Which would you choose?

[loreangelicus]

Here are the items that give +10 runes:

Ancient Amulet
• +4 to Intellect
• +15 to Mana
Use: Gives 10 Magic Runes after 50 victories

Gladiator Sword
• +4 to Attack
• +15 to Rage
Use: Gives 10 Might Runes after 50 victories

Banner of True Faith
• +4 to Defense
• +800 Leadership
• -1 to the Morale of Undead allies
Use: Gives 10 Mind Runes after 50 victories

Since you want to go mage, you should take Ancient Amulet and Banner of True Faith. Personally, since I have a paladin, I go with Ancient Amulet and Gladiator Sword.

IMO, any combination of these three items should be your target for a good game. Intellect Ring is also a reasonable choice if you don't have the intestinal fortitude to grind for the above three items.

Gold is really a non-issue, even on impossible. Get Marauders if you are having money issues (or want to get the items asap to start the kill count), then dump them once you have bought the two power items. Not losing any troops also helps your finances (and troop inventory management).