prepping for beginning expansion

[tinkthank]

Let me rephrase: I have lots of success with assassins in mid- to late game, it's early game (turns 1-20) with eliminating indy commanders with access only to magic trinkets or maximal construction 2 items.
Barkskin amulet: ok, I'll try that. Other than that, I feel there is no real good gear to give assassins pre-construction-4 that can help in expanding early, and my assassins always die sooner or later when naked.