While I have done a great many Charisma-based casters in D&D 5e, I admit to very little experience with wizards...
...particularly the Evocation Wizard. As I understand, Sculpt Spells is a helpful tool that allows for maximum damage with minimal casualties.
But like all characters, I want an interesting hook for why my wizard leans towards evocation.
I've boiled down races to Mountain Dwarf, for the sturdiness and armor proficiencies, or a Half-Drow (more for interesting roleplay, and flexible stats).
I'm brainstorming backstories, and choosing a background has been...interesting.
An "Entertainer", for example, evokes a wizard who dazzles and mesmerizes audiences with colors and pyrotechnics...and seems like an incredibly fun choice.
Likewise, a battle mage with the "City Watch", "Soldier" or "Urban Bounty Hunter" makes me think of a dwarf wizard who is skilled specifically for combat...with minimal civilian casualties.
What are some backstories / backgrounds you've all concocted for your blasty Evocation Wizards?
Dustfinger is a character from the Inkheart series. A fire juggler/eater who could "talk" to fire, because when handling magical fire, you don't control it, you coerce it. You form a relationship of trust with the flames. When this trust is broken, or when you are unable to speak with the fire, you get burned. Despite his confidence when handling fire, Dustfinger was also a very cowardly man and often betrayed others he was close to if it meant his self-preservation. Without going into some very specific things regarding the Inkheart series that probably doesn't apply to your D&D game, he was especially afraid of knowing what the future held in store for him (particularly in regards to learning the moment and means of his death). He eventually became both braver and more trustworthy after your typical hero's journey.
Aside from that example you reminded me of, I am not personally fond of Evokers as its features are almost pure damage. Understandable but unimaginative. Luckily, Sculpt Spell inspires one nifty idea.
Thunderclap, Earth Tremor, Thunderwave, Gust of Wind and similar spells that could relate to sound/vibration and particularly if they push, pull or knock prone. I imagine the large, loud man who loves to laugh, is everyone's friend, and occasionally this manifests in his spellcasting. He never really gets angry but has that subtle fierceness to him that you know you don't want to be on the receiving end of. He pretty much shouts as he casts his deafening spells or stomps the ground like a sumo wrestler. Sadly none of the races have resistance to being pushed although a dwarf or any race with the Powerful Build trait would still fit the visuals I am imagining. From there you could go a few ways; Wrestler, Chef, Stomp Dancer, or your favorite Uncle that embarrasses the rest of the family but always brings cool gifts are a few that come to mind.
While I have done a great many Charisma-based casters in D&D 5e, I admit to very little experience with wizards...
...particularly the Evocation Wizard. As I understand, Sculpt Spells is a helpful tool that allows for maximum damage with minimal casualties.
But like all characters, I want an interesting hook for why my wizard leans towards evocation.
I've boiled down races to Mountain Dwarf, for the sturdiness and armor proficiencies, or a Half-Drow (more for interesting roleplay, and flexible stats).
I'm brainstorming backstories, and choosing a background has been...interesting.
An "Entertainer", for example, evokes a wizard who dazzles and mesmerizes audiences with colors and pyrotechnics...and seems like an incredibly fun choice.
Likewise, a battle mage with the "City Watch", "Soldier" or "Urban Bounty Hunter" makes me think of a dwarf wizard who is skilled specifically for combat...with minimal civilian casualties.
What are some backstories / backgrounds you've all concocted for your blasty Evocation Wizards?
Dustfinger is a character from the Inkheart series. A fire juggler/eater who could "talk" to fire, because when handling magical fire, you don't control it, you coerce it. You form a relationship of trust with the flames. When this trust is broken, or when you are unable to speak with the fire, you get burned. Despite his confidence when handling fire, Dustfinger was also a very cowardly man and often betrayed others he was close to if it meant his self-preservation. Without going into some very specific things regarding the Inkheart series that probably doesn't apply to your D&D game, he was especially afraid of knowing what the future held in store for him (particularly in regards to learning the moment and means of his death). He eventually became both braver and more trustworthy after your typical hero's journey.
Aside from that example you reminded me of, I am not personally fond of Evokers as its features are almost pure damage. Understandable but unimaginative. Luckily, Sculpt Spell inspires one nifty idea.
Thunderclap, Earth Tremor, Thunderwave, Gust of Wind and similar spells that could relate to sound/vibration and particularly if they push, pull or knock prone. I imagine the large, loud man who loves to laugh, is everyone's friend, and occasionally this manifests in his spellcasting. He never really gets angry but has that subtle fierceness to him that you know you don't want to be on the receiving end of. He pretty much shouts as he casts his deafening spells or stomps the ground like a sumo wrestler. Sadly none of the races have resistance to being pushed although a dwarf or any race with the Powerful Build trait would still fit the visuals I am imagining. From there you could go a few ways; Wrestler, Chef, Stomp Dancer, or your favorite Uncle that embarrasses the rest of the family but always brings cool gifts are a few that come to mind.