Re: MA Tien-Chi...weak?
MA T'ien Ch'is is in something of an awkward position - they have one of the best non-sacred militaries (don't bother with red guards), and their magic, while useful, is similar to but basically not as good as Pythium or Ermor.
So I wouldn't say that MA T'ien Ch'i is weak, but it isn't *strong*, either. It does two roles moderately well.
So if you want a strong conventional military with air magic and archers, you'd play Man. Man's magic isn't bad, either.
If you wanted a communion power you'd be Pythium or Ermor. Pythium and Ermor also have a good, strong military.
MA T'ien Ch'i does both without doing either devastatingly well.
Personally, I think it gets the short end of the stick - it's military is enough weaker than Man's (though it does have significant advantages, Horsemen are great and tower shields on the infantry can be very useful) that it's not worth it for the extra magic; conversely, it's communion/magic is enough weaker than Pythium or Ermor (although it does have advantages, five paths instead of four), that it's probably not worth it for the improved military.
It's a close thing, though, and when I try and buff MA T'ien Ch'i a bit, it almost immediately becomes too powerful.
You *do* get an excellent pricepoint on researchers - the Master of the Way, out of every castle, is one of the best workhorse researchers in the game (upkeep is less than 1 gp / turn / Research Point, IIRC).
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