As in the NWN games, maybe wizards could be given some cantrips, usable 4 times per encounter to even them out a bit, such as:

 

Ray of Frost - a little cold damage over time tk the target and anything caught in between

Resistance - allies in AoE gain +1 to all defenses for 10s

Elemental orb spells - throw an orb that does a little AoE elemental damage

Minor curse - Enemies in AoE range get -1 deflection

wizards already have a twice per encounter AoE attack & their lower level spells turn into per encounter at higher levels. if you want to spam spells every fight roll cipher.

Yea that things not quite enough.

Those cantrips will either be too weak to be worth using for anybody above level 3, or they'll make the wizard too powerful (and similar to ciphers etc), no? 

Well true ... Maybe add an extra talent that allows 2 more uses per encounter of the arcane thing.

Those cantrips will either be too weak to be worth using for anybody above level 3, or they'll make the wizard too powerful (and similar to ciphers etc), no? 

 

It is different. Cipher gain the ability to cast a few spells early battle and he/she will need to earn the focus after that. Wizards on the other hand after using their spells they are totally useless and only choice is rest. Wizards early game can benefit from more castings per rest than one.