[quote=Nouri]
So you're just going to ignore the part where I said Firebolt is going to receive a buff at level 5 anyway?
Yes, Because it is still broken and bad before that. More importantly, at those lower levels the alternatives like missiles and scrolls for missiles do two to three times the damage (if not more) and also at those levels the lower hp has an effect that forces more validity on casting missiles and not firebolt.
If firebolt is underperforming all of it needs to be looked at, now just later. I suspect that after level 5 its also under tuned, which makes me think that in general the mechanical operation of the spell itself is not good and is in need of some change (like not applying a damage over time effect for a few rounds).
[quote=Nouri]
There are a lot of reasons wizard feels unfun at the moment. If Firebolt gets buffed that much, no one would use Scorching Ray. There are non-cantrip spells that need love from the developer at the moment.
This is where things get a little more complicated. Ray has good operation, and good damage. Its potential for 3 target burst is higher then 4 target burst from missiles. Meaning it can hit fewer people for more damage, which gives validity to missiles operation on being more of a targeted-aoe spell. This means that both are competitive and useful in different situations. think of it as a tool, like a hammer vs a knife, they are used for different things. In this case, both spells are fine.
Firebolts no resource cost is a good benefit to this toolkit, but as long as there is no reason to cast it because it has no real competitive seat, it will never really be used exact as a last ditch no other option sort of situation. Improving its damage, or causing to apply a damage over time effect (for example 1d10 (or 1d12) + 1d10 for two turns) will provide that needed mechanic option. Now you have mechanic option to spread damage over time effects, or more incentive to cast it pushing its current benefit (no resource cost) into a more competitive spot.
Lets face it, dealing 3-7dmg to a target that has 40-50hp when you can cast 13-20dmg spells is just never going to happen. It needs a buff, especially at lower levels.
