FINALLY.
After six years of me harping on this very simple concept that was
the foundation of Mage from Classic to MoP, we're finally being restored to being Mages and not just Icecallers, Pyromaniacs, and Arcanomancers. No longer will we be one trick ponies, pigeon-holed into a specialization. We will be mages again, because we are masters of the Arcane.
"If you change specs right now, it's almost like you change classes with how much some specs change." - Holinka
"Classes are [supposed to be] made up of elements from each spec, then the spec doubles down on it." - Holinka
"Mages will get Frostbolt, Fire Blast, Arcane Explosion [back]! Mages are master of elements." - Holinka
"There are just some of the abilities returning in Shadowlands." - Holinka
Here are some of my posts over the years:
April, 2014: "
One over-arching theme with the Mage changes is that while in any specific specialization, Mages are losing the ability to use multiple important spells while in said specialization.
A Mage is a master of arcane magic and with such should NEVER be MORE limited in their abilities to use said spells.
There should not be a pruning if none of these spells are mandatory to use. They are situational and give flavor and complexity to the Mage class when used correctly. Anecdotally, I have never come across someone in all my years complaining about the Mage classes bloat of ability."
April, 2014 "
When you master Arcane magic you have to ability to call upon any of the 3 schools at your disposal. Talents only enhance your ability to do so."
April, 2014 - "
Talent specialization is meant to enhance the power the Mage wields over the Arcane magic. They always could use all spells and this design shift is to completely undo that. You either want it to happen, or don't like - like me. Mages (with the WoD changes) went from being the caster with access to 3 schools of magic to having only 1.
August, 2014 - "
A Mage is a master of Arcane Magic (meaning all 3). Frost and Fire are sects of that magic and a Mage is able to utilize all 3 at the same time. A specialization means that you can do a little extra of a part of that sect of Arcane Magic. A Fire Mage isn't only supposed to be able to use Fire spells. That's not a Mage..that's something entirely different.
November, 2016 - "
This isn't a small thing at all. What you speak of is what Mages were from Classic to MoP. That is the vast majority the game's history. The entire foundation of being a "Mage" is being a master of the Arcane. Like you said, they draw from all three trees of the Arcane, and then specialize in one to be a bit better in that specific tree (while still being able to use spells from the other two trees).
What we have had since WoD on is more akin to Pyromaniacs, Icecallers, and Arcanomancers. True Mages, true purists, those who played Mage from Classic to MoP know what a travesty this is. We aren't Mages anymore. Haven't been for years. "
December, 2016 - "Roleplayers? How about Mage players from Classic-->MoP (you know, the vast majority of the game).
I've said this so many times but I'll say it again.
Mages are "masters of the Arcane", able to draw from all three trees in battle at the same time. They specialized in one tree to become more proficient at that type of arcane, but used the other two trees as well. That is what the entire idea of being a Mage meant.
Now? We aren't Mages anymore (unless you want to devil's advocate that Fire can still use Frost Nova/Ring of Frost/Counterspell etc. (lol) )
We are now Pyromaniacs, Icecallers, and Arcanomancers. This entire idea of Mages only being one sect of the Arcane is frankly misguided and ignorant. You don't know what a Mage is if you think what OP thinks. "
So, I just wanted to remind everyone that doubted me and disagreed with me that I was right all along. Vindication has never felt so sweet.