[wolfkinsov]

I have found Alteration 2+ to work well with your mages. Quickness plus phantasmal Warriors works well to keep troops away from you archers. Later on you get Phantasmal wolves and Army. Try to find Indies with better protection for frontlines.

I prefer wingless as a buffer if you must engage.

This is of course what I use early game to expand, even against HI and HC.