First you want to do is to read the documentation thatīs already been written. check out the links
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...t=&Board=UBB74
Then, always remember to place units in the right place and with what you want them to do. Fast units could be on the sides ordering them to attack rearmost. Heavy infantry in front followed by javeliners and then archers.
I understand that Arcoīs mages have lots off randoms. use different kind of mages to search for magic sites first. then they can help you casting attack spells during battle. Defensive players like to research a lot(sages are best), grab a water 2 mage and build clam of pearls item to equip as much pearls as they can on they researchers (when you have pearls on them press f7 and pool them to take them to your reserve.)
Thaumaturgy school is good for your astral mages.
Initially build pelstasts in combination with something, they are good against weak things.