Very New to Game, is this a sound course?

[Norfleet]

It's not strictly necessary to empower as high as level 5: There are items you can forge that will raise your effective nature magic skill, which are probably cheaper, and more portable, than actually empowering that high. A Thistle Mace wielded is +1 nature. Moonvine Bracelet, another +1. Treelord's Staff is +2, but it's a twohanded item, can't be stacked with a Thistle unless you have at least 3 arms.