Well, there are 4 mages that you can get early in the game, this is what i think of them:
SPOILER
-
-
-
-
-
Xan: found in Nashkell mines, i dont like his low hit points (and to be sincere i dont like his deppresive mood

)
-
Xzar: low hit points, he´s evil... i dont like him
-
Dynaheir: i usually use her, i think she´s pretty good, and with decent hit points.
-
Edwin: he ROCKS, very good mage, his amulet gives him extra spells (2 per level i think)... BUT he´s evil. Anyway having him in a good party wont be bad if your rep doesnt go above 18... and if you dont have minsc
Later you can find another mage, QUAYLE (sorry for the mistake

), a cleric/illusionist... ive never tried him, but the bad point is that you wont be able to get him till chapter 5.
------------------
"I´ve been captured... and I don´t care" -Ertai, Captive of the Blinding Angel
[This message has been edited by Ertai_OHF (edited 06-11-2001).]