New player! Best magical class /u/NaviMage DnD: Roll for Initiative!

Good afternoon!

I’m excited to start playing Dungeons & Dragons! I recently got the 5.5 Player’s Handbook and have been reading through it. Since I’m brand new to D&D, I also bought some dice and other essentials to help me get started. I’ve convinced three of my friends to play with me, and one of them has agreed to be our Dungeon Master!

For this campaign, I’d love to play a caster. I’ve read that Sorcerers and Wizards might be the best fit for me. My only experience with D&D is from playing Baldur’s Gate 3, so I know there are some differences.

I’m looking for advice on a good first class for a newcomer. Also, what would be a good race for a Sorcerer or Wizard? I’m considering the Aberrant Mind or Wild Magic subclasses for Sorcerer, and the Evoker or Illusionist schools for Wizard.

I want to role-play a character whose life revolves around magic. My character’s goal is to prove that magic is more than just a tool for blasting fire; it’s a science with the creativity of art. As a hobby, I want to collect unique and niche spells, offering a lot of utility both in and out of battle, as well as battlefield control. And, of course, I want to throw fireballs! If I choose to be a Wizard, I don’t want my character to be the stereotypical “nerdy” wizard.

Does my spellbook need to be a traditional book? I was hoping to have a big floating crystal or even my familiar as my spellbook! I’m thinking of making my character chaotic good or neutral. What do you think? Should I add more details to their background? What class would best fit this type of character?

Thanks for your help!

Good afternoon!

I’m excited to start playing Dungeons & Dragons! I recently got the 5.5 Player’s Handbook and have been reading through it. Since I’m brand new to D&D, I also bought some dice and other essentials to help me get started. I’ve convinced three of my friends to play with me, and one of them has agreed to be our Dungeon Master!

For this campaign, I’d love to play a caster. I’ve read that Sorcerers and Wizards might be the best fit for me. My only experience with D&D is from playing Baldur’s Gate 3, so I know there are some differences.

I’m looking for advice on a good first class for a newcomer. Also, what would be a good race for a Sorcerer or Wizard? I’m considering the Aberrant Mind or Wild Magic subclasses for Sorcerer, and the Evoker or Illusionist schools for Wizard.

I want to role-play a character whose life revolves around magic. My character’s goal is to prove that magic is more than just a tool for blasting fire; it’s a science with the creativity of art. As a hobby, I want to collect unique and niche spells, offering a lot of utility both in and out of battle, as well as battlefield control. And, of course, I want to throw fireballs! If I choose to be a Wizard, I don’t want my character to be the stereotypical “nerdy” wizard.

Does my spellbook need to be a traditional book? I was hoping to have a big floating crystal or even my familiar as my spellbook! I’m thinking of making my character chaotic good or neutral. What do you think? Should I add more details to their background? What class would best fit this type of character?

Thanks for your help!