>To me Tien Chi magic seems very... muddled.
So far I only see two good ways to exploit their magic.
1- Wait for an air-2 mage, and get the Celestial Summons.
2- Use communion to drive up the mages power levels.
Seems limited. I'll have to play with it some more.
What I do like about TC is the troop selection. They get both archers and crossbow. I also like the footman with glaive for 10/10. It's lightweight, but packs a heavy weapon. Better than many other junky light troops.
The horse archers seem interesting as well. I haven't found a way to exploit them yet... but I'm trying.
I'm still trying to develop a good feel for the nation. If anyone else has found some way that it shines, let us know.
