[The Panther]

I have always considered it totally ludicrous that sea trolls and trools cost upkeep while all other summons are free. It really destroys the ability to use water gems for summons. It is one of the many things that make water gems less useful than other types of gems.

You can improve your gold upkeep problem by using Mother Guards, who are half the upkeep compared to the other Atlantis national troops. MGs, especially with a water 9 bless, are powerful critters indeed.

Of course, the MGs at size 3 are the worst possible thing for your supply problems. It is a HUGE increase when going from 1 required supply for your spearmen to 2 for the MGs. You are on the right path, though, building wineskins, cauldrons, and even summer swords, all which stack on a single commander. Just bring along 4-5 scouts always on hide and sneak carrying these items and your troops will never starve. The scouts will not die in battle while hiding so you don't risk losing your needed supply bonuses with the death of the wrong leader (per Murphy's law).