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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ariosto" data-source="post: 4785821" data-attributes="member: 80487">Out-of-battle versatility was where even low-level magic-users could really shine. Their combat effectiveness even at high levels was of a notably different nature than the fighter's "mow 'em down till sundown" ability.Their fragility meant that they were extremely vulnerable without the protection of tougher types until attaining fairly high levels. A mere duo of fighters, operating with appropriate caution and stealth, might well pull off a successful venture where a pair of mages alone dared not tread.Note that their armament (pre-UA) was limited to dagger, dart and staff (plus poison and lit oil). Unearthed Arcana significantly added the sling to their repertoire, but I don't think crossbows came in until 3E.Making them more capable combatants infringes on the fighter's "niche", and their other abilities then become salt in that wound. I'm not sure whether that's worse when combat is merely a means often of last resort, or when it is made an end in itself.In any case, 4E puts the emphasis clearly on balancing the combat game. The concept of a class that is (even if only at low levels) not well suited to engaging in the clash of arms has been set aside."If it's a fair fight, then Plan A has failed" used to be the maxim especially of thieves ... and magic-users!</blockquote>