I STRONGLY suggest being the power mage
Crush and Obliterate are the most consistent best magic abilities which in a game so randomizer-driven gives the player a massive edge. Getting them first (which the power mage does) is a VERY GOOD THING. Healing abilities aren't bad to use either, in moderation. Time abilities, well, I used them in all of one fight. Not much use but I think maybe this was done as kind of a difficulty level selection thing. Smart move not allowing magic abilities to stack on the same die. Obliterate + Mend on the same die would = broken game. Way short and pretty primitive graphics, but good enough for what it is.