Images courtesy of Peter Dorsi

The Mage is an expert spell caster with an inclination towards burst damage and Area of Effect (AoE) skills. Although the Mage has a variety of spells in its list especially on damage dealing, the Polymorph skill is the Mage’s important ability at low levels as the Mage unit relies heavily on crowd control. This specific skill transforms enemies into harmless critters for a period of time, depending on the level of the skill. Polymorph is more useful when a Mage is a member of a low-level party.

As the game progresses, the Mage’s role gradually shifts into utility, improving a party both on the offensive and defensive ends. Some of the Mage spells are considered essential during attacks, such as the Counterspell, Remove Curse, and Spellsteal. Late game encounters are very hard to finish without such spells from the Mage. The Mage’s utilitarian purpose is further cemented with the unit’s ability to conjure food and drink, teleport to major cities, and disclose pathways for the party members.

While many see the Mage as a utility unit, an experienced player knows how great damage a Mage can potentially afflict on its enemies without taking some in return. Being a range unit, the Mage uses distance tactically to its advantage, especially on PvP situations. With its escape spells such as teleport, a Mage and his party can quickly avoid damage and disengage from combat.

The Mage prime stats include:

• Intellect;
• Stamina;
• Spell Power;
• Spell critical strike rating;
• Spell Hit Rating;
• And Spell Haste.

The order of each stat’s significance may vary from player to player depending on the role they chose for their respective units.