Who Says There's Not Enough Room? The Exploding Wizard Subclass

Rollo readied his fireball. He didn’t care that he was in room that was just a 20-feet cube or that several party members were within range; he would just put each in a bubble that would shield them from the bulk of the flames. He just wanted to show the trolls who was boss. He let loose with the spell after giving his party mates minimal damage. He flipped a mental switch to up the flames, and he felt some of the burn himself. THE TROLLS WERE INCINERATED! However, the cleric and paladin gave him an icy glare; he would yet again be paying to have the party healed….

Not all wizards like to be subtle. The exploding mage is one that prefers to let everyone know he’s on the battlefield, and usually in the loudest way possible. They have problems determining ranges and areas, especially when it comes to determining the area of the room they’re currently in, much to the chagrin of the party members in the same room as they are. While they have abilities to ameliorate the damage a little bit. They are often attempting to talk their way out of the trouble cause, and a good part of their treasure is spent making amends.

However, they don’t care about the treasure; while they are interested in magic that allows them to blow things up and increase their firepower, as well as scrolls and books that include evocation spells, especially the high-damage spells, they are rarely as interested in other items and sometimes even the gold itself. Interestingly, they are most likely to try and make friends with red dragons and other explosive creatures; the exploding wizard’s ability to blow things up makes for common ground.

[Design Considerations: Obviously, Toughness and Elemental Adept are recommended, as well as a high Charisma to talk your way out of the trouble you cause. This wizard is designed to create damage and shield others from his damage, if possible; he is strictly an AOE damage specialist and little else. Most of your chosen spells should be from the evocation and abjuration schools (attack and defense), with a focus on elemental spells. If you’re into multi-classing, seven levels of monk or rogue are recommended (for the Evasion ability), even though it may cost you your 14th level ability (Warrior of the Elements is a really nice combo, especially as you can attack and cast spells in the same round with Extra Attack).]

Level 3: Damage Specialist

You choose one type of damage: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. All evocation spells do that type of damage instead of the listed type. This may not be changed once chosen. When you cast a spell that does damage of your elemental type, you gain +1d6 damage

Level 3: Elemental Resistance

You gain resistance to the damage type chosen for your spells.

Level 6: Elemental Protection

When you cast a spell with an area of effect, you can choose one target per point of Intelligence bonus (minimum of one). That target automatically succeeds the saving throw. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and recover all uses with a long rest.

Level 10: Empowered Evocation

When you cast an Evocation spell, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the damage of the spell.

Level 14: Big Blast

When you cast an Evocation spell, you can add +1d6 to the damage per point of Intelligence modifier. You can use this ability once per point of Proficiency Bonus per long rest. However, each time you use this ability, you take half the bonus damage (you are allowed a Constitution save (DC of 10+spell level), but your resistance doesn’t apply but spells and items can help).

[Link to the The Wrestling Mage subclass]