5e Sorcerer Reimagined

In 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons, I sometimes feel that a Sorcerer is a lesser version of a Wizard
with some Metamagic as consolation. This pdf is a set of alternate rules to change that. Note that
most of the things I’ll change are actually variant rules set out in the DMG.

To better reflect a Sorcerer’s inherent ability to tap into arcane energy (in contrast with a Wizard
who is trained to do so), I believe using the Spell Points variant in the DMG is a good start. This
variant will only apply to Sorcerers, and not to any other class. As sorcerers get a limited number
of spells learned, I believe that this will not make them overpowered (but some playtesting would
always be nice). To make the small changes I’ve made not mess up a user’s understanding of the
previous concepts I’ve mentioned, I’ll use the term “Essence” so signify this quantification.

I will follow the “only one 6-7-8-9 level spell per day for each” rule, as I believe that aptitude is no
match for training when casting more complex spells (giving the Wizard an advantage), but make
some changes to the rest. A Sorcerer is able to cast their spells beyond their “Max Spell Level”, but
for each level between that max level and the level the actual spell is cast, a Wild Magic Surge
occurs – no matter the Sorcerer’s subclass. As the Sorcerer dabbles with powers beyond their
control, their grip on their Essence slips away, potentially with severe consequences.

In addition, I will also add the Sorcery Points they gain to this Essence Pool and make them also
use the same pool to apply Metamagic. I believe this will be great in providing versatility to
Sorcerers – which is something central to their class identity.

So, in the end, the following table can be followed to deduce the Essence Pool of Sorcerers, how
much Essence is needed to cast a spell, and the maximum spell levels.
Class Essence Max Class Essence Max Spell Level Essence Cost
Level Pool Spell Lvl Level Pool Spell Lvl 1st 2
1 4 1st 11 84 6th 2nd 3
2 8 1st 12 85 6th 3rd 5
3 17 2nd 13 96 7th 4th 6
4 21 2nd 14 97 7th 5th 7
5 32 3rd 15 109 8th 6th 9
6 38 3rd 16 110 8th 7th 10
7 45 4th 17 124 9th 8th 11
8 52 4th 18 132 9th 9th 13
9 66 5th 19 142 9th
10 74 5th 20 153 9th