Pure Mage build

[Ceridian]

I'm looking for some advice in regards to Pure Mage build so any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated!

At the moment I've just finished Heaven and landed in the mainland. My current character is Alvarin/Sheevra.
My max stats:
Strength 83
Dexterity 116
Const 65
Psyche 112
Intelligence 106
Height 170
Age 35

So my questions are the following:
- Given these max stats will it be viable to build a solid dagger-style or mounted mage?
- Are there other races that would work better for this type of character?
- What are the most useful Clade Gifts for the Alvarin Mage build?
- I would love to specialise in Elementalism at some point, would this starting character be ok for it?
- Any other tips, please

Thanks!

 

[Jackdstripper]

Well for starters not sure why you went 170 in height. Its a waste of 12 attribute points, and it makes you easier to target. Most mages go as short as possible. Your age is also a bit off too. 31 is the ideal for max dex. Usually with a dex build (shevra/shevra) you try and maximize dex.
However, its not a terrible build, and you can make it work. It just wont be the cookie cutter dex build. You can also lower your height with shrink food once your can afford it.


Yes, daggers benefit from dex and the alvarin weakspot clade. So get True Sight and the best dex rings you can get. Also the bonuses from lower weight (skinny, lean) if you can stand losing the health. You become very squishy.

Mounted mages is not a dex build, its usually a fat mage build. However, a dex mage can also do some decent mounted magery. You will not hit as hard and wont have as much mana as a proper mounted fat mage. You kind of have to pick here which one will be your main playstyle.

Shevra is the best race for a fast, dagger mage. A full fat MM can be other races, but since you want to also be a dex foot mage id say Shevra is your best bet.

Work your way to True sight, alvarin Sight, Thaumaturge, and all clades under Long life.

Humans are ideal for elementalists. Mainly because of their clade that reduces friendly fire for all the aoe spells (huge in big fights). Also more mana regen with higher armour and more skill points.
However, Shevras can also be elementalists you just have to be careful not to hit your team. Also skill points will be hard to find and you might have to give up some other things in your build to fit all the eley primaries.

 

[Ceridian]

Thanks Jackdstripper, it was really insightful and made me think about my goal a little differently.

OK, so another question related to this. Since I've mentioned mounted mage and dex mage in one go to have a bit more flexibility. So when I'm on foot I'm good and on the fast-paced battlefield, I'm also good. Now, going the route of full-fat mage seems like a powerful option in terms of utilising magic.

However, how viable that kind of mage is without a mount?
I'm asking this as I imagine there will be a lot of situations in the game where you can't be 'glued' to the mount all the time.

 

[Jackdstripper]

Well that is always the conundrum. Foot build or mounted build. Which one is best?

There is no best, just what you prefer. Ask yourslef where do you usually fight? Do you usually play solo? Or in groups? Are they all usually mounted builds? What about the enemy? Do you fight in the open, or in dungeons and forests? Soo many variables.

Imo, most fights start mounted and end on foot. So it is very handy to have some mounted skills. However, once you get dismounted (which can be very quick sometimes) its also very nice to have mobility.

A fat mage does a lot of damage, has good hp, and lots of mana for sustained spell casting. However, once dismounted he is most likely dead as everyone will focus fire him and he cant get away. Fighting on foot in any scenario will be very difficult. A fat mage on foot is not a viable build unless you have some very good team mates that can peel for you.

A dex mage with mounted magery isnt as devastating from his horse(or on foot), but after getting dismounted can use his speed to try and stay alive. Imo, this is a more versatile build and allows you to fight even after you lost your horse. Because you do less damage its a lot more kiting involved. A much more ratty playstyle.

The good thing is that with your character you can try both playstyles and see which one you like most. Losing weight does take forever in this game, but you can go obese and try it for a while and see if you like fat mage. If not, you can go back to dex mage.


On a side note. Elementalism can only be done on foot, so keep that in mind.