[Lord_Bob]

Really, Flail(2 attacks per round)+"Strength of Giants" (burn gems early on then get Earthpower a little later) = Killing Machines

Enchantment-3 can be gotten very early. However, once you get Blade Wind your going to need to phase out the Flail troops and phase in the Tower Shield Morning Star units.

Do not use Black Plate. Do not use Black Plate. Do not use Black Plate.

Also, your units are mighty and Smiths have Leadership-50.

DO IN THE EARLY GAME USE THEM AS A COMMANDER!

If a Smith ends up wandering around for several turns before a normal commander becomes available, then so what? Yes, you've lost some mage-turns, but you still have the mage, so it doesn't matter much. It's important to make sure he doesn't die though.

Oh, and making everyone angry by pointing out glaring flaws in the game will pretty much destroy your diplomacy forever. This only matters if want to continue playing a game that is broken "because".