Early Game Maximizing income vs long term growth.

[SsSam]

awesome!

The Hydra's are a fun early expansion tool, but you still need to diversify. They can't be the only tool in your box or an observant foe is going to smack you. Getting a decent communion going is job 2. If you can get to that point, MA pyth does well.

I like the notion of purchasing the vestals to patrol. Cheap upkeep because of the bless and good speed makes them decent at the job.