[atul]

Heh, thanks for congrats, Meglobob.

Perpetuality's just one game, and I've been thus far exceptionally lucky with my neighbours - up until attacking Man&C'tis I've been up against people who've had also their own neighbours to worry about.

At least one thing I've learnt to respect with MA Agartha are the Pale Ones. Abysmal troops - until you cast Darkness. After that, they're the tin can opener that destroys any walls in an instant and actually manages to be useful in a big fight, too.

I agree with Velusion's assesment. Umbrals are good, but they suffer from being 1) on different research path than national statues and 2) requiring Cap-only move 1 mage to summon. But, they're great. My current favorite's GoRed one with Black Heart.

Ancient Oracles are as great as earth mages come, Marble Oracles make surprisingly strong thugs as they're immune to Charm and fear, with actual magic variety you need indies as you get only level 1 on FWD on your mages, barring the 10% on capital-onlys.

But, early game sucked. I paid thousand gold and more in bribes to be left alone, but I guess it was worth it. Having immortal hp100+ pretender might have helped, weak nation suddenly seems a lot less weak when it has a recurring thug of its own.