Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-101.166.62.215-20140403052536/@comment-24770216-20140403163709

Depends on the type of Mage, really. A Pure Caster would be better suited as an Altmer, while a Battlemage-Type character should be Breton. High Elves get the additional 50 points, which as Copper said, helps for earlier levels. Breton get the %25 Magic Resistance, + The Dragonskin power, which adds an additional %50. Or more accurately, Spell Absorption. I think it's the same thing, but it also works to regenerate your magicka. Combined with the Atronach Stone, you'd be a spell casters worst nightmare. I covered more on the Breton since Copper covered the Altmer.

My personal choice is Breton. I can't force ever force myself to do a purist playthrough. I always use hybrids. And besides, elves look weird, imo.