Aspiring Mage

Aspiring Mages are NPCs that can be found throughout Skyrim. They are seen beside dead wolves and will be trying to bring the wolf back to life, but are not successful.

When you talk to the Aspiring Mage, they will tell you that they are "focusing their magic." Although you can tell the Aspiring Mage that they have "quite a staff," they do not appear to have a staff equipped, or anything equipped at all. You can try and get this staff off him, by persuading, intamidating or paying him. If successful, he will give you a Staff of Reanimation.