Mage • Arcane • PVE

Arcane Mage (PVE)

High-burst PvE spec built around mana management and cooldown stacking.

DPSPVE

Aldor vs Scryer

When you first reach Shattrath City at level 60 or higher, you are given a choice between two factions: The Aldor and the Scryers. This decision affects which rewards you can purchase, which quest lines you can pursue, and which faction strongholds you can access in Shadowmoon Valley. While it is possible to switch later, it is best to avoid making a haphazard choice. For Mages, the Aldor versus Scryer decision is not particularly impactful. The difference between the two factions is extremely small, and performance will be virtually identical regardless of which option you choose.

Before you choose

Here are the only things you need to know before picking a side.

The difference is extremely small

The DPS difference between Aldor and Scryer for Mages is on the order of tenths of a percent and will not meaningfully affect performance.

Enchant versus items

Aldor offers a marginally stronger shoulder enchant, while Scryer provides much more impactful early-game items.

Applies to all Mage specs

Arcane, Fire, and Frost Mages all follow the same logic for this decision.

Switching is rarely worth it

Given how small the differences are, switching factions later is almost never worth the time or gold investment.

Aldor vs Scryer

Side-by-side comparison of early highlights, pros, and cons.

Neither choice is permanent, but your early gearing experience can feel very different depending on which faction you choose

Aldor

Slightly better enchantMarginal DPS edgeMinimal impact

Highlights

Greater Inscription of Discipline is very slightly stronger than the Scryer alternative
Provides a tiny raw damage increase on paper

Cons

The advantage is extremely small and difficult to notice in practice
Offers no notable early-game gearing rewards compared to Scryer

A perfectly fine choice, but the marginal enchant advantage is rarely noticeable.

Scryer

Recommended

Strong Phase 1 itemsEarly gearing valueBest overall choice

Highlights

Access to Scryer's Bloodgem, one of the best caster trinkets available in Phase 1
Provides Seer's Signet, a strong early ring option
The enchant difference compared to Aldor is negligible in real gameplay

Cons

Greater Inscription of the Orb is very slightly weaker than the Aldor enchant

Best overall choice due to strong early gearing rewards that outweigh the tiny enchant difference.

Recommendation for Mage

We recommend choosing Scryer as a Mage in TBC Classic. - The difference between Greater Inscription of Discipline and Greater Inscription of the Orb is extremely small. - Scryer provides access to Scryer's Bloodgem and Seer's Signet, which are excellent early-game items. Overall, the early gearing benefits from Scryer outweigh the tiny enchant advantage offered by Aldor.