Re: Astral Magic worthless??
 

Items don't count for magic duels, only native talent does. At least if I correctly remember what the devs said. Empowerment increases native talent, so that's about that. I don't know if MR boosts affect it, in which case a starshine skullcap is desirable in any event.

Edi

Re: Astral Magic worthless??
 

I'm also quite certain loading a bunch of items for astral bonus will not make any difference for improving a mind duel.

Re: Astral Magic worthless??
 

Also, as a historical note, at one time Mind Duel was greatly feared because it seemed that with even slightly higher Astral level, the attacking mage would never lose. Then it was found out that it was a bug, and that the offender (the mage casting Mind Duel) always won! Of course, Mind Duel has since been corrected, but it isn't as frightening as it used to be. There is risk in it, now.

As I understand it, Witch Hunters aren't in danger from Arch Theurgs and other powerful but expensive Astral mages, but from the cheap ones. Shamans of C'tis, Seithkona of Utgård, even Vaetti of Iron Woods are cheap enough to use in killing Witch Hunters and even Grand Masters, as their spells could cause much havoc on more important units.