[QUOTE=Windhunter]
#1- I am not getting the pros and cons of the birthsign of The Atronach vs. The Mage. The heavy bonus in The Atronach seems attractive, but what does it mean that it doesnt regain magic over time?
#2- I took on Merchantile as a major skill to be able to make some more money. Wise? Foolish?
[/QUOTE]
#1 - As a High Elf (+100 magicka), The Thief (no magicka bonus) I've got 298 total magicka at 99 intelligence. Thus, the Atronachs +150 is a GREAT bonus. However, as you will never regenerate mana noramlly (not even when sleeping or gaining a level) you will need to rely heavily on potions. However, the Atronach also gives you 50% spell absorption which means you will absorb magicka 50% of the time when others cast spells on you. With spells and enchantments you can probably push that up to 100% which means that when you're facing spell casters you won't run out of mana.
The mage gives only +50 magicka but has no drawback.
In conclusion: I'm rather new to this world myself, but having tried The Atronach for a while I must say I found it quite difficult. If I go down the path of the mage in my next incarnation I might go with The Atronach after all though. It makes for a bit of a different life style.
#2 - Money may be a bit of a problem early on for which mercantile will help a little bit. As such, Mercantile is not a bad choice. Cash seems to become less of a problem later on though. There are also certain ways to make a decent amount of cash quickly when you begin the game but I'll let you find that out for yourself
However, there are other things to consider as well. I've reached level 14 and actually wished I had taken Marksman over mercantile now since I almost never use a bow. Yes, you read that right - I wish I had a major skill I don't use. This is a direct result of the game design which I find to be a flaw, allthough the game is still enjoyable. This is how it works:
A) Once you gain 10 skill levels among your major skills your character (and all other characters and monsters in the game as well) gain a level.
B) You get to choose 3 stats to improve. The amount each stat will raise depends on how many skill levels you've raised that are governed by said stat. Minimum, when no related skill has gone up, is 1 point. Maximum, when related skills have gone up by 10 or more levels, is 5. If, during your characters level have raised Illusion 2 levels and Mercantile 2 levels and Speechcraft 1 level (all governed by Personality) your personality will raise by 3 if you choose to improve it.
C) There is (almost) no carry over. If during one character level you raise Illusion 10 levels and Mercantile 10 levels and during the following level raise both 0 levels, then you can improve your personality by 5 after the first level gain but only by 1 after the second. The exception is skill level gains made AFTER your character gains a level and BEFORE he/she sleeps. Those will carry over to the next level, both for purpose of working towards your characters subsequent level (for major skills) and for stat improvements.
D) Skill improvement varies a LOT between the different skills.
E) Character level is in most aspects far less important than skill level. As such, uncontrolled character levelling will lead to disaster, or at least a much harder game. I've yet to try making a "non levelling charcter" choosing as many major skills as possible that I will not use, but I imagine the game would be VERY easy this way.
If you're anything like me you will probably start over one or more times after you get a feel for how the game works. A recommendation is to save just before you exit the sewers since you can then modify race, sign and class without having to do the first part over and over again.
Good luck in your travels
and may the Nine guide your path
Qizatch
