Hedge Wizard

I've been thinking about a simple Hedge Wizard class for basic D&D, a wizard that can never use a spell over 3rd level. The wizard could advance levels, but any 4^th or 5^th level spell normally gained would be changed to 3^rd level. That's the negative. The bonus is a Hedge Wizard can use Spell Combination for non-attack spells. All spell slots can be pooled and redistributed among the three spell levels. So a 6^th level Hedge Wizard could have twelve 1^st level spells ( 2 attack, 10 non-attack) or four 3^rd level spells (2 attack, 2 non-attack).

The Principalities of Glantri pg.59 "Spell Combination: This technique allows the student to mix his spell levels in any combination, so long as the total spell levels memorized do not exceed his capacity. For example: a level 4 magic-user normally casts two 1st level spells, and two 2nd levels (for a total of 6 spell levels). With this technique, he can choose to memorize six first level spells. Or three second levels, or any other appropriate combination."

Here are some examples of non-attack spells suitable for combination casting by a Hedge Wizard. This list is limited to detection/tinker/protection spells, instead of illusion based (Invisibility, Phantasmal Force). A Hedge Wizard can still cast Invisibility or Fireball, they just can't use a combination slot to do so.

1^st Alarm, Chime of Release, Dancing Werelight, Detect Magic, Feeling Fingers, Identify, Mend, Read Magic,Unseen Servant, Hold Portal, Run, Shield, Feather Fall, Floating Disc, Jump, Spider Climb

2^nd Detect Evil, Detect Invisibility, Dexterous Digits, Knock, Preserve, Locate Object, Magnify, Scent Mask, Shatter, Wizard Lock, Protection from Normal Missiles

3^rd Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Expeditious Fire Extinguisher, Dispel Magic, Item, Material, Tiny Hut, Golden Revelation, Marvellous Shield

A Hedge Wizard will never do more damage in combat than a traditional MU. The Hedge Wizard's function is to be more of a swiss army knife than an artillery piece.