In my group's current campaign, I play one of the party's 2 barbarians. We've expressed to the DM that we like being pushed to come up with creative solutions to things and he's done a really good job of setting up combat encounters where smashing through everything isn't the only way to move on. So far, that's been really, really fun; one of my favorite combat encounters this campaign was one where I didn't do a single point of damage.
For my next character, I'm looking at playing an Enchantment wizard. I'd like to build a character who doesn't do damage during combat-- maybe never even prepares any damage-dealing spells, though they might pick them up. All cantrips and prepared spells would be buffs/debuffs and battlefield control. My question is, would this be a viable build? Would it be worth having one entire party member (in a 4- or 5-person party) devoted solely to providing support and no overt offense? For that matter, which spells would be essential, and which might be used creatively in combat? (i.e. a utility spell such as Dancing Lights used to distract an enemy or something.)
I tried doing this with my Bard in a dungeon crawl, so I speak with experience when I say that it's not a great idea.
For starters, wizard cantrips mainly fall into the categories of utility or damage-dealing. I don't think there are any that are legit buff/debuff spells, which means you're going to struggle for reliable actions in combat that don't burn through your spell slots. That may be less of an issue later on down the road, but that's huge at early levels.
You did mention using Dancing Lights as a distraction, but since that isn't an explicit part of the spell's effect, you're relying on your GM to support you using the spells in non-standard ways.
There's also the issue of what you're actually getting for your spell use. When you use the non-damaging battlefield control spells or the active buffing spells, you're not necessarily getting a 1 for 1 increase in the damage out put for the other players. In other words, if you're avoiding damaging spells entirely, the monsters are going to last longer.
Does this mean it's impossible? No, you can still be effective in this way. But I think you'll find that it will be a hard road with a limited spell selection (an odd issue for a wizard).
I don't think going pure support (buffs only) is viable, but you can probably get by without dealing (too much) damage.
Not a wizard, but College of Glamour will probably do the trick. I played a Glamour Bard / Archfey Warlock in a game, and you can really lock down single targets.
Your bonus action is either Mantle of Inspiration to get your allies into position or Mantle of Majesty to keep someone from acting.
With your type of DM, it's probably quite doable to have build a Wizard without direct damage spells. Not necessariily the best, idea, it's certainly viable. I think Houligan has the right idea: you want control spells of different kinds as well as some back-up options in case you fight undead or high CHA fiends. Even though buffing and debuffing isn't your specialty, you do have some strong options even at low levels:
Hold Person and Levitate can both be used to lockdown (or lockup) an opponent. Levitate could also save you a lot of trouble against melee-only foes.
Other very useful low level spells include Grease, Silent Image, Web, and Pyrotechnics. These can all be deployed in combat to limit enemy mobility or make it easier for your allies to gain advantage against them. Web is esp nice if you have an Open Hand Monk or Warlock with Repelling Blast in the party to re-stick the opponents that managed to get out of the webbing the first time.
Of course, pick up a few defensive spells, too, if you can. Mirror Image is great since it does not take up your valuable concentration. Absorb Elements is a nice combination of protection and buff.
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In my group's current campaign, I play one of the party's 2 barbarians. We've expressed to the DM that we like being pushed to come up with creative solutions to things and he's done a really good job of setting up combat encounters where smashing through everything isn't the only way to move on. So far, that's been really, really fun; one of my favorite combat encounters this campaign was one where I didn't do a single point of damage.
For my next character, I'm looking at playing an Enchantment wizard. I'd like to build a character who doesn't do damage during combat-- maybe never even prepares any damage-dealing spells, though they might pick them up. All cantrips and prepared spells would be buffs/debuffs and battlefield control. My question is, would this be a viable build? Would it be worth having one entire party member (in a 4- or 5-person party) devoted solely to providing support and no overt offense? For that matter, which spells would be essential, and which might be used creatively in combat? (i.e. a utility spell such as Dancing Lights used to distract an enemy or something.)
I tried doing this with my Bard in a dungeon crawl, so I speak with experience when I say that it's not a great idea.
For starters, wizard cantrips mainly fall into the categories of utility or damage-dealing. I don't think there are any that are legit buff/debuff spells, which means you're going to struggle for reliable actions in combat that don't burn through your spell slots. That may be less of an issue later on down the road, but that's huge at early levels.
You did mention using Dancing Lights as a distraction, but since that isn't an explicit part of the spell's effect, you're relying on your GM to support you using the spells in non-standard ways.
There's also the issue of what you're actually getting for your spell use. When you use the non-damaging battlefield control spells or the active buffing spells, you're not necessarily getting a 1 for 1 increase in the damage out put for the other players. In other words, if you're avoiding damaging spells entirely, the monsters are going to last longer.
Does this mean it's impossible? No, you can still be effective in this way. But I think you'll find that it will be a hard road with a limited spell selection (an odd issue for a wizard).
I don't think going pure support (buffs only) is viable, but you can probably get by without dealing (too much) damage.
Not a wizard, but College of Glamour will probably do the trick. I played a Glamour Bard / Archfey Warlock in a game, and you can really lock down single targets.
Your bonus action is either Mantle of Inspiration to get your allies into position or Mantle of Majesty to keep someone from acting.
If Mantle of Majesty is active, it takes your concentration, so spells like Blindness/Deafness and Vicious Mockery are your go-to. When it isn't up, you can unload the joys of Faerie Fire, Bestow Curse, Polymorph and more
Edit, for reference, character is here:
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With your type of DM, it's probably quite doable to have build a Wizard without direct damage spells. Not necessariily the best, idea, it's certainly viable. I think Houligan has the right idea: you want control spells of different kinds as well as some back-up options in case you fight undead or high CHA fiends. Even though buffing and debuffing isn't your specialty, you do have some strong options even at low levels:
Hold Person and Levitate can both be used to lockdown (or lockup) an opponent. Levitate could also save you a lot of trouble against melee-only foes.
Other very useful low level spells include Grease, Silent Image, Web, and Pyrotechnics. These can all be deployed in combat to limit enemy mobility or make it easier for your allies to gain advantage against them. Web is esp nice if you have an Open Hand Monk or Warlock with Repelling Blast in the party to re-stick the opponents that managed to get out of the webbing the first time.
Of course, pick up a few defensive spells, too, if you can. Mirror Image is great since it does not take up your valuable concentration. Absorb Elements is a nice combination of protection and buff.