Even if close combat fighters can do more damage in single round, they are in more danger than mages. Look at spell ranges, enemy mage will most likely target fighters, traps (like pits), burning oil from lanterns, more adversaries (Harried and Aggressive Attacks to the back), short range throwing attacks, long range weapons like Long Spears so enemies in second rank can use Agressive Attack (for "free" as they cant be attacked at most times), all this is against close combat fighters. If your mages don't see its "better" to stay in the back and make most useful attacks (attacking the most dangerous opponent, using spells in creative ways) GM is doing something wrong
, or player took wrong Discipline, mages are scholars mostly, fighting is not their main domain, its not the Way of those Disciplines.My advise: Hit hard close fighters, let mages be happy that they dont have to be there. Make sure there are 1-2 ways for your mages to make some other spells useful in creative ways.
For example my players where in deadly situation, most of them were close fighters, coming from a short tunnel they saw lots of jehutras waiting for them in big hall. Jehutras were high on walls and ceiling out of range of fighters, also mage was outgunned by the number of beasts. No other way was to get out from there. And then Elementalist used Icy Surface, he put himself in danger but managed to cast the spell. Suddenly almost all Jehutras fell taking so much damage they ended dead or nearly dead.
That was especially made for the mage, first 2 attack attempts by too confident fighters almost cost Group their life's.
Mages should be powerful by letting them use their Minds, not because of sheer force.
But that's my opinion
