I managed to slowly take out each mage outside at the abandoned fort between Whiterun and Riften (closer to Whiterun). Even crit one with a bow from across the entire compound... my first real sniper kill. (Level 16) I'm getting the open space pull individual mobs or snipe tactics pretty well (Playing on Expert).

However, when I go inside and end up in close quarters combat (inevitable as my stealth is only 50-ish) with mages, I get pwned pretty fast. Aside from bringing a meatshield companion indoors or trying to buy summoning scrolls, any additional advice for how to deal with these situations?

I was thinking a lot of paralyze poisons but a lot of these mages have a lot of hitpoints and even with a full stack of potions it might be really difficult to take out 3 mages while getting pummelled with spells from every direction.

paralyze and energy denial. also hit and run. never run into them, always back to a "safe zone" that you have cleared. they will and should break aggro. also there are AoE scrolls.

if you run into areas that have mages like that, look above you. sometimes there are hanging lanterns...if the floor has a "oil slick" on it, pop one of the lanterns and whoosh, watch them go up in flames.

Always fight on your terms. That's for any class.

What perks do you have in stealth? Even with 50, you should be pretty hard to spot by low level baddies. Try to pick them off one by one. Don't be afraid to run away! You take one guy down and draw everyone's attention? Run! Once you've lost them, you can go back and pick off another one.

Also, how do you feel about magic? A lot of illusion spells like mayhem are really good early on even if you aren't perked in illusion.

You don't need to hit and run in this game. Use fear and make them run. :goodjob:

I can't remember if muffle is in the illusion line, but I was constantly dual casting it along with sneaking..

Fear makes them run IIRC. I don't like chasing things down ;P I like to drop them where they stand @ Creeper

arrows, arrows and arrows. NO you don't want to shoot at them. Just lure them away.

this as well. if they aren't looking at you and you want to distract them, let one fly off to their side, or whatever direction you want them to move in.

also, there is a shout later on that lets you

As some have suggested, try out illusion magic. It's a great skill tree for use with sneak and can help you fight on your own terms by setting enemies to fight each other, cease attacking, or even run away

I'm diggin all the suggestions. Couple reactions:

• I haven't found a lot of scrolls and am certainly not rich yet, so buying them isn't really an option
  
• In terms of running, seems a bit lame to run out a door of a dungeon after drawing aggro from too many mobs... but, if that's what it takes I guess I can live with that
  
• I've only really been to riverwood, whiterun, and just got to Riften...any good places to buy illusion spells or other scrolls that folks recommend?

FUS RO DAH

Or the ice form shout.

Also using sneak + archery to thining out the mob is a great approach. Pretty damn (ch)easy though once your stealth gets high.