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

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by onomastikon:
Oh right fire skull -- but that's a "very" powerful item, right?

That's a Construction 6 item, yes, if that's what you mean. There aren't that many accessible items earlier.

So would you suggest going "construction" all the way for a long time first -- and use the casters for research and searching only?

You still get the Earth Boots, Mace and (if you find a +fire Black Sorc) Flame Helmet at Construction 4. Add Skull Staves if you find a +death Sorc or Black Sorc, or the hero Sorceress. You don't find many other nations that can build so many +skill items at that research level.

Re research: Witch doctors are cheap and good researchers, usually I don't have problems with pushing research with Machaka, and actually I think it's one of the best races in that area. The other mages are free to support troops.

And rely on spiders till then?

I prefer to rely on hoplites and bowmen. When I recruit spiders, it's more for the fun than for anything else.