Why is there a Sorcrer and a Wizard it's really easy to get them confused cuz most ppl use: Sorcerer, Wizard, Mage interchangeably...
Sorcerers either were innately born or were otherwise imbued with spell casting ability, leading to CHR as their spell casting ability basis. A wizard gains their spell casting through study, leading to INT being the basis of their spell casting. One can quibble about how clear the difference is, but both classes' class features and subclass's are themed out on this difference. Sorcerers also have meta magic and sorcery points on top of spell slots, and Wizards have ... a really big list of spells.
Yes in everyday use and even some related genre media sorcerer, wizard and mage, etc. are more or less interchangeable, but nevertheless the distinction is made in the game.
I think the most important difference is the narrative, role playing difference, rather than the mechanical ones. Someone who acquired their magical powers by accident and no choice of their own potentially has a very different story to tell from one who has striven to obtain theirs.
Mechanically, the major difference is this (to my mind):
Wizards have a large range of spells to choose from - both to learn (ie spell list) and to have available (via spellbooks). Those spells are generally as is, but you get a spell for every occasion.
Sorcerers on the other hand have a smaller range of spells that they can learn from and have available to them, but the spells they get can be tweaked on the fly to suit their needs.
Both are very flexible, but in different ways.
On top of that, Sorcerers lean into Charisma, which makes them a viable Face for the party, or a back up one. Wizards are one of the few classes that lean into Intelligence (only part-casters like Artificers and Arcane Tricksters also lean into Int, and usually have other abilities they need to consider), which gives them an automatic niche in the party that makes them vital and really useful.
After that, really we're getting out into the weeds. They're plenty different enough.
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Using characters from Marvel comics: A wizard would be like Lunella "Moon Girl" Lafayette with a collection of gadgets in the belt, and she can choose everyday a different trick. and a sorcerer would be Orore "Storm" Monroe who can cast "lighting bolt" more times only the number of known tricks is lower. A wizard is the sage read books and studies, and a sorcerer is like an artist training her talent.
Nitpick, but Artificers are half-casters, not third-casters.
Fair, edited.
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Why is there a Sorcrer and a Wizard it's really easy to get them confused cuz most ppl use: Sorcerer, Wizard, Mage interchangeably...
Sorcerers either were innately born or were otherwise imbued with spell casting ability, leading to CHR as their spell casting ability basis. A wizard gains their spell casting through study, leading to INT being the basis of their spell casting. One can quibble about how clear the difference is, but both classes' class features and subclass's are themed out on this difference. Sorcerers also have meta magic and sorcery points on top of spell slots, and Wizards have ... a really big list of spells.
Yes in everyday use and even some related genre media sorcerer, wizard and mage, etc. are more or less interchangeable, but nevertheless the distinction is made in the game.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
I think the most important difference is the narrative, role playing difference, rather than the mechanical ones. Someone who acquired their magical powers by accident and no choice of their own potentially has a very different story to tell from one who has striven to obtain theirs.
I mean, it's not like you just naturally unlock level 20 powers; they're something one must develop and cultivate like any other capability.
Mechanically, the major difference is this (to my mind):
Wizards have a large range of spells to choose from - both to learn (ie spell list) and to have available (via spellbooks). Those spells are generally as is, but you get a spell for every occasion.
Sorcerers on the other hand have a smaller range of spells that they can learn from and have available to them, but the spells they get can be tweaked on the fly to suit their needs.
Both are very flexible, but in different ways.
On top of that, Sorcerers lean into Charisma, which makes them a viable Face for the party, or a back up one. Wizards are one of the few classes that lean into Intelligence (only part-casters like Artificers and Arcane Tricksters also lean into Int, and usually have other abilities they need to consider), which gives them an automatic niche in the party that makes them vital and really useful.
After that, really we're getting out into the weeds. They're plenty different enough.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Nitpick, but Artificers are half-casters, not third-casters.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Using characters from Marvel comics: A wizard would be like Lunella "Moon Girl" Lafayette with a collection of gadgets in the belt, and she can choose everyday a different trick. and a sorcerer would be Orore "Storm" Monroe who can cast "lighting bolt" more times only the number of known tricks is lower. A wizard is the sage read books and studies, and a sorcerer is like an artist training her talent.
Fair, edited.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.