Play Styles

Category	Mage	Melee
Mana	Bigger pool Better regen No Interference Tend to have better proficiencies (longer lasting buffs and debuffs that do not need to be recast as often, also reduces Innate Arcana costs) Can Ether Theft Focus is a better skill	Don't need it for (nearly) every attack
Damage	Can exploit weaknesses much more easily Can rotate damage types for elemental explosions Can fully AoE Imperil is a better spell	Can be increased greatly via Spirit Stance Can cause bleeding / penetrate armor (depends on weapon) Have better Fighting Skills Ethereal weapons are much better Weapon proficiencies give accuracy
Play Speed	Can just hold down the recast key for certain fights Spells cannot be parried	Can just hold down number keys most of the time Attacks cannot be resisted
Survivability	Lots of mana to cast Cures Lost of mana and magic accuracy to cast debuffs like Weaken Elemental spells can leave various debuffs Little to no burden Direct control over single-target damage vs. AoE	Better mitigation from equipment Usually just need the Silence debuff Can stun (depends on weapon) Protection is a better spell Defend is a better skill Can block if using a shield
Abilities	Don't need points for Overcharge Boost Less priority for Spirit Tanks	Don't need points for elemental spells and more non-damage spells