Well; you have to consider what you're getting. You're getting a 1 earth, 1 random mage for your mages. And you are using them to create your magic. Now I don't know how many other nations you've played successfully; but that is quite a limitation.

I personally would not play IF for it's mages. The only reason that I would play IF would be either for ****s and giggles to say I have (which I have done) or to try to create some blessing effect.

Under no circumstances would I not play (In MP) Order/Production/Misfortune. Otherwise you are not taking advantage of one of Ulm's strengths and might as well be playing a different race.

Edit: Owl Quills are excellent all around; unless you are saving your Air gem income for something specific a 5 gem Quill for 3 more research a turn is an excellent tradeoff.

[ December 21, 2003, 17:03: Message edited by: Zen ]