I need help deciding on a race for my pure mage character. Altmer or Breton and why? I am curious about what other peoples thoughts are. I like Altmer because of their racial mana regen power and I like Breton because they are Human-Elf but look nicer than Altmer do. Your thoughts?

If you play Altmer you will be a better mage because of their increased magika and racial ability. You really have to choose if the power is worth the looks. I myself role Breton. I dont like the elves.

Do you even get increased magicka in this game? I haven't looked but I thought they only got the racial power.

Overall, in most respects choosing a race is mostly cosmetic in Skyrim compared to previous TES games. None of the racial powers really wow me and considering my Orc had the same starting stats as my Dark Elf and Khajiit I seem to doubt that High Elves start with any more magicka than any other race.

They do. 50 points extra. and their racial ability allows them to regenerate magicka ridiculously fast. I play an altmer mage, and i love it. Though, if you want to play breton, or Orc, or Bosmer, or whatever, you won't really be at much of a disadvantage. choose a race you like. the rest will sort itself out.

Thank you guys for the help! I've decided I am going to play as an Breton. let the magic rage within him begin to unravel over the peoples in Skyrim!