I'm have the worst, and best, of luck playing Man.

[Amorphous]

Do not despair unnecessarily. I have played a lot with Man and as long as crones are kept in growth dominion, afflictions are by no means a sure thing. During my games the crones that actually get really debilitating afflictions are in a clear minority.

But make sure you keep her in growth dominion. Pay attention if you site search with her.

If you do not have access to air boosters without the crone, her ability to craft the first air booster is by far the most important feature, so research up to construction 4 reasonably early. As long as you have one booster, her extra point of air magic is nice, but nothing that earth-shattering.