I'm just getting started in the world of Skyrim as high elf at level 13. I'm trying to build up my character as a pure mage, but my poor magicka pool and weak armor is proving to be such a huge handicap on me I started wondering if I've done anything wrong.
I wear half/half heavy/light armors to balance HP and MP. In battle, my magicka usually completely drains within 10s with some firebolts, and even faster if I summon a flame Atronach, which dies pretty fast. Then I'll be stuck at an awkward point where I'm too crisp to get close up, and magicka regens too slow to rebulid another round of attack, and all I can do is stand there and watch my follower die. The only way to avoid this is drink a lot of magic potions, which are quite expensive.
Another popular post has given some really interesting suggestions such as magic reduction but it seems to involve enchantments and perks acquired later in the game, which I do not have. What should I do to enhance my combat?