Before the patch people reported finding weapons very early in the game with damage bonuses on the order of 50, etc.
possible bug - difficulty... um where is it?Lots of people have played mages. If opponents get too close, use Firewall and retreat (or Hide in Shadows) if you don't want to engage in any melee combat.
Actually, someone playing a mage recently commented about neglecting strength and dexterity, so apparently equipment enchantments and potions, etc are more than enough for melee and ranged resistances.
