[Sandman]

I'd agree with considering regular Ulm infantry rather than blacksteel; the regulars move faster, get tired less and have a higher defence rating. I hardly ever use blacksteel, as a matter of fact.

Black knights are too expensive for the early game. For the cost of one knight you can get seven infantrymen; a much better deal, especially once they've racked up experience and afflictions. Later on, they may come in handy too add some much-needed speed and especially routing power to your army. But they're still horribly vulnerable to astral, poison and lightning.

I'd make your prophet a Master Smith, rather than the (admittedly tempting) Black Lord. The accuracy bonus will make a noticeable difference to your blade winds, and the Smith is better suited to utilising the prophet's priestly powers, as well as being more likely to survive a lost battle.

I have never liked Guardians. They are good soldiers, yes, but they cost twice as much as regular Ulmish troops, which is too much for my liking. Additionally, they have all the weaknesses of other Ulmish troops; slow, quick to tire, weak defence, low magic resistance. Their equipment is no better than the other Ulmish soldiers; halberds have good damage and length (and a siege bonus), but terrible attack and defence. Greatswords would be a much better choice, IMO.

Arbalests are tricky to use. I like to stick them as far to the front as possible. They usually only fire once before the melee begins, so it might as well be a good shot. Plus they're armoured, so counter-archer fire will not be much of a problem. And when the melee begins, you definitely want them shooting as accurately as possible, since they can hurt your troops quite badly. Ideally you want an air mage handy to cast wind guide.

Just because you're drain-3 doesn't mean you should ignore sages. Even at drain-3, they are still more efficient researchers than smiths, and their random magic pick is a vital tool for broadening your magical base. Hire loads of them.