Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)

[Wrana]

Originally Posted by legowarrior

Dai Tengu, or any of the new Jomon Summons. And the Monk... Oh it would awesome to turn one of those monks into a Thug. Which every path pick.

Dai Tengu is a good thug with just Summon Earthpower and Mistform - which he can cast. Any bless helps, of course. Any Tengu bodyguards help, too - depending on his duties. The problem with he is that he's more useful as battlefield mage able to cast most army buffs. Other summons I didn't test, but may do soon.
Monks have too poor stats for thugs and can't have bodyguards. But they are useful as front-line casters. So, in addition to your Master Shukenja prophet you should use them from among your troops. Say, put them right next to some commander having 10+ bodyguards, give them some shields - depending on gems you have, and penetration boosters for Fire and Earth ones. Then spam Signs. Water ones should probably run forward and cast Freezing touch - or just stay at home. Nature ones gain level and then should spam any Nature spells you have researched.