This was something even back in 1999 many noticed and Wizard was by far the least popular caster till well into the later game. Not just due to low/inconsistent damage output, it was just boring to many to not have anything unique to offer just nukes till very high levels.
Changing class abilities or adding new things is not in the spirit of P1999.
However, would something like the following spell line added to Wizards bring more value to groups without changing their soloing ability adding an unbalanced damage upgrade or take a unique ability/spell from other classes:
Level 8 spell- Mantra of Flame
Low 5-10 mana cost single target same range as other non-bolt DD spells. Essentially this spell would have an infinite or very long 2-5 min casting/channeling time. While channeling you gain full mediation. Essentially standing meditation that would require a target. You also would deal weapon damage to the target as magic fire damage. This would not use any physical chance to hit, or increase weapon skills, it would have the same resistance as any spell only it uses the weapon ratio to calculate damage/delay between hits. Same damage cap as applies to all weapon damage based on character level.
Now between nukes a wizard in a group could continue lightly but noticeably damaging a target while regaining mana and not sitting for increased threat. Weapon ratio would actually be significant on an int caster for their entire career.
Just like any spell you could not cast it while moving and it requires line of sight, etc. - So minimal impact to soloing other then a tool to finish off a fleeing target while regaining mana. Potentially it would make root + mantra viable but chance to break per hit should keep that quite risky.
Ice & Lightning/Magic versions as higher level upgrades with mid level versions adding either a damage bonus or perhaps a debuff effect to that element might bring greater group utility.
Basically instead of the addition of a pet for added dps or gaining unique buffs the wizard could now continue dealing damage while regaing mana without sitting. Think of it as waving a wand for minor consistent damage while waiting for your mana.
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