On the effective early use of Pretenders in combat

[mivayan]

Well through alchemy many races have quick access (by turn 5), although she will have to do the crafting. But it's not a bad thing to have her be a little of an earth mage too, more protection.

If you are giving the Vampire queen earth magic there is no need for armor, just research alteration 2/3 and cast stoneskin/ironskin before attacking for 15 or 20 protection. With earth2 you can cast earth might too which is nice to do some more damage and thereby more hp back from the lifedrain.

I think you should try her out a little. Unless the dominion is quite negative there are very few independents that can take her. I know that I dismissed her due to her hit points. My mistake!

The low hitpoints would normally be very risky since she can die quick even with lifedrain and regen, but with immortality and flying she can just try attacking again the next turn.