Act 3 mercs!

[LavCat]

...
But the Iron Wolves were mages that carried a sword and shield. Problem! Being able to equip him is cool, but how many swords are truly designed for mages? (That's right, none.) .
...
On the other hand, there aren't currently any swords for mages, but they're promising us some new uniques in 1.10.  Hmmm....

Orbert

How about Hexfire as a sword for mages? Plus three to fire skills and ITD. I am not very experienced with act III mercs, but I have one level 86 fire mage. In addition to Hexfire, his equipment is Skin of Vipermagi, ethereal Tiamat's Rebuke, and a rare circlet with 20% faster cast and plus two to fire skills.

That gives 50% faster cast and plus six to fire skills.

I don't think I would make another fire mage, but I can report that he is quite effective and not all that fragile. His average damage is 450 when he actually has to use his sword.

The barbarian he's working for is lazy and does not like to jump around. We tend to ignore the imps or leave them to others.