What does every combat mage need?

[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