How much should a Random-5 Mage cost?

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by Scott Hebert:
While the Alchemist is obvious an outlier, I think it is rather obvious why.

I'm not so sure it's so obvious. The closest indy mage is the Magus, same magic picks at 90 gp. To make up for the cost difference, you have to use the Alchemist to transmute 27 fire gems (or 42 earth), which looks like a hefty amount to me. Add 2 (or 3) more/turn to cover the extra upkeep. And 25 (or 40) more for the required lab. You've got to be gem-rich to take advantage of an Alchemist.

I have yet to understand why Caelum's mages are so cheap.

Just look a few Posts back, someone already replied to this. It's all about nation balance. And also for thematic reasons.

Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that IW did only come up with these guidelines when they introduced modding in Dominions 2. I can't get rid of the impression that they didn't use anything but 'flair' to get these mage costs out of their minds.