Creative Templating - Returning vet:p

[Seneca]

Corny title. I know.

But here's the deal. I'm returning. I quit shortly after ML.

So, here was my template.

6x 120:
Eval
Magery
Resist
Chiv
Sword
Med

Obviously, this template is pretty old and out dated. I tried it out on TC and got OWNED. I guess they changed primary abilities to disfavor mages requiring tactics now.

Then I tried.
120: Eval, magery, resist, sword. 100 med. 70 chiv, 70 tactics

This template allowed me to use my primary abilities, but big surprise here I got owned again because my timing was off due to the fact, you can't use primary abilities while casting. Also chiv this low is pretty useless and might as well take tactics to 120, so I can at least hit harder.

So my reasoning with the first chiv template is high survivability, strong quick heals, and excellent offense. In my opinion this was a template consistent of defense and offense. I almost never lost with this template.

But, I have no choice now.

So here's what I am thinking I might try out at least on TC:

6x 120:
Eval
Magery
Resist
Med
Tactics
Swords

Use a broadsword/cutlass combo for crushing blow and bleed. Time and use as needed. ( i've ALWAYS favored tank mages, even pre AOS )

Something else I was thinking about is take away tactics and use poisoning, and use DP. But I guess I couldn't do this since I have to have tactics!

I'm really not to interested in mysticism. I don't want it, nor need it, I've got 64 spells.. that's plenty I don't need anymore

Those are the template ideas I'm tossing around though.

Any ideas on templates? Really, I don't care how popular the template is, just what skills are in it. What are templates that are effective? Any ideas at all??! JUST POST IT!!!

Thanks.

Doh also, might as well kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

What are some suit ideas? By this I mean what artifacts are you incorporating in your suit? Im thinking about getting the orny, but I have the Hat of the Magi and rune beetle carapace right now. Also have pendant of the magi. I dont' really care for losing any artifacts except my hat. The hat stays, it looks too cool.

What are other newer/sick artifacts that are good for mages?

 

[Deadly Serious]

I like my hat! ;p

PvM specific:
keep tactics at 90 or 70 if you only need to use primary abilities, this will save you a lot of skill points if you can manage a 70 depending on what weapon skills your after. The damage from tactics gains isn't impressive in anyway, the most important thing is to reach the 300% total damage increase.

If you don't want mysticism thats a real shame ;p anyway if you can fit bushido in you only need it to 100 you can honor a target and use the fient weapon skill to get a major reduction in damage take for 6 seconds.

Also without chivalry and focus AND vampiric form i would hate to be your stamina.

 

[Seneca]

I like my hat! ;p

PvM specific:
keep tactics at 90 or 70 if you only need to use primary abilities, this will save you a lot of skill points if you can manage a 70 depending on what weapon skills your after. The damage from tactics gains isn't impressive in anyway, the most important thing is to reach the 300% total damage increase.

If you don't want mysticism thats a real shame ;p anyway if you can fit bushido in you only need it to 100 you can honor a target and use the fient weapon skill to get a major reduction in damage take for 6 seconds.

Also without chivalry and focus AND vampiric form i would hate to be your stamina.

What's so good about mysticism?

What about this:

120:
Magery
Med
Eval
Resist
Mystic
100 poison

20 extra points.. use a mage wep.

I've even thought about going scribe instead of mystic.. but if mystic is so good wouldn't an extra 15 sdi be not even noticeable compared to mysticism ?