[PvK]

A strong body of Hoplites can hold up against Ulm infantry. I use them as my Machakan backbone. Backing it are always a priest or more, casting Sermon of Courage (no magic required, and keeps the morale up). Include some cannon fodder to absorb some enemy effort. Include witch doctors and others - one or two to cast Blindness can be evil to elite enemies. Shortbows are very ineffective against Ulm, although with flame arrows they can be ok. Some protection spells can make your infantry even tougher, and good enough mass protection spells can even make your cheapo light infantry into fairly dangerous opponents.

A few (as many as you can afford, but at least 3 against anything tough) hunter spiders on one flank is good. Always good to have some vine ogres for meat shield, too. With sufficient numbers and good timing, Machakan armies can be very tough.

PvK