My first choice when I was running Oblivion (unmodded) & SI was Destruction.

Now that I have some magic mods loaded in, my top choice is Conjuration. Now I can have epic battles with the Midas Angel, Dwemer Centurion, Dark Guardian, and a Dremora Lord.

Heck of a light show inside a dark dungeon when you've got that many magic casters around.

My personal choice would have to be destruction. I dislike close combat, so I tend to stay back and hurl fireballs at my enemies. Plus, it's always fun to mess with the havoc engine and blow up a room full of small objects.

You make a good point about conjuration, though. I've never been a big fan of summoning creatures, though, seeing as how I inadvertently hit them with a spell while they're fighting. They don't appreciate that, and they'll either die or turn and start fighting me. So I try to stay away from summoning spells, and I really only use them because some of the creatures look cool.

You make a good point also. it was actually a tough decision for me to change from Destruction to Conjuration, as I too agree with your long-distance battle plan. It's fun to take out those nasty will-o-the-wisps with a combo Shock-Fire-Frost spell. Made a stronger version of it, called it "Arch-Mage's Wrath".

In situations like that, where the will-o-the-wisp turns invisible, I'll pull out my sword and hack at the air, hoping to hit it. If only there was a see invisibility spell like in D&D.

Did you try a "Detect Life" spell while it was invisible? I think you can still see it then (like the invisible mage in Aleswell, I saw him by using that).

See, I could do that, but I have the bad habit of taking too many screenshots and forgetting to actually play the game. So very few of my characters have any worthwhile spells.

If you'd like to get this spell for your character, here's a list of who's selling the various levels of the spell: Detect Life Spell table - where to buy

Thanks, I'll check it out.

I guess I should have mentioned that you don't have to wait for it to wear off when you're done using it. A "Dispel" spell (with equal power to the "Detect Life") will take the spell effect away. You probably already know that, but it doesn't hurt to mention it as a "just-in-case."

The reason I mentioned it is because the Wiki pointed out something I agreed with. The effect on "Detect Life" makes visible faces look funny.

Nothing but Illusion. I can take out an entire fortress of Marauders without inflicting any damage.

Invisibility, Command Creature/Humanoid, Paralysis, Demoralise, Rally, Frenzy... bending the wills of others. It's truly the most powerful tool of all, after all, A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Conjuration takes second place, as I need Turn Undead to fill my repotire of Commanding spells. Not to mention the fact I can then Summon Dremora Lords while half the enemy is either dead or under my control, and the other half is either fleeing, paralysed or rallying (with next to no HP left).

Destruction is less fun because it's pretty much a necessity. That being said, I love my High-Elf-Instakill-Quad-Damage-Over-Time spells.

Illusion, it is a great support school, chameleon and invisibility... in fact only chameleon is enough become a rogue/Sorcerer and have quite fun

I go for Destruction.

I have to say that I have not played much with Illusion, but it seems really powerful.

Too bad I simply love to set someone on fire, so it is difficult for me to move on

I voted conjuration, for the RP aspects. I love strolling through the IC summoning skeletons just for practice. To me, the idea is that you summon things and let them fight, while you stand back and cheer them on. My take on the conjurer is as a cowardly magic user.

But I'm also thinking illusion. Invisibility is essential for someone who wants to be a pacifist (or just doesn't like getting hurt). Then there's also paralyze. Though I kinda wish paralyze was more of a sleep spell. That is, I wish it lasted longer with less cost (like charm), but was dispelled when the subject took damage. And plus there's charm, which I always use when talking to shopkeepers.

Restoration.

Paladin, need I say more?

Illusion. I like sneaking around unnoticed from invisibility/chameleon and seeing the world in a new light due to darkvision.

Of course my second is alteration. It is much easier to run away when your enemy has to swim through a river while you are running and casting burden on them.

That and I have to have my feather spells for my hoard.

I was a happy camper when I found the Bag of Holding mod. Now I don't have to cast Feather spells anymore.

Illusion. Running around in a dark Castle is boring. Running around in a well lit castle while being invisible is fun

Alteration is good for Feather spells. I hardly use Shield spells.

Conjuration is nice for having a little Distraction for the Enemies. A meager Scamp will do the Trick. Most enemies will run up to the Scamp and strike it down with one blow, but before they can turn on me they'll suffer a mild case of death.

Destruction is nice to have when you are low on Fatigue. Instead of doing little damage with your Weapon, hurl some Fireballs until your Magicka is gone. When its empty, your Fatigue will be halfway up again so you can inflict some semi-decent damage with your Weapon again, that is if your opponent is still alive.

Mysticism, well, theres "Detect life" and "Soultrap". I hardly use them, Soultrap is good for a 1 second enchantment on your Weapon, dedect life would be more useful if more creatures where invisible. But that would defeat the purpose of invisiblity...

For a different twist on tactics, try doing one or two sword slashes, then shove a fireball down your opponent's throat. Fun to slash them while they are still frying.

illusion.. without doubt..

invisiblity and night vision owns...

Destruction followed by Restoration

That's why I like Destruction when I'm playing a sword-swinger. You hit them 2 or 3 times and then immediately start swinging--no waiting to switch weapons.

I personnally like Illusion becasue of invisiblity.

I'd say Destruction. Giant thunderstorm area spells!! Especially useful because you can better enchant stuff with damaging effects.
However, I'd like to be able to conjure stuff but I can't get my skill up

WOOPDEWOOPWOOPWOOPWOOPWOO!!! The Hundredth post!!