[Zooko]

I've had fine success against independents by using lots of mages who cast "Body Ethereal, Luck, Communion Slave". Put one of those mages in a square with either two man-sized unit or one cavalry-sized unit, where the units are on "hold and attack". Of course, you want one or two mages who cast Communion Master instead of Communion Slave.

I'm a newbie -- this could be a useless tactic against actual enemies, but I managed to conquer a level-7 independent province with heavy cavalry without losing any mages, so I'm happy. I had two mages casting False Horror to slow down the Cavalry and two Grand Masters of Marignon, who cast Communion Master, Summon Earthpower, and Phoenix Pyre.

I hope my enemies don't read this thread and learn all my secrets.