[WraithLord]

The smithing is good for early game only.

The marshmasters are great, plus income bonus give two factors in favor of Ctis.

That said, in end game income is less important since the board is controlled by SCs, in this department MA Ctis lacks sorely both in access to SCs and in access to forging in order to equip them.

I don't think MA Ctis is a weak nation, but its certainly not powerful. In the hands of a skilled player with a sound game plan it can achieve solid results. That's it I think.