[thejeff]

Right, but there is a difference between seducing them and charming them in the aftermath of a failed seduction. That difference is that the seduced go back to the capital and the charmed fight in the province. That's correct isn't it? I haven't tried it often.

And the OP specifically said he wanted the mages for alternate paths.

So the seduction is to seduce. No extra gear or empower needed on the succubi, since you don't want them fighting. I don't know what the seduction odds are, so I can't guess the number you'll need, but I assumed and said it would probably not be cost effective.

I would go for the fight, as you suggest.