Playing a Mage

[Greenlantern]

So I find I have a hard time playing as a mage. I love to play combat, and stealth based characters, but when I try to play a mage, it never lasts more than a couple of playthroughs.

What are someways that you are able to get into playing as a mage?
I would prefer doing it without progressing too far in the mages college, as I have completed that. (In like 2-3 playthroughs.)

I'll probably still join the college, just for access to spells, and training. But, for the most part ill be on my own. With followers, maybe.

Anyway, thoughts, suggestions, tips, etc...?

Edit: Just a sidenote, I had an easier time playing a mage in Morrowind, than I do in Skyrim. Anyone else think that's kinda weird, considering how advanced Skyrims magic system is?

[skullclutter]

I'm not sure if Skyrim's magic is more advanced. There are a bunch of spell effects that have been removed and there's no custom spellmaking.

Perhaps you can try combining a mage with one of your favourite types, like instead of focusing on destruction, you can mix alteration or illusion with a stealth-based character.

[Khali]

I too can never seem to get into a mage and always end up with a stealthy in your face melee fighter. I can't seem to make a pure mage work for me. However, I decided to compromise a little and blend a mage into my normal play style. In essence I am playing a Spell Sword. Light armor, one handed sword, archery, sneak, lock picking, and etc with destruction and restoration magic instead of adding in a dagger for my normal dual wielding.

If I see enemies soon enough and they are far enough away I will engage with the bow. If they are too close for me to get off any more than one shot I will go with the sword and magic. Use the destruction spells until they get into range of my sword. Once I got the hang of it I began to have a lot of fun.

My only real complaint is only certain mobs are weak to certain types of magic damage making it hard to pick one spell and stick with it. I have simplified it a bit with some experience. In dungeons I use fire with my sword. Draugar and skeletons are weak to fire for the most part. Plus the fire is nice to set oil spills off at just the right time. Out in the wild I tend to use Lightning magic with my sword. It works well on animals and some human enemies. Then there are some human enemies its not so good for. I have yet to use ice much to figure out what is weak to it.

If things get too dicey and I need to heal I toss up a healing spell instead of a destruction spell. Things can get messy trying to juggle all the spells around so I keep a few healing potions for emergencies.

[Greenlantern]

I meant advanced as in the way it works, like game mechanics-wise. In Morrowind you could only use one spell at a time, ad couldn't use a weapon at the same time either. In skyrim, this is not true. Also, the animations for the magic, look better as well.

I have considered, and I probably will try that out, either a night blade, or battle mage type character. But lately I've really been wanting to play a Pure mage, focused completely and totally on magic. I will be roleplaying as well, should have mentioned this before.

[Khali]

It can be done, it will just take you time to learn the tricks of a mage. What works and what does not. All I can say is save often and don't get discouraged at all the deaths you are going to rack up in the learning process.

Hopefully you will get some mage players to chime in with some tips. I might even learn a thing or two and give a mage another go myself.

[rcbecker123]

I also am playmg a mage and find you must rely on your companion, antronachs and range to keep you alive.

[CreeperX]

I actually had a blast playing as a mage. My first pure mage too. Ended up being my most favorite and most powerful character.
Can't really pinpoint why it is though. It's true that you are vulnerable in early levels and it may be a good idea to use conjured companions, illusion or other tricks which allow you to do some crowd control. However, it doesn't take that many levels to find and learn the tricks and become really effective. Playing a mage is just different. I personally found it more complex and not as straight-forward as playing a warrior and that's probably why I loved it.
In higher levels a mage can be almost broken. With 0% magicka cost (Destruction), Impact-perk, almost total immunity to magic, twin Dremora Lords, etc none of the enemies give any kind of challenge. (I think the last time my mage died was by some sneaky Deathlord Archer). I hope the mods are able to change this though since I like challenge =P.

[Unionhack]

I honestly recommend mods if you're on PC, there's a simple mod out there that increases damage and effectiveness of your spells based on your skill levels. That way you don't have to tweak and rely on stunlocks to melt faces.

[Greenlantern]

Winter Symphony, do you know what the mod is called?

Edit: Nevermind. Found one called "Better Magic." Pretty straight forward name.

[Unionhack]

It's whichever you prefer! Sorry I couldn't respond quick enough. I think Better Magic is what I used; It's been a while since I've played Skyrim.

[ZeRoc]

My favorite character thus far has been a mage. The key is that you need to get on Illusion and Conjuration early. For a mage you need a meat shield like the atronachs or undead, and illusion helps them not notice you. (Never underestimate the power of Quiet Casting.) I would essentially end up casting muffle, followed by summoning an atronach and then invisibility. Which is fun. Having Destruction at your disposal helps to. The hard part is having the Magicka for it, so it would be easiest to choose Altmer. (I did this as a Khajiit personally.) But more than anything, you need to put as many perks into magic as possible, otherwise it'll take too much magicka to do anything.

[Mattbott]

yep, the mage is very perk hungry. Really it's the only class in Skyrim that i have really felt i had to sit down and plan where i was going perk wise

Illusion and Conjuration early is a very good idea. Then, it's really how you balance magic regen vs quantity of magicka. The college quest gives you great items towards this. I decided to play a mage who never wears armour (which includes dragon masks but never mind) and takes advantage of alteration mage armour (i dont use wards much bt that's another option) and once i had a certain amunt of magicka, have collected as many mag regen items as possible (250-300% quicker)

put almost all your level ups into magicka, it is a mad idea on paper but it makes you think about how you can avoid taking 1 point of damage. This is completely the opposite of my fighter characters who tend to plan on being able to take 300 points of damage.

what i like about skyrim magic is you can have a different spell in each hand and cast each independently of each other

the simplified quick access style of skyrim casting makes it possible to be a mage who lives of your wits and even though they have slashed spells out of the game, it's still very engaging and has depth imo

[Angrun]

Dressing for Success important too. My Illusion Mage wears Master Robes of Illusion along with enchanted DragonPlate gauntlets & boots. Archmage's Ring and Circlet along with Gauldor Amulet. Jagged Crown for looks, although it does have armor rating and can be worn over Circlet:)

Spoiler:

[Enteum]

Never played a mage myself and so I decided to roll a pure magic character some months ago. She's rolling around in the 30s now and doing pretty well. She doesn't use the arch mage robes (As I tend to go with how things look :/ rather than functionality). She is investing heavily in Destruction and Conjuration. I find summoning Atronachs and raising the fallen to fight by your side incredibly valuable. As the mobs (if you call it) will turn their attention to them. Giving you a spot of breathing space to fire off some spells. Raising fallen Gargoyles in Dawnguard is cool. Those guys can fight. I love em'.

I never imagined I'd have so much fun playing pure mage. She is fast becoming one of my favourite characters. However, she is only in her 30s and doing well. I'm looking forward to seeing how she fares higher up the ladder. Probably due for an untimely death. We shall see.

All in all. Go with what you think and have fun

[Greenlantern]

Well, I started today a Dumer mage, I believe he's level three now. @Enteum, I also go with looks for my characters clothes, as opposed to practicality.

So far, ive learned quite a few spells, although his skill levels in magicka are still low. (15-30 range.) I use the Live another life mod, and started out in the college, and like I said, im not planning on advancing to far through it. I may do a few quests here and there, but I definitely wont become the archmage.

I have some other mod, not sure which one, but it adds a dining hall to the college, as well as some new characters and a new quest. This quest entails a battle between a necromancer and her thralls/skeletons, and those mages alongside the Pc. I was the only survivor of that battle, I felt kinda sad after. But I think it kinda got me more into the mood of continuing on with this mage, and added some character, to my character.

Edit: He's level 18. I forgot i kinda cheated to get my enchanting up to 100. I promise thats the only cheating ill do from now on.

[Unionhack]

You don't have to justify yourself, dude. I cheat my characters to high levels to begin their journeys for roleplaying reasons or simply to try new builds and stuff. No one's telling you how to play your game.

[Jabberdave]

I'm on my first true mage character and the most important rule I had to learn early is to be ready to run. This is totally out of my normal play style as I'm usually a sneaky thief/assassin or the occasional straight up brute warrior. I hung around Whiterun until I had the money to pay for a follower and then headed to the College. It is just very different and it took me some time to adjust my play style, but I'm having a great time with this character.

He's now level 43 with primary focus in illusion, conjuration and destruction. I use the bound bow with the Soul Stealer perk to fill soul gems and I enchant like mad with a little bit of alchemy, but not much. Cooking the fondu and carrying several bowls of it with me has been most helpful.

It is a bit tricky to explain, but the style is just different. I find that I'm running away and throwing runes on the ground for my attackers to step in. Fury/Frenzy are also great when dealing with many enemies at once. Many times, I've cast Frenzy and watched three or four enemies kill each other so I end up only dealing with one. With a good follower or conjured side kick, that is a piece of cake.

I've completed the MQ with this character and have finally paid a visit to Solstheim. At this rate, this character may reach the highest level of any of my previous characters. I'm usually completely done with all of the add-ons and side quests of interest around levels 45-50. I'm not even close with this one.

[Ursula R. M.]

Does it count if you play a Mage after you level up?
I mean, Ursula is level 59, and using more magic to make it interesting. Sometimes no Armor.

[Enteum]

Nooo You can't cheat your way up. It's the journey that counts. That's what makes your character a 'character'. I cheated my way up on a Khajiit. Deleted her because I felt guilty. Maybe that's just me :O

[Unionhack]

I paid $50 for the game, I can do whatever I want. I don't feel bad, I enjoy the challenges that come with the higher level.

Discussion isn't on cheating though, it's about mages.

How is Better Magic working for you?

[Witchery]

I paid $50 for the game, I can do whatever I want. I don't feel bad, I enjoy the challenges that come with the higher level.

Discussion isn't on cheating though, it's about mages.

How is Better Magic working for you?

I think she was just responding to Ursula's question, giving advice based on her own opinion. Everyone understands that you can play however you want. It is your game, after all, but when asking for advice from others, expect them to be honest.

[Enteum]

I know, if it was in reference to my comment I apologise for being off topic. Just a little fun is all. I know people can play how they wish.

[Finn Wolfshorn]

My last character before the present one was a pure mage witch - just robes and enchanted jewellery, cloth shoes and gloves, no armour except for a Forsworn headdress. Only did the college quest line far enough to get Morokei, then left all those crazy academics, Psijics and Thalmor to clean up their own mess and went back to stuying with hagravens instead. Never used any college robes, the plain black mage / necromancer ones were quite enough. The first 15-20 levels or so were the hardest (as usual), after that everything got easier, especially after I acquired a steady melee follower. From then on, combat usually went like this: start off with Fear/Frenzy (Illusion) for crowd control, buff follower with Courage spell (Illusion), cast flesh spell on self (Alteration), throw a summon or two into the fray (Conjuration) and help with Destruction from a distance; heal self and follower when needed (Restoration), rinse and repeat.

So yeah, mage is fun because you're versatile, and it works best by combining all the different schools of magic in my experience. Without armour you're a glass cannon, able to deal out huge damage but you'll have to evade incoming damage by speed and agility rather than absorb it or pretty much anything will oneshot you. Challenging but fun (or challenging, therefore fun, depending on your mindset).

As far as magic mods go, I recommend Apocalypse for a load of fun and powerful new spells and Balanced Magic for better scaling and, you name it, balancing of vanilla spells - e.g. destruction spells are no longer guaranteed to stagger enemies with the Impact perk, you just have a chance to do so depending on spell level, making it less easy to stun-lock an enemy ad lib (which is OP and boring IMO).

[Unionhack]

Oh man, I have Apocalypse and the spells are so fun. my personal favorite is the one that lifts everyone in a room up and then slams them into the ground.

[Ursula R. M.]

I know, if it was in reference to my comment I apologise for being off topic. Just a little fun is all. I know people can play how they wish.

Well, I guess for now, it is going to be a Mage after leveling. Sometime I will start a Breton or some such, and go all Witch. But for now, no weak witches.
And I was not offended BTW.