I actually like the role-playing element added by having unnamed mage archetypes/classes instead of named characters. Picking a broad class and defining my character by constructing a spellbook is a neat feature, I think. That said, "prefab" characters like the Archmages mentioned above are an interesting idea, even adding to the mythos of the gameworld.
I suppose this may be as good a place as any to suggest a future expansion to include second (or third or fourth depending on number purchased) copies of the mages themselves. If two people want to play a Warlock class, currently, a second core set is needed, with all the extraneous (board, action markers, dice, etc.) parts included. These second copies could have alternate artwork to differentiate them, specifically, they could be of the opposite gender. I know in Talisman many were not pleased with the dearth of female characters in the base game; there are as many "monster" characters as there are women. Perhaps these expansions could be class specific and address the concerns of those wanting mage-themed spell-tomes instead of (as well as) magic school or play style themed releases. These could also include the oft requested extra, complimentary copies of spells "missing" from the core set and the "Core Spell Tome".
Really loving this game!
