What does every combat mage need?

[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!

[Blitz]

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.

Your points are good, however it should be noted that your vanheim mages are much better fighers than your average mage... or even some pretenders (like the shedu). They get different equipment than your run of the mill wizard type