mages versus orcs

Understood, in the late game, one magic skill without spell power and more combat skills with minions is needed, right?

I create mini-arts for all initial and levels 1-4 creatures, and for the rest, I give attack/defense. Spell power is necessary in the late game, especially for a mage with Darkness, as you'll cast spells more often, which is very important. Combat skills are not needed for a mage, but if defense drops, you can take it.