Sorcerer or wizard Options

[rbeverjr]

So which is better for your primary caster in IA, a sorcerer or a wizard?

I think that the wildmage is the most powerful arcane caster, even though I would never use him in a no-reload game. The wildmage does have a significant disadvantage though. The reckless dwoemers some times give bad results even with chaos shields. Occasionally, bad things can happen when casting other spells too. But most of the time, I feel like I am taking unfair advantage when using a wildmage. Because of the chaotic nature of the wildmage, some people disregard him as a tool for the tactician. So, whether you think he is too powerful or too risky, please don’t consider the wildmage in this comparison.

In the unmodded game, the sorcerer can nuke the opposition through various tactics, even with his limited spell selection; however, the “nuke” has generally been dismantled in IA to allow greater challenge. The arcane caster generally can no longer decimate an entire group of enemies in 1-4 rounds. Now, I am thinking that knowing more spells than a sorcerer is allowed can be helpful. In IA, metagaming allows you to select just the right spells to succeed in each battle. As a specialist, you can get a similar number of spells to the sorcerer. The wizard is also great for setting up contingencies, and choosing other spells that you may want to know just once. The power to dual is also a great advantage to allow more HP to withstand area of effect spells and better your THAC0, saves, etc. For these reasons, the wizard may be superior to the sorcerer. We are all aware that the sorcerer also has strengths. Which do you prefer as your primary caster (sorcerer, wizard, dual class wizard), and why do you think your choice is best?

[Shadan]

Although sorcerer is a better than a single class wizard, I wouldn't go with one sorcerer as only arcane user in my party. I would use sorcerer if at least a mage, F/M, another sorcerer or bard (pre 6.0 version) in my party. Alternatively Auramaster could be a replacement also as partially arcane user.
I like when those important arcane spells are known in my party which don't fit into sorcerer spell list.