To make the magic more dom2 like...
1. Change randoms or add recruitable mages giving to all nations a limited access to all paths ( like in this mod
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...b=5&o=&fpart=1 ) and/or mod indie mages to give them back their old power
2. Play with a low ressources/supplies multiplier and/or very high site frequency, to have a more dom2like balance of number of gems vs number of troops (edit : I've said low income but low income would reduce the number of castles and so of recruitable national mages)
3. Eventually mod some items to be more cost effective (air boosters to a2 or 3, most skill 5-6 items -1 level, clam of pearls to w2 n1) and some low level spells to cost less gems or summon more creatures