So when making a pure mage I know the primary worry is against other high damage casters. I also know that the best way to overcome any obstacle as a mage is "more magicka!". Basically I'm debating between being a Altmer or a Breton....

So is it easier to get items and enchantments that give you 50 majicka or the 25% resist all?

you can make a single entchant that gives you 72 magicka

but for resist the max you can get is 23% per item.

and since you can put magicka on four items of your gear (helm gloves jeweles)
while magic resist can only be applied to jewelry and shields.

so for me i would say definitly take breton over altmer.

The 50+

Note: No quest spoilers in the spoiler.

50 Magicka is 5 levels.
25% Resist Magick is a piece of gear, of a perk.

Do yer math.

try the lord guardian stone.

Duh the resist is hardest to replace +magicka that replaceable with 1 item (seen far more than 50 magicka on 1 item) or 5 levels.

The Resist is a harder enchantment to make, but another way you could look at this is: +50 magicka is 5 levels, but you can get 30% resistance to magic in 3 levels from Alteration's skill tree, without touching any of your equipment slots. You just have to be patient to unlock it.

Interesting point, however I was led to believe that casters are the scary part of being a pure mage and having a natural 55% resistance would be better than an extra 50 majicka. But, that is why I created this thread was to get a lively discussion going about the pros and cons of each.

Thanks to those who have participated!

I just pick the Breton because I don't like Altmer. Seriously, every Altmer you come across is a stuck up jerk.

That doesn't mean you have to be... No one in your family has character flaws you don't agree with or share?