If it weren't for the minor artifacts, I would never have played as the Mages. (The attack and defense stats of the hero are too weak).
Sometimes I think this is the best racial skill.
It allows you to equip Gremlins, Battle Mages, and Titans with bonuses to initiative, attack, and luck. With the first shots, you can take down enemy archers, and the hero can cast the Mage's Sign - a double stack of mines - and the battle is practically strategically won.