Re: Earth and Magic Item strategy?
 

Ring of Sorcery, thank you for reminding me! I have been finding that with the large number of Mystics I have recruited, the pool of paths is pretty wide, so pretty much anything is going to be possible with some thought. I am at work and your ideas mean I should have a good weekend!

I have also been chasing Gift of Health, so I recruited an Animist and empowered them, so the Thistle Mace was part of that plan. While GOH is not as immediately impressive as some of the other big spells, I have found it very helpful on defense. Right now, I am focusing a lot of my energy on one corner of the map and must be very defensive elsewhere. A few more turns and Mechanical Militia will join the Global list. My defense will look a lot better then.

I will look at powering up more mages and see if there are any other good globals I can set up.

Enjoy your 24 hour sun!

Re: Earth and Magic Item strategy?
 

Mystics have elemental randoms, so Ring of Sorcery won't help. You need Ring of Wizardry, S5 and 80 pearls before forge bonus.

For Nature, make a Moonvine Bracelet. Nature and Astral, I'm not sure about the levels, but I think it's N3 S1 - Astrologer with his random in Nature and Thistle Mace can do that.