To be a Mage in Gothic 1 Remake, you must join the Old Camp and complete the early quest “The Price of Magic” with mage Torrez to unlock rune magic.
Mage Path in Gothic 1 Remake
Step-by-Step guide to being a Mage
Step 1: Join the Old Camp
Arrive at the game’s starting area and join the Old Camp faction. This is essential because Torrez (your magic teacher) is only accessible there. Pure mage builds start here.

Step 2: Find Mage Torrez
Head to the southern cloth-covered market area in the Old Camp’s southwest section. Look for Torrez, the mage who teaches fire magic and healing at level 1.

Step 3: Complete “The Price of Magic”
Torrez will task you with gathering:
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1 Blank Parchment
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2 Wolf Claws
Collect the wolf claws from killing wolves.

The blank parchment may be purchased from Graham.

Once done, return to Torrez.

Step 4: Choose Your First Rune
Upon completion, Torrez lets you pick:
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Fireball Rune (recommended for damage) – gives high-damage DoT you can spam at range
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Healing Rune – restores HP

Fireball is better for a mage build since runes are permanent and reusable as long as you have mana.
Step 5: Manage Mana
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Mana potions are expensive early game.
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Alternative: Buy cheap drugs like Northern Dark (3 free/day from Fortuno at Swamp Camp) or Green Novice from Dexter. These restore mana but temporarily reduce dexterity.
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Strategy: Kite enemies, blast with fireballs, then melee when mana runs out.

Step 6: Buy More Spells
After completing the quest, interact with Torrez anytime to access his shop and purchase additional spells as your magic circles increase.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
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Don’t join New Camp or Sect Camp initially if you want pure mage – Torrez is only in Old Camp
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Don’t rely on scrolls for a mage build – they’re single-use; runes are inexhaustible
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Don’t skip mana management – enemies deal massive damage; magic gives you early combat leg up
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Fireball > Healing for early game – damage of opportunity beats survival initially.
That fire bolt will turn wolves from your biggest threat into your biggest sacrifice for mana drugs. Remember: mana over melee, kiting over standing still, and runes over scrolls if you want to dominate without constant resupply.