You REALLY want to get your hands on the staff of the Magi though.

I usually run two fighter mages in my party.

One dualled at 9th level and one at 12th one has the staff proficiency the other long sword. (and two weapon) Add them in with a couple of decent fighters/paladins/ranger a thief and a cleric (usually both dual classed with fighters) and the world is your oyster.

Yes it is a little sick but I like the idea of 15th level mages with 100+ hit points running about.