>If SC pretenders are as powerful as is claimed, could somebody give an example of a setup for their SC pretender? I can't seem to get one that can beat indys safely and reliably on any setting higher than 3.
I offered this advice a few days ago, but it gets buried fast.
For a simple way to learn try;
A Manticore
astral - 6
earth - 1
Research alteration - 3, enchantment - 3
Place the Manticore in the rear.
Orders to cast: Body Ethereal, Astral Shield, Ironskin, Personal Luck, Astral Weapon.
Then attack rearmost.
Send it in alone, you don't want to rout when your army loses a morale check.
Get it rings that protect versus elements if you are attacking a cold or heat nation. Get a ring of tamed lightning if attacking an air nation.
This simple configuration will cut through 95% of conventional armies like a hot knife through butter. Use it to gobble up provinces and abuse the computer AI.
It's not invincible. But will handle a whole lot of trouble.
This will put you on the path towards understanding the potency of super combatants.