As there are more and more players here who don't have any experience with DOM1 and little with DOM2, as they just got the game, I though I could shed some light on some of the more obscure aspects of DOM, which aren't found in other games in a similar fashion -
GIFT OF REASON this time
This spell (thaumaturgy-4, nature-4, 20gems) makes a commander from any unit.
Some examples .. (I'll add some as I try them out)
Living Statue
+ Low cost, full set of slots, high natural protection.
- Too low hitpoints for a real supercombattant, very low "tactical speed"
Troll
Sea Troll