Teach me how to use mages!

[Foodstamp]

I have been playing Dominions 3 nonstop and loving every minute of it. But to be honest, the arcane is very arcane to me.

I dabble in magic, summoning creatures from the conjuration line. My earth mages cast bladewind, and my wind mages cast lightning bolts, but I feel like the true power of magic in dominions eludes me.

My games against the AI atm usually result in me massing troops I have been creating since the beginning of the game and beating my opponents with superior numbers (and or) better troops.

I would love to branch out strategically and learn how to make mages that can truly rain death on my enemies, or groups of mages that can accomplish these goals.

So if you would, tell me what mage/spells you like to use to make a powerful mage or force of mages!