[HotNifeThruButr]

I've always viewed gem expenditure in minor battles as a serious waste, especially for a spell like Bleed. You've also lost 2 turns waiting for enough slaves to get a fiend (even though the first turn is wasted anyways getting recon on neighbors). But thanks, I'll try that.

BTW, what scales do you usually get? What type of Pretender? I'm guessing a Wyrm or Nataraja (smurf) for an early game powerhouse to help you get over this roadblock.