[LDiCesare]

I'd rather stick with no magic items than uniques at levels 2, 4, 6. Or maybe put some never used items there. I mean, noone will forge a champion's skull, a ring of warning. Might as well get one from a random event. Halberds of might, birch boots are also quite uncommon. (These might even be somewhat useful, contrary to black laurels.)

As for nation choice, I wouldn't pick Mictlan again. They can rush fine, but their mages are too limited and getting into blood's too hard. I might pick Ulm. If monkey PD can win, why couldn't the forgers?