Mages can counter any magic with a counterspell, no matter who casts it. And if they manage to get a leadership skill, they become incredibly powerful.
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die,
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us,
Take away our pride.
G.K. Chesterton: English Hymnal