>So I've tried out an elf transmuter and have ranked to about
>level 15. Seems that I get killed pretty much every time I
>start a fight (thus far mostly against orcs, warriors,
>necromancers, etc). Barely even have a chance to flee...so I'm
>wondering- am i doing something wrong? Is there a particular
>spell (or sequence) that I need to be focusing on at the early
>to mid ranks to have a chance at not dying in a couple of
>quick rounds...or am I best to just run away fast until I get
>more powerful spells? I know elves are fragile...but are they
>THAT fragile?
>
>So far it doesn't seem like I am well suited to PK at all, but
>I'm also not entirely clear on what all my spells actually do
>to their targets (like what happens when mental jolt echoes).
>Any tips would be helpful:
>
>Is it best to start a fight with metabolic slowing?
>biolumenescence? mental jolt? Or something else?
>

Starting with bioluminescence on someone who is awake will result in you taking several hits from them if they are not already in combat. In this situation, at low levels, you are better to start with a damage spell, in general. Slow will enable them to get the free hits but at least they might be slow, which will help you cope.

Wielding a staff is really important. Defensive spin will help you until you get parry (and then it will still help).

>Any race/class to target or avoid entirely at the early to mid
>ranks?
>

Not really. Although I focus on building up my hp with gear so that thieves and rangers can't one-shot me.

>Thanks for any tips on strategy for a learning noob.