Mages are very versatile but they can be expensive to train initially as your spells are powered by reagents. If your playing on Europa contact me via icq 164413512, or via pm on this forum and i will give you a free 100% Lower reagent suit of meddable armour to get you started.

As to your template try...
Magery
Eval Int ( increases the damage your spells do)
Meditation ( recover mana faster )
Focus ( recover mana and stamina...just keep this whilst training your skills up)
Wrestling ( will enable you to cast whilst being attacked as the skill increases in lvl)

These skills will get you started so spend the rest of your 700skill pts as you wish to use to personalise your character

Good luck and happy adventuring.