What does every combat mage need?

[djtool]

i you don't need a boost to a path of magic go wraith crown for your head.

[Taqwus]

If I'm not going Boots of Quickness (which isn't that great unless you also use reinvig items), I like Boots of Stone.

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Usually I give no equipment to my mages except under these circumstances:

* if the mage is frail and either (a) expensive -eg, Arch-Theurg-, or (b) carries valuable equipment, or (c) is a key component to my battleplan -eg, that Astrologer you cultivated for Master Enslave-, then he deserves some protection, at the very least an Robe of Missile Protection and often a Luck item.

* mages who rely on resistable spells often get a Spell Focus, sometimes a Rune Smasher.

* mages who are specifically scripted for high-fatigue spells get all the reinvig they need to avoid unconsciousness before their script runs out - if I can't support these mages with Relief or Soothing Song.

* in each army, the living -as opposed to undead- mage with the most kills gets at least an amulet of MR, and if I'm really afraid of losing him to VOTD, every other piece of +MR I can afford.

* mages who need a boost in magic skill to cast a spell, or (if it's important) to reach the point where they get +1 magic penetration from higher skill, get the booster item(s) they need.

* important mages I absolutely don't want to lose to magic duel get every +astral item I can forge.

* I rarely use Boots of Quickness, when I do it's usually for special mages who need to run their script without delay.

* other than that, I use protection or resistance items when the circumstances dictate it. Eg, Boots of Stone or Barkskin Amulets when I'm threatened with Rain of Stones.

[Blitz]

boots of the messenger, maybe lucky coin.

[Ironhawk]

Two eyes of aiming!!

[Scott Hebert]

I would generally say that, if you expect your mages to Last throughout the combat, they need some way to deal with their fatigue. Whether that is very high paths, reinvigoration, life drain, or some combination of the above, that's what you need.

[FarAway Pretender]

It just totally depends on the nation I'm playing. Right now, I'm Vanheim, and those Elven "Van-" wizards are almost indestructible. When I know I'm likely to win a battle, I'll often cast a defensive spell on myself as well--Air Shield, Mistform, and Ethereal Body (?) are all good low-fatigue spells that protect against your average boo-boo. That failing, the Lightweight or Weighless scale mail are pretty good for fragile mages, if a bit expensive.

It costs you the "Initiative" of getting a first spell off, but unless you're in an arms race with another spell-caster, it's the best way to preserve your caster. And, frankly, in the battles where you outgun the opponent, you often want to let him get a little closer to ya first!

Alternately, you can just summon yourself a Troll King and go happily about your business!