Hi all, first-time poster here. I'm waiting for 1.4 to drop on the PS3 and in the meantime, I've been planning my next build. I always play a Dunmer rogue as my first play-through. So done that. My second play-through I played a Nord and finished the Main Quest and the Civil War questline. But for my next play-through, I'm thinking of playing outside of my usual style and focusing on a mage-type character. I also never travel with followers so plan on using one this build.

My idea is for a Gandalf-type character who, rather than being the Dragonborn, is seeking the Dragonborn and intends to lead/support him/her on his journey. So, yeah, gonna roleplay it obviously. Which will also be new for me. The idea is to seek out the Dragonborn and then embark on adventures with him before proceeding on the Main Quest. I guess my questions are:

1) Who should my follower be? I don't intend on becoming a Thane so that rules out any housecarls. I was thinking Erik the Slayer would be a good choice. Kinda a young kid seeking adventure. I guess it helps with roleplaying too since you have to convince his father to let him adventure.

2) What magic should I focus on? I intend on using Dawnbreaker in melee akin to Gandalf and Glamdring. I was thinking of focusing on Destruction, Restoration (to heal my follower) and Illusion to calm enemies as I'm only going to enter combat if I have no other choice. Is this spread too thin? Or will this work?

3) What's the deal with staffs? Can I dual wield a staff and sword in combat? Do staves benefit from perks? So if I take destruction perks will they apply to the damage a staff of flames can do? Do they benefit from one-handed perks?

Any advice/thoughts/input would be appreciated. I've never used magic in TES games. So not sure how it works. Or if this is a viable build. Basically, I want to play in a way I haven't to stave off boredom. Hence using magic, roleplaying and using a follower.

Regards
J_H

go work for the orc librarian and his quest for written knowledge...you have to join the college which is perfect for a wise wizard seeking knowledge

you can dual weild staff and sword and destruction doesn't really boost staffs by much..staff of fireballs is only good up until lvl 30

First off you mostly need to know whats your Favorite School of Magick. If you use Illusion or Alteration, or maybe Restoration a companion is necessary for you. But just have one of those Three be your secondary School and focus of Destruction.

Next is Armor set. Truly a mind set, if you go with armor then Alteration will hold little overall value for you. But at the loss of Perks need to Enchant and make the armor suited for mage casting.

Lastly is Staves. Staves are the "Free Attack" version of magick, like how melee takes no stamina when just swinging your weapon. Just keep in made the recharging needed to let attack. Basically Conjuration and/or buying soul gems