[Huzurdaddi]

On the other hand having 9 fire 9 water perhaps could put Vans troops on pair with best summoned troops. Just thinking about all these Vans and valkyeres, with 9 water quickness and protection and 9 fire blessing can put a smile on the face... And you still have very good flying SC with such setup. So do you think it would be worth it in MP game or is it too extreme?

Well worth it. Give it a whirl.

Hard on the scales? Sure is. You are going to have to choose between drain 3 and misfortune 3 ( imo ). If you take drain 3 pretty much forget magic ( which is a shame, you have blood magic ... *sniff* ) but since the van is going to be *so* good, imo, it's worth it. Oh and sloth 3 is basically a requirement.

Area effect spells own them I would guess. But against any type of normal or semi-normal troop they will stomp.