The source of a Dungeons & Dragons spellcaster's magic varies between classes, with some casters learning to draw power from the world around them and shape it to their will, while others are simply born with their abilities. Sorcerers usually fall into the second category, and the Storm Sorcerer's gift with magic is drawn straight from the elemental power of air.
Whether they were born amid a howling storm on the deck of a ship, suffered a near-death experience brought on by a legendary gale, or can trace the roots of their ancestry back to a djinn, Storm Sorcerers have a powerful connection with air. This makes them valuable crew members aboard seafaring vessels on account of their ability to control the weather and even provide powerful gusts of winds to improve travel time. When building a Storm Sorcerer, it's important to consider things like core stats, racial traits, backgrounds, spells, and feats that will guarantee they become a force to be reckoned with no matter the circumstances.
Storm Sorcerer Build Summary
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Ability Scores (in order of importance) |
Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Strength |
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Race |
Air Genasi |
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Background |
Sailor |
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Feats |
Lightlyt Armored, Telekinetic, Telepathic, Gift of the Gem Dragon |
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Spells |
Gust, Thunderclap, Shape Water, Control Wind, Cloud Kill, Synaptic Static |
Charisma, Constitution & Dexterity Are Important for Storm Sorcerers
When building a Sorcerer, it's important to prioritize their Charisma stat, as this contributes to their spellcasting abilities and will influence their spellcasting modifier and spell save DC. Additionally, CHA influences their social skills, like Intimidation, Deception, Persuasion, and Performance. In the event that the people around them need convincing, they can easily step into place to start doling out orders and making sure they have the skills to ensure others follow their lead.
Sorcerers don't usually wear armor, and they also get only 1d6 hit points per Sorcerer level, the lowest hit dice offered. That alone means they're going to be pretty squishy in combat situations. One way to give them a boost is through their Dexterity and Constitution. A decent DEX modifier will improve their natural armor class and their initiative bonus, potentially putting them earlier in the combat round. It also gives them agility to duck or roll out of the way and the stealth to sneak around when necessary. Finally, a strong CON modifier will give a Sorcerer a slight boost to their hit point total each level, plus improve their ability to stay focused on spells that require concentration.
Best Races for Storm Sorcerers
When it comes to choosing a race, it's important to analyze the racial attributes and traits that work well with the Sorcerer class. Half-Elves, for example, get a +2 DEX boost and can add +1 to two additional stats. Bird race characters like Owlin or Aarakocra have the natural ability to fly, and their stats can be shaped to reflect the class' requirements.
One of the best options for a Storm Sorcerer is the Air Genasi, which has a natural affinity with the element that powers the Storm Sorcerer's abilities. Their stats can be shaped to give them the right boosts, and they have incredibly useful traits like darkvision and Unending Breath, which allows them to hold their breath indefinitely. They're naturally resistant to lightning damage, and their Mingle With the Wind trait gives them access to the Shocking Grasp, Feather Fall, and Levitate.
Best Background for Storm Sorcerers
Because of their affiliation with air, Storm Sorcerers make excellent seaman. Choosing the Sailor background grants them proficiency with Athletics and Perception. Since they likely will have a low Strength score, having proficiency with Athletics could come in handy. They also gain proficiency with navigator's tools and water vehicles, meaning if the party needs to make a quick getaway and the only way out is on a boat, the Sorcerer will know exactly how to do it.
Best Feats for Storm Sorcerers
If choosing a feat over a stat boost, try to find feats that not only give the Sorcerer unique abilities, but also provide a minor stat boost. For example, Lightly Armored would give them some protection by granting them proficiency with light armor and also boosting their DEX by +1. Charisma boosting feats like Telekinetic, Telepathic, Gift of the Gem Dragon, Fey Touched, and Shadow Touched also grant the Sorcerer access to some unique spells they might not otherwise learn.
Best Spells for Storm Sorcerers
When choosing spells, pick up magic that goes well with the Storm Sorcerer's natural abilities. Cantrips like Gust, Thunderclap, Shocking Grasp, and Shape Water all work hand-in-hand with the very storms they control. Gaseous Form, Sleet Storm, Thunder Step, Tidal Wave, and Critical Role's Freedom of the Waves both take advantage of the powerful storm energy when wind meets water.
Achieving higher levels, spells like Control Wind, Cloud Kill, and Synaptic Static can make a huge difference for the entire party depending on the situation they're in. Chain Lightning, Plane Shift, Reverse Gravity, and Whirlwind give Storm Sorcerers the kind of power others envy, while Power Word Stun and Power Word Kill become abilities they fear.