Last question (I hope) on magic learning strategies (Machaka or similar multi-path)?

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by onomastikon:
Machaka has most of its mages spread out with ONE point in THREE paths (exception: black sorceror).

You forgot the 190 gold Sorceror - 2 nature, 1 ?. There aren't that many nations that can get mages with 2-3 levels in 3 different paths.

it seems I have to rely on my Pretender to forge items they cant even MAKE in order to get them the +1 boost in a path so that they can forge the items themselves AND/OR forge items to give them the +1 boost to cast those "power of" spells giving them the +1 path they need to cast other spells.

Sorcerors can forge Thistle Maces (+1 nature)
Black Sorcs can forge Earth Boots (+1 earth)
All mages can forge Fire Skulls (+1 fire)
Black Sorcs with a Fire Skull can forge Flame Helmets (+1 fire)

That's without even considering random magic picks. Quite a decent list I'd say.