[Xietor]

To give up the scales of 3 order/2 misfortune that dominated mp when i used to play, I think the heroes should be pretty nifty/exciting when you actually get one. Not be old, and less useful than many commanders other nations can buy in their castles. Which is why i always play with Throne of heroes(Middle age only) or Worthy Heroes.

Aside from the heroes, nations that NEED gold for a good start to survive in mp can rarely rely take turmoil. the loss of income is just too much.

While many here will bash this strategy, I have taken 3 order/3luck in large mp games with good players and won. The theory being that even with 3 order once you get a decent size area you will get 2-3 events a turn anyway. This strategy should not be tried with every race. In those cases i took 3 sloth 2 drain to offset the scales.

If you have trouble surviving the start of mp games, having 3 luck/3 order is also not going to be much use to you. I also sleep(not imprison) a tough pretender for the extra points.