How DOES a mage fight monsters?

[Jimson]

Old returning player - I've always had crafter characters supporting one or two warriors who have magery or Chivalry. I usually use the classic 2d interface (mostly because I haven't seen a reason to play without UOAssist).

But now, I have finally built up a mage (currently 102.2 magery) and I find that battling without a weapon takes some ... organization.

Do you folks use macro keys for each spell? Any keyboard setup tips would be welcome.

I use mage-weapons to train magery - ARE there players who use Spell-channeling /Mage Weapons to assist in PVM play?

My 'mage' currently has Magery, eval int, meditation, anatomy, healing & hiding (along with a little smithing & tailoring).

I have worked with Mages before - working with them to heal tanks & newbies - but, I've seen them pour powerful blasts of energy at the monsters quickly and without (apparent) concern for running low on mana.

How do they get to that point? Is it just a matter of practice?

Thanks for your time.

 

[DJAd]

I've also just made my first mage. I have macro keys setup for target closest then the spell. Apart from that I just have the spell macros on the hotbar assigned to the F1 - F6 keys, then heal and other handy spells on the rest.

Its the delay time I'm having problems working out. I have been testing different combos of target, then attack, then repeat.

 

[Kylie Kinslayer]

I use a variety really. I have some spells set as F1 keys, and some using alt and different letters for healing spells etc and ctrl and letters for offensive ones. Although I prefer the last target option instead of target closest, the only macro I have for target closest is an eval int one that I hit in order to assign what the last target is, if time is of the essence. I use mouse wheel up for last target and mouse wheel down for target self because I hate running using the keyboard. I prefer to work the timing of the spell instead of having to work it out in the macro it's self. Then for the ones I hardly ever use I just have them pulled from the spellbook waiting to be old school double clicked.

 

[Taylor]

Mage weapons are used to lower the chance for spell disruption. In other words, they are a defensive measure--not offensive. Since your template has eval int and anatomy, you shouldn't need to use one of these.

As far as tactics are concerned, most folks start by laying down a tank or two. Energy vortexes are popular. This will keep the heat off of the mage, allowing them to focus on casting. Secondly, when you chain spells, it help to be familiar with the creature's resists. If a creature is weak to energy, try this combo: energy bolt, lighting, lighting, etc. If a creature is weak to fire, try: explosion, flame strike, fire ball, fire ball, etc. If the creature is weak to cold, try mind blast.

Regarding the constant spell dump that you've witnessed, this has a lot to do with your suit. For a mage, 40 lower mana cost, 2 faster casting/6 faster cast recovery, and lots of mana regeneration are the keys to spell chaining.

Here are the macros that I use for my necro/mage:

F1 - Heal
F2 – Greater Heal
F3 - Cure
F4 - Invisibility
F5 - Fireball
F6 - Lightning
F7 - Mind Blast
F8 - Energy Bolt
F9 - Explosion
F10 - Flame Strike
F11 - Earthquake
F12 - Poison
Shift + F3 - Arch Cure

` - Spirit Speak
1 - Energy Vortex
2 - Mass Dispel
3 -
4 - Wither
5 - Poison Strike
6 - Pain Spike
7 - Strangle
8 - Corpse Skin
9 - Evil Omen
0 - Blood Oath

Mouse Wheel Up - Target Last
Mouse Wheel Down - Target Self

I also have a number of spells on my desktop:

 

[Lady_Rachel]

I use the F keys to set up my macro's too.
And have some others, like field spells on my desktop.
Sometimes a battle can look like I am playing a piano...

 

[Jimson]

Thanks for your replies!

I hadn't considered using the numeric keys - that will work for me.

I am pretty much convinced I just need practice - mostly because I don't feel comfortable without a lance or a bow when there are hostiles about.

Equipment: Yes I need to build up a good suit for this mage/warrior. I want luck and magery buffs. I am still intriqued with the idea of running this guy with spell-channelling/mage-weapons. This is what I will try next.

This 'mage' character could also have room for lock-picking as well - something i haven't tried for many years - but, i hear it's a good way to collect ingredients for your imbuer.

Keep up the good work!

 

[WildWobble]

Mage weapons are handy if you do not have any other weapon skill defence but you are running anat eval int for defencive wrestle so a mage weapon is not required! It would be wize to cap out defence chance increase though 45% is cap this will aid greatly in your pvm battles!! macros are of great help so set some up! your template I would have invisibility as my main macro set to target self. then just muck arround with spells till you get a set of macros you like.