My bad - sure, bards can summon vinemen only. I am still not sure if it's worth the gems. I was thinking about the default theme Avalon crones, of course.
*edit* : well, giving a nature bonus weapon is an option.
For the longbowmen, I mostly use them with armored troops who don't suffer much casualties from their arrows, or in the beginning of the game (infantry gets order to guard commander far from the enemy. Most independents rout before engaging in melee.) Another way is to have longbows snipe enemy archers - if there will be any, problem with friendly fire is solved.
Bog beasts sound interesting, but who besides pretender god can summon them?..
[ January 09, 2004, 14:51: Message edited by: Shuji Doyama ]