Hmm...Maybe a staff with a scythe shaped crystal blade...Hmm.......Well, I'm just assuming since mages use staffs and not normal weapons they would be unexperienced in melee combat. Because with a scythe over a staff I would have planned on being equipped with the knowledge to use it. Because...Well, I like staff-like weapons, spears, bowstaffs, staffs, scythes, bardiches, etc...I'll live with a staff, but the only reason I mention the use of a scythe is because my original character design entails him with a scythe as a weapon.