So, are light/dark mages just straightforwardly worse than guardians of their respective Affinity? One of your posts mentions guardians lose conduction, but their strength remains since it's an enhancement like prodigy intelligence. It seems like that added strength would be a major boon since light/dark affinities need to be able to touch people, and fight in melee range.
Yes, basicallyy.
In-world, it’s why light/dark Mages seek occupations in diplomatic espionage/interrogation or as private healers/medical professors. They tend to avoid field work whereas light/dark Guardians are more likely to engage in undercover operations or be combat healers.
In-game, there are/will be plenty of opportunities to boost aptitude/physical. And, when it comes to fighting, stat checks will include both aptitude and physical options. So, even if a light/dark Mage is focusing solely on their magic, there will be a way for them to succeed.
The insurgent run-in is an example of the types of options/checks you can expect.












