[Peter Ebbesen]

Originally posted by mivayan:
The vampire queen with 2-3 earth perhaps 2-5 astral is great. Being immortal it has no problem with dying or afflictions, and it can kill most indies with some alteration research and ironskin-personal luck-earth might-attack.

And even less than that will do

A Vampire Queen with a black steel plate armour (an Ulmish master smith and many other earth mages recruited in round one can make one in round two) and orders "attack rear" will destroy nearly any group of independents you throw her at, even strength 9 independents. You can have her conquering provinces single-handed from round 3, and if she ever dies, just make sure you have a new set of armour ready so you avoid wasting turns. Add other cheap items (a horror helmet is another favourite) as circumstances allow, but don't waste resources on expensive items or research just for her sake in the early game - she does not need it to conquer.