Race advice for new mega-game

[Aezeal]

I'm thinking of joining the new mega game but I can't really figure out what nation to use.. they all have downsides

To look at each nation seperately is a bit too much for me so I need help to narrow it down.

Give me some advice which nation (all ages) fits my demands best
- competative (I really mean that it should be a VERY VERY strong race)
- strong sacreds
- strong non cap only not old mages
- strong troops
- strong priests
- strong archers
- diverse magic
- strong in all magic paths.

And... if the above is a bit to much to ask for then I'll settle for
- strong nation
- strong non-cap only combat mages
- sacred, cost efficient researchers/combat mages (really in my latest game I've noticed how much those researchers take in upkeep)
- no blood nation (I don't know blood and there is no time to learn, not to mention I like to be the "good guys" - compensation as you all might realise)
- For strong end game magic I'm mostly thinking astral

[Endoperez]

There's no "best" nation. If there was, it'd be what you described first. For the latter, read Baalz's guide to Marverni. His guide makes it seem overpowered; the Druids are good combat mages (astral and earth), they also have good researchers and their endgame teleport squads are good.

[Aezeal]

Marveni? Didn't expect that one to show up here.

I must admit the druids seem nice,
but are the Marveni researchers considered good?

The sacred troops seem so overpriced though

[atul]

Shooting in my own foot here, but there are several astral-heavy races with elephants. Also, unless nonsacredness is a deal-breaker, check the two MA water races that get astral.

At least those come up straight away. Also, for some old goodyness, MA Ermor.

[Sombre]

MA Pythium.

[sum1lost]

MA Pythium, LA Marignon, MA Bandar log are all very good. Bandarlog lacks in magic diversity, right up until you start summoning guys and they get magical diversity through the wazzoo.

[Baalz]

Lol, truth be told I picked up Marverni because I got the impression a lot of people thought they were underpowered and I figured I could polish out some shine. Guess I succeeded. Then again, I really like some of the other classic underdogs from MA Atlantis (who I did very well with in the last megagame) to MA Ulm so I'd take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

[K]

As a player who was doing well in the first Megagame right up until I needed to quit because of law school, I'd recommend a blood nation.

[Meglobob]

I would play a nation that you like and feel is strong Aezeal, there really is no right or wrong nation.

[DonCorazon]

Any nation with access to air and nature will do well using the Gift of Reasoned militia with Chi Boots. Intimidation!!!