[Taqwus]

Dispossessed Spirits are a good early 'bulk' summon for a front line; they're very cheap (15 for 4 death gems), easy to summon (death-1 mage can do it IIRC), are ethereal (so even hypasists and hoplites will do no damage 75% of hits), can do slight paralyze damage, don't need food (better for bulk). They'll give you time for your missile troops to do more damage.
Arco astrologers, mystics will be a problem due to Astral Duel. I'd want a Banner of the Northern Star ASAP just to better the odds slightly. Some indy mages can also help with this.
Demon of Heavenly Fires is fun and not too pricey, might be theme-restricted to Spring and Autumn (don't recall).
The three national heroes of T'ien C'hi are immortal. Take advantage of this, but be aware of the shifting dominion. One of 'em makes a decent good warrior-mage when armored, with suitable power-up like Astral Shield, Astral Weapon, Fire Shield.