Defensive Combat
The first lesson that is taught to Imperial Battlemage Academy candidates is the vital importance of staying light on one's feet. Because armor limits the effectiveness of your magic, many practitioners of the arcane arts prefer to eschew armor in favor of lighter clothing. This keeps the mage mobile, allowing the spells to be as effective as possible. Unfortunately, this leaves the mage open to attack. For that reason, be sure to avoid direct confrontations with your enemies. While you may be able to unravel the fabric of your enemy's very being, a sword will cleave you all the same if you are caught unaware, so stay alert and keep your distance.
Fortunately, Magicka can be woven into many protective spells to ensure a mage's safety. Even mages that choose to wear armor would do well to make heavy use of the shield spells, as they provide extra protection for both the armored adventurer and the robe-wearing mage. Be sure to cast shield-effect spells whenever you anticipate entering a conflict. Although they can cost you a heavy amount of Magicka, they often last through an entire battle. Keep an eye on your timers; being caught in the fray when the shield spell expires could be very dangerous.
- Danger can lurk anywhere.
You must protect yourself not only from physical damage from swords, clubs, and the fangs of creatures, but also from the elemental damage of Daedra, Atronachs, and enemy spell-casters. To keep yourself from being consumed in the fire of an enemy's Heat Blast, you can employ spells to ensure that you will survive an elemental adversary that stands in your path. Like the shield spells, the elemental resistance spells are useful to both armored and unarmored adventurers.
Never underestimate the value of having a companion to fight alongside you. A creature summoned with Conjuration magic can distract enemies, giving you the freedom to maneuver into the best position for an attack. Be warned: Summoned creatures will attack any enemy that they encounter. If you're not careful, following your summoned creature into combat could leave you overwhelmed with enemies.
To defend yourself against enemy casters, use Mysticism to reflect their spells back at them or even to absorb Magicka from spells meant to harm you.
And finally, if the fight becomes too much for you, some spells can help you escape and regroup. Frightening an enemy away with a demoralizing spell or turning an undead opponent can buy you the precious seconds that you need for an escape. An adventurer who is well trained in Illusion magic can even turn invisible.
Magic offers a number of options to keep you alive. Mages and sorcerers throughout Tamriel's history have outlasted and outlived their opponents through clever combinations of spells designed to mitigate damage and keep the fight alive.
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