I started a new character. He's a Dunmer Mage. I'm only level 2 (perk in Destruction). I got the mages robe and hood from Helgen, Sparks, Flames, and Frostbite. I also got Leather Bracers and Leather Boots for additional armor. And I am playing on Master Difficulty (but switch to Expert or Adept when facing two-handed warriors).

1. Should I go directly to the College of Winterhold?
2. So basically, robes replace armor? Where do I get more (better) robes at?
3. What is the significance of Staves and where can I buy them?
4. Should I try to find the Dragon Priest Masks (like Krosis)?
5. Any other tips are appreciated.

Just don't focus on destruction. That's the only important tip you need.

Why? What else should I focus on?

You get better college robes at the College of Winterhold. As you level up you will be able to buy better robes. You can find Apprentice robes when you get to around level 10, Adept Robes at Level 20, Expert Robes at Level 30, and Master Robes at Level 40. You can also find them in general stores, radiant raiment, and court mages in various locations have them as well.

Robes are robes. The do not have armor rating, but have useful enchantments for mages.

1. No, enjoy the world a little bit. Just go when you want to go, but it does have some decent things for you.
2. If you want your mage to wear robes, then by all means wear robes. It takes a long time to get better robes, don't rush it. You can get better ones at the college.
3. Staves really aren't that good. If you're going to be slinging spells, you could just skip the whole staff thing.
4. Dragon masks are fun. I like Morokei, but there are some good ones to use on Solstheim as well if you're going to use Destruction.
5. My biggest tip would be to not focus on only one school of magic. Mages can be very good despite Destruction being underwhelming. The schools of magic excel when they get paired up with one another. Don't underestimate Illusion either.

Mirabelle Ervine gave me some Robes of Destruction. I reckon I'll go ahead and get into the College of Winterhold quests (never done them before).

I want to use Destruction. Can someone give me a brief overview of all the other schools of magic and some spells of them? Restoration (with healing and healing hands and the wards) seems interesting... but so does Conjuration...

Also, if I use a Staff of Conjuration, will Conjuration go up?

And I'm using a Steel Mace in case I run out of Magicka.

You should not spread yourself too thin in early game. You will feel stronger if you focus your attention to 3 or 4 skills. A popular and strong choice is Conjuration, Illusion and Destruction.

I usually prefer to focus on Destruction, Alteration, and Alchemy.

One strong early build is to focus solely on Destruction. It's a good build if you want to feel strong with Destruction. I have done a write-up about this a while ago. http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1387285-guide-for-new-mages-pure-destruction-opening/

And here is a more conventional play guide: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1373031-an-in-depth-guide-to-making-an-awesome-destruction-mage/

focus alteration flesh spells and destruction
get restoration magic regen
and get enchanting
to reduce destruction cost
to you see my last breton mage
could cast expert destruction spells using 5 magic

Using staffs will not give you any experience. Your conjuration will not go up.

Alteration has Paralysis spell: it works on some very strong enemies, like Draugr Deathlords, vampires, giants, super high level mages.
Illusion has Quiet Casting perk, Invisibility, and Muffle: if you want to go stealthy.
If you invest heavily in illusion, it works on pretty much everything except dragons and dragon priests and super high level enemies.

In Destruction, people often forget about Runes, Cloaks and Walls. They are amazing and very useful.

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. They will help when you run out of Magicka. Don't waste money on them though, hunting Dragon Priests is better.
4. Dragon Priest masks definitely do not hurt but aside from the one you get as part of the CoW quests, you don't *need* them.
5. Do not listen to the guy I quoted below




This is so wrong. So wrong. Clearly, Ranjak, you don't know how to play a mage in Skyrim. And that's cool. I'm not disparaging you. But know that it can be done properly and that doing it properly (in at least one of the many ways) involves focusing on Destruction.

You need to go to winterhold the only place you can get spells better than aprentice or adept is in the college

Mages feel very overpowered.