Re: Is magic worth it?!?
 

I don't do much site searching but i still end up with easily 300+ gems in at least 2 paths, and about 100 in the others. I really need to use magic more, throw some at the commanders just for fun even... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Is magic worth it?!?
 

That's a sizeable stockpile -- useful if you have a global or a dispel in mind. If not, there's probably some good use for 'em.

Re: Is magic worth it?!?
 

I'll reiterate the poster who mentioned Abyssia.

Others:

MA Ermor has pretty amazing communions very early, able to boost multiple Thaumaturgs to Holy 4. This gives a lot of nice options - even regular longdeads are formidable with Power of the Sepulchre, and your longdead horsemen legions and Shadow Vestals are nasty indeed. Plus, when in doubt, spam Smite.

If magic sites are weaker in LA, you might think about LA Mictlan as a magical force to be reckoned with. Mictlan, more than just about any other nation save perhaps Ermor, lives and dies by effective magic use. LA is pretty much identical to EA with regards to magic strength overall, with less fire and more water (leading to easier clam spam, another big source of magic power) and a variety of powerful mage priests who don't have to worry about age (nice before you get boots, still saves you blood/keeps a slot free). Also, national troops are a quite a bit weaker in LA, so your Jaguars won't be competing with Vans.

Re: Is magic worth it?!?
 

I thought Arco had access to mystics in all ages. If so, you've got great battle magic because all mystics have access to Communion at Thau-1, and with the great variety of elemental magics mystics have you should be able to cast most of the good battle spells up to E3/W3/F3 or so, depending upon which mystic you pick to be the Communion master.

-Max

-Max