[condors]

i may be completely wrong about this but i was unable the impression stoneskin/ironshield/invulnerabilty took the place of armor leaving making blacksteel not an issue for me.

spell research i normally try to get summon earth power invunerabilty fireshield and bladewind. These spells are critical for your smiths.

For bladewind to be more effective you need to get an aiming iteam which in turn i believe you need forge of the ancients ritual spell cast.

Also think about conjuration 7 for the 2 elemental kings you can get that summon upkeep free allies for you.

There is also a couple ritual spells that are worth reasearching 1 gives a bunch of earth gems every turn and the other increases your production espcially helpfull for cranking out guardians(they seem to not pass out as easily) and a smith at your capital

of course the iron dragon spell is always nice to get

please don't take everything i say as law or anything i am still new to the game and just offerening my 2 cents discard whatever you disagree with