So I made my VERY first mage character after having the game since launch, and playing as a witch-hunter, non magic user till now. He is Torahl, a Dunmer. I am figuring out each school of magic slowly. I prefer the shock spells of destruction, even though they provide no extra benefits except damage unless you are fighting mages, whereas fire causes persistent and lingering damage, and and frost slows down enemies. But my major questions lie with Illusion and Alteration.

I know if you are level 100 in Illusion, a guy at the Winterhold College will grant you a spell to find four books for him and he will grant you one of four master spells. I want to see your preferred choices and the best arguments for each. With nearly no experience, I am leaning toward Harmony or Mayhem, but don't let this alter your preffered or arguments. I want to see YOUR opinion.

As for Alteration, the school seems most interesting and I know nothing at all about it at all and am about to go read up on it on UESP, but I would like everything you have to tell a new mage player, as basic as it may seem, I want to know all the useful information you veterans have to offer.

Knowledge is power.

Thanks. I look forward to reading your opinions, preferences and tips!