The magic skill system works with really specific timing and patterns you need to know about when youre casting spells the key thing to understand is that your proficiency directly impacts spell costs which means watching those magicka numbers carefully. When you cast something from say destruction or restoration, the base cost starts high but gets lower as you level that specific school up

Your best positioning for efficient magic use is maintaining enough distance to cast while having cover nearby since magicka regeneration is slower during combat. The timing window for max efficiency comes right after leveling up, when you get those 12 attribute points - immediately put them into intelligence if youre focusing on magic since that directly increases your maximum magicka pool

For advanced patterns, theres a really specific technique where you chain together custom spells with fortify effects but you need to time the casts just right to maintain the attribute buffs. Watch for the moment your intelligence boost is about to wear off, thats your timing window to recast. Something interesting about positioning - standing near certain landmarks or areas with magic residue can sometimes give you better casting efficiency just keep an eye on your remaining magicka especially during longer fights

The phase transitions in your magic development are pretty clear cut - start with basic spells staying close to spell merchants, then transition into custom spellmaking once your skills hit around 50, and finally move into advanced magic combinations when youve got multiple schools leveled up. Just remember your timing on those attribute fortify effects they make a huge difference in extended casting sessions