Hey all, was just looking for some opinions on whether I should use the Apprentice or Mage birthsign on a pure Breton mage I am going to be making. I was thinking Mage originally for the increased mana regen at the start, but then I thought it wouldn't be quite as useful late game when your Willpower is 100 and the mana regen is the same regardless of having 10 extra willpower to start. If I go apprentice, is it easy enough to overcome that 50% weakness to magic I will have?

the mage gives you extra magicka not willpower. the apprentice gives you even more magicka but also a nasty weakness to it. as you are a breton it'll only be a 50% weakness which is easy enough to overcome, however with the mage birthsign it is very easy to become immune to magic altogether. depends on whether you want to play it safe or not. personally i would go with the apprentice.

Don't know nothin' about the FCOM overhaul (or using its components).

I would pair your Breton with Mage. The Breton synergizes well with Mage. It makes for a very defensive mage and works well to compliment the Breton's advantages. Safe, powerful, easy to play and forgiving. Seek items to boost the Breton's natural magic resist.

The Atronach synergizes well with Almer. This makes for a very powerful mage. The Atronach can be used to counter the Altmer's natural weakness. More demanding and offensive in nature, but also an excellent choice.

If you want to live on the edge with a truly glass cannon mage, consider the very powerful but fragile Almer + Apprentice. A very fun, all offense challenge.

Thank you for the responses guys, I think I'll give each a shot for a bit and see which I like more.