Forgetful

The Forgetful is a unique wizard subclass that embodies immense magical potential, but is plagued by forgetfulness. These wizards draw on their latent powers to cast spells at higher levels than normal, but often need assistance from allies or external sources to recall the incantations required.

Overpowered Amnesia

Starting at 2nd level, you can choose to upcast any spell with a verbal component that you have prepared by one level, expending a spell slot of the same level as the spell you are attempting to cast. For example, you can cast a 2nd level spell as a 3rd level spell by expending a 2nd level spell slot. However, you must first receive assistance in recalling the incantation. An ally within 30 feet, who can hear and understand you, must use their reaction to recite the incantation, or the spell fails. Alternatively, you can expend a bonus action to consult a written source, such as a spellbook or scroll, to remember the incantation..

Empowered Recollection

At 6th level, your forgetfulness sometimes leads to unexpected moments of clarity. During a short rest, you can spend time studying your spellbook to recall an incantation you have previously forgotten. You regain one expended spell slot of a level you choose, up to half your wizard level (rounded up). The spell slot can be used to cast any spell you have prepared that has a verbal component. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.

Strengthened Forgetfulness

At 10th level, you can draw on your immense magical power to cast spells at even higher levels. When using Overpowered Amnesia, you can expend an additional spell slot of the same level as the spell being cast. If you do, the spell is cast using a slot two levels higher than the expended slots. The same requirements for assistance in recalling the incantation still apply.

Arcane Ascension

At 14th level, when you use Overpowered Amnesia on a 9th level spell, you tap into a fleeting moment of arcane mastery, unlocking unique and powerful variants of the spell, known as Ascended Spells. However, these Ascended Spells come with significant drawbacks due to the immense power they wield. You can use Arcane Ascension once per long rest.

Here is an example of an Ascended Spell for Meteor Swarm:

Extinction Rain (Ascended Meteor Swarm). When you upcast Meteor Swarm using Arcane Ascension, you unleash a devastating rain of meteors, dealing massive damage over a larger area. The spell's range increases to 1 mile, and you can target up to twelve points within range, with each meteor affecting a 50-foot radius from its point of impact. Each creature in the affected area takes 30d6 fire damage and 30d6 bludgeoning damage (a successful Dexterity saving throw halves this damage).

However, the immense power of Extinction Rain takes a toll on you. After casting this Ascended Spell, you suffer from two levels of exhaustion and lose the ability to cast spells of 7th level or higher until you finish a long rest.

When you gain the Arcane Ascension feature, work with your DM to create Ascended Spells for other 9th level spells that fit within your campaign's narrative and maintain game balance.