Rather than add more paths or replace existing ones, another option is to put in specialization classes. So maybe once you reach level 10 you get to choose one of three new paths that are determined by the original path you chose. This would allow more customizations like teh ones you suggested.

I was just thinking something along these lines!

I like the idea of sub-paths at level 10, maybe with elimination of defender (turned into a warrior sub-path)

This would probably require too much work at this late stage, but might be a good idea for the 2nd expansion.

I think a subpath at level 10 is a good idea. However a subpath that rules out gaining traits from the previous level 5 path choice is a horrible idea. Simply because traits are so random you might not even get any of the traits you wanted or needed from the four choices you get. The trait choices half the time are too random on what you can choose from I have a levle 9 governor still waiting on his first governor trait.

not really

you just dont look from the right angle

this path would just mean the mage does the same exact thing anohter mage would do,  just in half the turns

tbh the game is just not balanced to have such a thing atm and i suppose devs will never change such a core thing at this stage

anyway teh idea is not bad, i kinda like it

i always wanted to have supportive mages, able to cast stuff helping party, not only heal, this kind of mages would need buffs and debuffs strong but with short durationg like +10 attack for 2 turns 100% dodge for 1 attack and stuff like that

i think it woudl be fun to have such a role

The mechanics allow for the D&D system to be incorporated verbatim. Why is it not ingame? Do the devs think that D&D will be off-putting to geeks and nerds? 

Path of the Mage is already such a single-minded and bland class that I would strongly hesitate to water it down any further. All it does is buff the very narrow range of summons and improve tactical combat casting via increased damage and decreased cost. It is already bland, and coupled with the potential for not being able to actually improve your magic on any given level, it is one of the weakest of the classes.

I never choose Path of the Mage unless I am testing something.

The Path of the Mage needs to have;

• Its own spells; powerful abilities which mimic magic and are exclusive to the class., such as:
• "Siphon Magic" which allows the caster to use another caster's magic spells in combat
• "Reinforce Enchantment" which locks the enchantments on a city, and requires that it be dispelled before any other enchantments are added.
• "Reflect Magic" which acts like counterspell, and allows you to redirect a casting time spell as if you had cast it.
• The capacity to improve two schools for one pick, otherwise how are you differentiating between a fighter who can cast and a dedicated wizard?

Of course, adding the requirement on level up of "Level one school" provided that you can make any choice is key to making this class work.