What are the best mage combinations or strategies?

[littlelostkiwi]

I played up to the Dupont battle as a mage, without really understanding some of the mechanics, in particular the mana system. And now I have limited mana and gold, and that's one of the only fights I have left before I can progress, but he is simply too hard for the army I have.

So I am going to start again, which is fine.

But what I am hoping for, to ease the next play-through, is some good combinations in order to make the game easier.

Here are two, in particular, I have read:
- Blind makes most enemies skip a turn. However to the best of my knowledge Blind is a late-game spell (at least based on my warrior playthrough), so that won't help in the mid-game.
- The upgraded teleport spell can be used to teleport enemy units to any location. This seems like a strong option to teleport enemy ranged units next to my melee units, although it's quite expensive to do so at 21 mana (from memory).

I am thinking of using high health units, such as trolls, and mostly defense spells, although I am not sure how viable that is.

So, on that note, does anyone have any advice regarding strong mage strategies?

[Sin]

I think it depends on your talent composition. My mage playthrough has been exclusively Finesse / Anarchy quest options and I don't have a problem with either gold or mana.
I can only assume it's because...

1. I Explore everywhere and collect max loot (I enjoy doing it, don't judge me).
2. I haven't been learning every spell, only the ones I deem worthy.
3. I don't often lose many troops, maybe I'm just good at it (I doubt it).

If all else fails, try another class and get more experienced with hex combat and see if it's any easier. idk.

[sandman25dcsss]

1) Direct damage build with 3 levels in Fire magic: Fire Storm. Firehand Golem (requires DLC) increases damage by 50%. Summon Chimera.
2) Damage over time build with 3 levels in Death magic: Confusion (not sure about name, it is the spell which deals damage for every spent action). Summon Chimera.

I tried pure Eath/Ice magic build, but failed to find good spells there. Same for Life, these 2 schools don't win you battles as mage IMHO.

[limith]

1) Keep portal level 1, cheap 8 cost
2) Viviy level 2 (10 cost)
3) Disease level 2 - debuffs opponents (14 cost)
4) Wear the + Armor/Res equipment from scryer trials
5) Summon Bears (level 2)
6) Shroud Level 2 (10 cost)

Opening is either shroud or disease usually. Rarely torpor or the aoe freeze skill (freeze ray also okay)

Then next is either disease or summon bears

Then third turn usually is a portal.

Fourth turn may be summon bears or vivify.

If enemies are immune to disease I may use Fracture or heal

Spells are fairly cheap overall.