Re: How to use mage in a battle
 

As I understand it the use of the Relief spell is commonplace to reduce fatigue. Just get yourself some Nature mages and script them to cast Relief x5 or something. Should put a major dent in your other mages fatigue without the need for equipment or boosting.

Re: How to use mage in a battle
 

I think Man is one of the easier nations to learn how to use mages right: you have powerful N-A mages (although limited in number) that can Cloud Trapeze, cast lightning spells (armor negating, not resistable and no racial umminties present) and summon chaff (wolves/dragonflies/false horrors). They also have the mages for cheaply summoning masses of Vinemen and even Ogres if you have gems for a few Thistle Maces, and sneaky Bards who can cast Soothing Song (AoE relief available from turn 1).

You also have the option of Cloud Trapeze - Wrath with Call of Wilds/Winds, so that the battle Lasts long enough for enemy to take damage. You could also cast Storm after the hawks have attacked, so that they with their low movement score will prolong the battle even more.