the voting. I only picked a single spell. So i voted only for disguise self.
Absorb Elemenets is as good as Shield. Not getting hit is great, but Shield becomes nearly useless in Tier 3 (19-20 AC is too low at that point), while Absorb Elements only gets better.
False Life is low because it requires an action, it only restores an average of only 6 temporary hit points, which is worse than real healing because it doesn't stack, and requires a first level spell slot or higher for a spell that doesn't even scale well! You said that you can just cast it again, but that requires another slot! Honestly, this spell, like Detect Magic, is best as a warlock invocation.
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"Halt your wagging and wag your halters, for I am mastercryomancer!"
Especially at higher levels, this spell is much more trouble than it's worth. The number of temporary hit points given, especially at levels 4+ or so, equals around one hit from the average monster that's being fought.
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"Halt your wagging and wag your halters, for I am mastercryomancer!"
False life is a real headscratcher, at what level is it something you would consider casting? If you are being attacked by creatures that have non hit roll spells or abilities then its better than an ineffective mage armor but its rare for this to occur often, and when it does the hit points gained are a drop in the bucket compared to the damage dealt. Worse if you have a shepherd druid with you they will grant everyone level +5 temporary hitpoints, so it becomes redundant if a shepherd is with you. If you have an Inspiring leader? Again more hitpoints will be granted by them more often than than false life at level 1.
I have a Druid who has used Jump before. It’s not useful very often, but when you need to get someone with an 8 in strength over a 10’ or 15’ pit it’s a necessity and we were underground.
All the ritual spells are worth learning as each can be useful and the ability to cast without using a slot means there is no reason not to seek these out for your spell book.
The other most useful spells are Shield for protection and Magic Missile for when you absolutely have to hit.
I'm surprised that absorb elements did not rate higher. Shield and absorb elements are my 1st and 2nd choices. Unlike almost every other non ritual 1st level spell they can see play at any level. I can't relate the amount of times absorb elements has helped me out in a pinch.
Shield has such a lead because almost every wizard learns it. Shield combined with Mage Armor give you an AC that's high enough to survive when you get trapped in melee while you bug out. I'm using it as my 1st level spell for the Magic Initiate feat for one character! Sure it's once per day for that character, but once per day is enough for someone who usually avoids melee!
I would think shield is on everyone's list because a level of cleric or fighter combined with wizard provides obscenely high ACs. Who cares about mage armor when a level of cleric can get you in medium or heavy with a shield?
Who cares about mage armor when a level of cleric can get you in medium or heavy with a shield?
Um, anybody who's not interested in slowing down their advancement as a Wizard or Sorcerer by taking a level in Cleric? Not saying taking a level in Cleric is a bad idea, but it comes at a cost. That, plus it might not fit the player's concept for their character.
Who cares about mage armor when a level of cleric can get you in medium or heavy with a shield?
I prefer mage armour. That way I don't lose progression in my class, get the level 20 feature, and don't have to worry about being caught without armour when attacked in the night or being captured and stripped of it. I can also apply it to the commoners we're trying to protect or similar ally. It means I can walk into the room looking entirely mundane: no weapons or armour, but still have protection.
Plus I prefer the thematic of my char in robes or ordinary clothing rather than walking around in bulky armour.
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You guys are taking my quote a bit out of context. I am only suggesting that shield is so high on the list because when pared with armor it provides a downright abusively high AC.
I appreciate the classic robed wizard but, being a huge fan of Iron Kingdoms, I very much like the image of a heavily armored mage with witch fire crackling around them. I suspect that I am not alone and I make the assumption this is one of the factors in this poll.
You guys are taking my quote a bit out of context. I am only suggesting that shield is so high on the list because when pared with armor it provides a downright abusively high AC.
I appreciate the classic robed wizard but, being a huge fan of Iron Kingdoms, I very much like the image of a heavily armored mage with witch fire crackling around them. I suspect that I am not alone and I make the assumption this is one of the factors in this poll.
Going back to re-read your post, I think I did, in fact, misread your intent. My apologies. I think you were speaking sorta "in character", as in "I have a level of cleric or fighter, so I don't care about mage armor", and not suggesting nobody should care about mage armor, because they can simply take a level of cleric or fighter.
For what it's worth, I do like the idea of an armored wizard. In fact, I'm looking for ways to get my necromancer into armor, mostly for thematic purposes, although the extra AC is certainly a factor. I'm not willing to take a level in cleric or fighter, though, because it doesn't really fit. Although maybe Death or Grave cleric might work... hmm. Anyway, point was, not everybody's gonna want an armored wizard, but yes, I agree that Shield might be higher on the list because it's popular with both armored and unarmored wizards.
I've just levelled up to Level 2 and thinking of adding Grease, as I am already tired of one monster running away from our party. Does anyone have experience of using this spell?
There is no official 1st level spell called Freezing Mist.
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I apologize if i misunderstood the voting. I only picked a single spell. So i voted only for disguise self.
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Absorb Elemenets is as good as Shield. Not getting hit is great, but Shield becomes nearly useless in Tier 3 (19-20 AC is too low at that point), while Absorb Elements only gets better.
False Life is low because it requires an action, it only restores an average of only 6 temporary hit points, which is worse than real healing because it doesn't stack, and requires a first level spell slot or higher for a spell that doesn't even scale well! You said that you can just cast it again, but that requires another slot! Honestly, this spell, like Detect Magic, is best as a warlock invocation.
"Halt your wagging and wag your halters, for I am mastercryomancer!"
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Especially at higher levels, this spell is much more trouble than it's worth. The number of temporary hit points given, especially at levels 4+ or so, equals around one hit from the average monster that's being fought.
"Halt your wagging and wag your halters, for I am mastercryomancer!"
Check out my Expanded Signature
False life is a real headscratcher, at what level is it something you would consider casting? If you are being attacked by creatures that have non hit roll spells or abilities then its better than an ineffective mage armor but its rare for this to occur often, and when it does the hit points gained are a drop in the bucket compared to the damage dealt. Worse if you have a shepherd druid with you they will grant everyone level +5 temporary hitpoints, so it becomes redundant if a shepherd is with you. If you have an Inspiring leader? Again more hitpoints will be granted by them more often than than false life at level 1.
Who voted for Jump? How did this spell even make it through playtesting? What playtester said, wow, I gots to have me some leaping ability!
I think one person voted for all of them, instead of just picking five or six
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I have a Druid who has used Jump before. It’s not useful very often, but when you need to get someone with an 8 in strength over a 10’ or 15’ pit it’s a necessity and we were underground.
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All the ritual spells are worth learning as each can be useful and the ability to cast without using a slot means there is no reason not to seek these out for your spell book.
The other most useful spells are Shield for protection and Magic Missile for when you absolutely have to hit.
I'm surprised that absorb elements did not rate higher. Shield and absorb elements are my 1st and 2nd choices. Unlike almost every other non ritual 1st level spell they can see play at any level. I can't relate the amount of times absorb elements has helped me out in a pinch.
I would think shield is on everyone's list because a level of cleric or fighter combined with wizard provides obscenely high ACs. Who cares about mage armor when a level of cleric can get you in medium or heavy with a shield?
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I personally have seen players use Jump. Once in a blue moon, but still.
Jim's Magic Missiles isn't on the list, but I'd vote for that too.
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Um, anybody who's not interested in slowing down their advancement as a Wizard or Sorcerer by taking a level in Cleric? Not saying taking a level in Cleric is a bad idea, but it comes at a cost. That, plus it might not fit the player's concept for their character.
I prefer mage armour. That way I don't lose progression in my class, get the level 20 feature, and don't have to worry about being caught without armour when attacked in the night or being captured and stripped of it. I can also apply it to the commoners we're trying to protect or similar ally. It means I can walk into the room looking entirely mundane: no weapons or armour, but still have protection.
Plus I prefer the thematic of my char in robes or ordinary clothing rather than walking around in bulky armour.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
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You guys are taking my quote a bit out of context. I am only suggesting that shield is so high on the list because when pared with armor it provides a downright abusively high AC.
I appreciate the classic robed wizard but, being a huge fan of Iron Kingdoms, I very much like the image of a heavily armored mage with witch fire crackling around them. I suspect that I am not alone and I make the assumption this is one of the factors in this poll.
Current Characters I am playing: Dr Konstantin van Wulf | Taegen Willowrun | Mad Magnar
Check out my homebrew: Items | Monsters | Spells | Subclasses | Feats
Going back to re-read your post, I think I did, in fact, misread your intent. My apologies. I think you were speaking sorta "in character", as in "I have a level of cleric or fighter, so I don't care about mage armor", and not suggesting nobody should care about mage armor, because they can simply take a level of cleric or fighter.
For what it's worth, I do like the idea of an armored wizard. In fact, I'm looking for ways to get my necromancer into armor, mostly for thematic purposes, although the extra AC is certainly a factor. I'm not willing to take a level in cleric or fighter, though, because it doesn't really fit. Although maybe Death or Grave cleric might work... hmm. Anyway, point was, not everybody's gonna want an armored wizard, but yes, I agree that Shield might be higher on the list because it's popular with both armored and unarmored wizards.
Chromatic orb, Magic missle, thunderwave, hideous laughter, shield, feather fall, and sleep. An honourable mention is ice knife
Previous editions it was good, when it multiples your 0 feet jump x 3 its pretty useless.
I've just levelled up to Level 2 and thinking of adding Grease, as I am already tired of one monster running away from our party. Does anyone have experience of using this spell?
Grease and Freezing Mist.... Kick ass !!
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There is no official 1st level spell called Freezing Mist.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.