I suddenly had an idea...

Why don't people just fight based on technology tiers as well? Some of my magic users are dulled down in order to not be so overpowered when fighting a swordsman... which is really saying something.

A wizard who can only shoot fireballs will easily be gunned down by someone with an AK. Know why? Because back in the medieval ages, wizards were just scientists with extremely primitive guns! A hollow metal stick (wizardy staff) with saltpeter (wizardy magic powder) shooting a flaming rock. (wizardy fireball) Magic, back then, was primitive compared to modern day weaponry. This is why some of us wizardly types prefer to avoid being shot at. Also we didn't invest much of our stat points in constitution.