OK, this Shaiya online guide is a guide only. These tips is not absolute. Maybe there are some mistake or errors in this guide. You can point them out at reply.

Stats in Shaiya gold

Strength(str) - phys. atk [useless for mages]
Rec. Defense(rec) - phys. defense, ranged defense, every rec pt adds 5 hp <--- the red bar
Intelligence(int) - mag. atk
Wisdom(wis) - mag. defense, mag. hit rate, every wis pt adds 5 mp <--- the blue bar
Dexterity(dex) - evasion, hit rate, every dex pt adds 5 stamina point <--- the yellow bar
Luck(luck) - range atk, crit rate, max crit dmg in Shaiya gold

easy mode (max lvl 30), every lvl = 3 skill pts, 5 stat pts
normal mode, every lvl = 3 skill pts, 5 stat pts
difficult mode, every lvl = 4 skill pts, 7 stat pts
ultimate mode, every lvl = 5 skill pts, 9 stat pts
lvl 50 normal char is required to unlock difficult mode, lvl 60 difficult char required to unlock ultimate mode

for every lvl a mage gains, 1 int is automatically added

Builds:

Remember, builds are not absolute. It's all about playing the character most suitable to your style. Also, characters don't have to be pure. If you accidentally put a few points into dex, luck, or whatever, the character is not ruined! Just no points into str =P. Sometimes, mixed stats work out to be the best. The two recommended types of mages for Shaiya gold are the int-mage and rec-mage. Types for difficult mode: int, rec, hybrid. The types recommended for ultimate modes are int, luck, hybrid.

The point of normal mode is to get Shaiya gold to lvl 50. Int mage most efficiently serves this purpose, particularly w/ defender. Rec mages lvl fast too, and it's better for soloing. Shaiya gold only truly begins in difficult mode =)

Int-mage

Pros: Very high atk, fast lvling

cons: Very low hp, low evasion, low hit rate
Recommended path of lvling: solo or preferably, party with a defender and grind on yellow/orange mobs, or even red if you're in higher modes. When you're partying w/defender, make sure that he/she has properly Shaiya gold mobs before you atk, or else mobs will switch target.