Machaka – a sorcerer’s fevered arachnophobia

[vfb]

One problem is the small spiders also have MR5 in spider form. A few casters of Confusion (A1 to cast in CB) will probably destroy an army of MR5 units. Same with Shadow Blast, Nether Darts, etc. And it's pretty difficult for Machaka to cast Antimagic.

[AreaOfEffect]

Originally Posted by vfb

One problem is the small spiders also have MR5 in spider form. A few casters of Confusion (A1 to cast in CB) will probably destroy an army of MR5 units. Same with Shadow Blast, Nether Darts, etc. And it's pretty difficult for Machaka to cast Antimagic.

Its clear that the spiders are meant to be phased out by the second year and only play a supporting role where it could be properly applied from then on. That means very few MR checks. Clearly, the instant your opponent starts to approach enslave mind or charm you should stop using them all together against that opponent. There is no harm in using an upkeep free low MR unit so long as it doesn't switch sides.

Related point. There is actually one mind control spell that can be used in the early game by Ermor. However, that is a spell that only affects holy units. I've seen it used very effectively against black hunters once they've lost their rider. Another real good reason to avoid the black hunters at all cost. You don't want to fight your own spiders with a W9S9 bless.