What does every combat mage need?

[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.