Type: Imbuement
Strategy: This spell has the same effect as haste, but instead of adding an attack, it simply doubles the overall number of attacks. In other words, this spell is hugely more effective, save for one drawback. This spell only affects one creature. Unfortunately, that makes it impractical.
Importance: Moderate
Type: Summoning
Strategy: Strategically, this spell works like all other summon spells. The invisible stalker, however, has a great deal more hit points, packs a good punch, and lasts for nine hours. It's definitely one of the best summoning spells around.
Importance: High
Type: Defense, imbuement
Strategy: Creating a duplicate of the caster, then casting invisibility on the mage, mislead works as a perfect mimic. The real caster can still cast spells, but will be invisible. When the duplicate is destroyed, the caster will become visible again. Working both as a defensive and getaway spell, mislead can work wonders when the mage is low on hit points; keeping a copy memorized is advised.
Importance: Moderate
Type: Dispel
Strategy: Working much like secret word, pierce magic will cancel one level 6 spell or lower. The level hit from secret word (which dispels one level 8 spell or lower) is compensated with a 1 percent per level magic resistance decrease. However, the 1 percent per level decrease is not enough to outweigh the randomness and the level hit. Secret word already wasn't very good. It didn't need to get worse.
Importance: Low
Type: Hindrance
Strategy: Silencing the target with no chance of a save, this spell is exceptional. For three rounds, the enemy will be silenced (meaning he cannot cast spells). When you find yourself in a difficult mage battle, cast this repeatedly on the enemy, and you are nearly guaranteed to win. The spell should be used often.
Importance: High
Type: Defense
Strategy: Protecting the target from 50 percent (randomly) of all spells cast on him, this spell will save you a lot of trouble against any mage. This spell is required casting in any mage battle, as the 50 percent spell resistance will save you tremendous amounts of pain. It's definitely one of the most important spells when standing up to a mage, and that will happen often.
Importance: High
Type: Defense
Strategy: Granting immunity to all magical weapons, this spell will make you invulnerable to most high-level enemies who only wield magical weapons. However, the duration of only four rounds makes this spell completely impractical. Also, the fact that it can only be cast on the caster himself adds insult to injury. This spell may look good, but it is a waste.
Importance: Low
Type: Defense
Strategy: Absorbing ten spell levels worth of spells, spell deflection is an extraordinary spell. Another great spell for mage battles, the only downfall is that it can only be cast on the caster.
Importance: Moderate
Type: Cure, heal
Strategy: The spell is the exact opposite of flesh to stone. If you ever find a party member petrified, cast this on him to cure him. You won't find that happening often, though.
Importance: Low
Type: Summoning
Strategy: Much like any other summon spell, this one's specifically for mages. A nishruu is totally immune to all spells, has no damaging attack, but with each hit it drains the highest-level mage spell out of the enemy's memorization. Though effective against mages, be sure you have damage to back up its ability.
Importance: Moderate
Type: Imbuement
Strategy: Transforming the mage into a fighter (complete with armor class, hit point, and damage bonuses), this spell works wonders if you need an extra hand at damage dealing. The use and importance is highly personal, but if you have nothing to do with your mage or need extra damage, it works wonders.
Importance: Moderate
Type: Dispel
Strategy: Dispelling all illusions in the area, this spell can be useful if your enemy is a mage and has cast mislead or another beguiling spell. Otherwise, there isn't much of a use for it.
Importance: Moderate
Type: Summoning
Strategy: Much like any other summon spell, only this time, it calls a wyvern. Unfortunately, wyverns are not particularly useful, so neither is this spell.
Importance: Low