[Steph]

This is the standard mage class discussion thread – a thread to discuss all things related to Oblivion mage play and the standard mage class. Who has played this class? What race/birthsign did you choose? What were your experiences playing the standard mage class versus a custom built mage class? How do you role play the standard mage class? Do you use any weapons or armor, and if so, do you limit your weapon/armor usage to bound items?

The idea for this thread sprung from a debate I had a while back with glargg. Last night while I was playing another character in Oblivion, I remembered glargg touting the merits of the standard mage class and I had a sudden urge to play one. So, I immediately loaded up a sewer save, picked a Breton with the mage sign and the standard mage class and ventured forth with this new character.

Since the standard mage class seems to encourage the use of all schools of magic, that is what I am doing. No weapons. No armor. Though I may use some bound items at some point. Haven't decided on that yet. So far its been mostly summon scamp, shield spells, turn undead, absorb health and some destruction spells. And I have made eight or ten potions but have not had the occassion to use any yet. Boy does alchemy level fast when it is a major skill with a magic specialization!

I have never really played any of the standard classes much and my first impression of the standard mage class is that it is a very powerful class to play in the beginning. I am wondering if this will still be the case at level 20 and beyond.

I named my new character Elenthar Vildai and played to level 2, which came quickly, and as luck would have it, he picked up a + 3 to both intelligence and willpower and a + 5 to speed. I suspect that a + 3 to both willpower and intelligence will be rare, since you need exactly five points in skills governed by each attribute to get +3 in each. More often than not it won’t be an even split, plus there will be some illusion level ups, which will cut into the intelligence and willpower. Still, even with only +2 to intelligence and willpower (which is all but guaranteed with this build), Elenthar will have maxed willpower and intelligence by level 24, if not sooner. So, the class does seem pretty viable, even at high levels.

Feel free to discuss your own thoughts and experiences with mage play In Oblivion and particularly the standard mage class. I will be posting updates on Elenthar’s progression and how he fares against the many challenges in Cyrodiil.