What do you recommend for Ashen Empire Scales and Domain ?

I don't believe Ashen or Soul Gate Ermor has many 'spare' gems. Considering the sheer amount of troops needed later in the game, you need as many fodder troop producing animators and semi-decent troops (Ladies, Bane Lords, etc) that you dont' have alot of gems to spare. And if you did you'd probably be forging skull staffs so your Dusk Elders could cast Darkness and Rigor Mortis.