3 magic skills (excluding fire), wisdom, and logistics (or pathfinding, sometimes). This is essential... further skills can vary greatly depending on the map and game version. In Haven and The Restoration of Erathia, I like to choose mysticism – in Haven, I always choose Halona as my starting hero because of this – she has a special skill in mysticism at the Tower. I also like to take magic in Haven, but not always in other cases... Since I play as a mage, combat skills don't appear often. But if attack/defense skills appear, I take them. I always take archery when playing as Haven! And if intelligence is offered, I will most likely not refuse it either ;)

I NEVER take: 1) ballistics, 2) artillery, 3) first aid