Commanders for Patala Nagas

[shatner]

In CBM 1.92 the Crown of Command only requires Construction-2 and S1 to forge. Give it to a Brahmin (or an indie priest) and suddenly they can lead 50 more normal troops and 25 magical troops (including nagas) while still being able to bless them. If you have an awake pretender to do the early research, you can hit con-2 in no time flat.

It's not perfect but you have native astral income and can alchemize for the rest of the pearls needed early on.

EDIT: this goes doubly well if you have a great enchantress since she produces astral pearls in addition to being an excellent researcher.

[shatner]

Also, if you prophetize a yogi (can only lead 10 naga but is map move 2) or a guru (can lead 25 but is map move 1) on turn 2 than that's one more inexpensive, early mage-priest to lead and bless some naga troops.