[P3D]

Regfen healing might not work with FFs ON. I managed to heal Ancient Lords to max HP pretty recently. Try testing it by removing the fetishes.
Also put a fetish on the shrouded Diseased Archtheurgs for micro-free gems.

What about the Serpent Knights? Not very expensive (45g), 2x15 damage with an attack skill of 12 and 13.
Emerald Guards won't slow you down if you have other move 1 troops. Like Archteurgs, Hydras and short/longbowmen.
Don't forget the gladiators for initial expansion.

About Hydras. Get an indie commander, put him in a back offset up/down, 5xHold and Stay behind troops. Put the hydras in the front offset the other direction.