Yep, attacking Bandar Log or TC early can be a pain for these nations, they really want the time to get to the late game. Just remember the early astral nation can (and
will) curse and/or horror mark your Jarls, so expect to lose some. Even C'tis could be an option, before they start researching too many poisoning spells.
I dare not to agree with JimMorrison
Nations with strong cold scales take them usually as their have some degree of CR. I.e. Ulm. Which is bad, as the cold aura of the Jarls is your main chaff killer. Better at this point some nation with neutral scales, your cold aura will be less strong (but IIRC you can boost the aura with Breath of Winter anyway) but you don't risk facing too many CRs, and expecially not to meet some cold immune thug. But it's just my opinion.
And yeah, unless you can cast Wolven Winter, avoid whoever can toss around too much fire!
