I’m very new and I don’t want to feel completely lost when Classic actually launches. I’m pretty set on rolling alliance (so human or gnome?) and I’m super casual, not a min/maxer. Is the only benefit of gnome the +5int? Any reason to go Human Mage?
What is the proper leveling spec for a Mage (pve is my concern no PVP interest).
I’m really looking for a comprehensive guide that will tell me what optimal skills to choose while leveling and go over professions.
Should I go skinning/tailoring? Do I even need to worry about leveling either of these professions until endgame? Do either of these compliment First Aid?
Also, is there by chance a weapon progression guide etc for weapons while leveling? I found a great guide about swords/daggers for rogues that are easily obtainable from vendors while leveling. I’d like something similar for Mage if possible
Thanks, and sorry for the word vomit. I just feel lost.
google Wowhead Classic mage guide
Should have pretty much everything you need
it’s been awhile…here’s what I remember:
First Aid is one of the three professions everyone gets. It does not need a gathering profession - cloth drops from humanoids. In retail bandages are made by tailors but not in classic - everyone can make bandages using First Aid.
Tailoring is a good one for mages because they can craft a great purple robe at end game. You can even continue to wear that robe if you drop tailoring.
Skinning doesn’t really relate to a mage, as you use the skin for leatherworking. (Mages can’t wear leather.) However it would be a good way to make money in the early game.
What I remember about weapons is while the mage can use a few other things you will really only be concerned about wands. So you can auto-attack from a distance and save a little mana.
This info is all from memory so it could be a little off. There are a lot of great guides available, just hit up google. But hopefully this gets you started!
As far as spec goes, Arcane/frost is pretty much the go to spec for pve or pvp, fire doesn’t become relevant till AQ releases for pve
Wowhead does have a classic section with guides, but as a mage in Vanilla, I will tell you to feel it out. Everyone told me back in the day that frost was the best spec to level as, it was safe yes, but it was boring. I went fire lol 
You gotta feel it out what you want to do, whichever spell feels the best to you thats where you put your points into. You’ll want to go either fire and some into arcane, or frost and some into arcane, for presence of mind.
Weapons, whatever staff you can get your hands on, really. And beware: Hunters will also roll need on your staves because hunter weapon.
For myself, I went alchemy and herbalism to make myself potions, but really anything goes good with a mage. Tailoring will give you bags and clothes, and bags sell for good money. That pairs well with enchanting if you want to disenchant everything you don’t need, OR you could go skinning with it, since a lot of the shoes and such need leather and it sells pretty good.
Hope you enjoy mage!
Oh and I was undead, but out of gnome vs human, gnomes have the extra buff of int, but humans get spirit (I can’t remember honestly if that mattered to a mage back then), and humans also get a rep boost wtih their diplomacy.
For raids you will be arcane and/or frost until AQ. For normal leveling, AQ and Naxx, and pvp fire is really good. AOE Frost spec is probably going to be the best leveling spec, both solo and in a dungeon cleave group.
The first few respects are cheap enough, don’t be afraid to try things out… but I’d google some spec guides before committing long term.