In reality, mages are one of the strongest factions in Heroes 5. This is due not only to the presence of 3 ranged units and mini-arts, but also to the ability to develop in any magical direction. Although, their units themselves are not very impressive without mini-arts. There are many gremlins, gargoyles that reduce resistance, mages that shoot without penalty, djinns with luck, rakshasas that attack without retaliation, and of course, titans - they are generally excellent. Only necromancers and perhaps dwarves can compete with them.