Last question (I hope) on magic learning strategies (Machaka or similar multi-path)?

[onomastikon]

First of all, thanks so much for all of you answering my questions I have been posting here.

I hope this is the Last really newbie one. OK here goes:

Learning which magic schools to invest in and when, and how to set up my Pretender (rainbow, same-as-nation-mages, whatever) has been getting better, especially with the couple of races I have been trying and having some success with (namely: Pangaia, Man, and Ulm). I also think these may be the "easier" races to do ok with (my newbie impression) since the magic is straightforward and fairly limited in scope (two paths). I can deal with that.

I am failing at Machaka. Perhaps someone can help?

What I find really hard to deal with is the magic being so broad but not potent. Pangaia has its main mage having 2 nature and 3 earth, plus 1 random -- simple, and high. But Machaka has most of its mages spread out with ONE point in THREE paths (exception: black sorceror). I find this very tough, because now it seems I have to rely on my Pretender to forge items they cant even MAKE in order to get them the +1 boost in a path so that they can forge the items themselves AND/OR forge items to give them the +1 boost to cast those "power of" spells giving them the +1 path they need to cast other spells.
Otherwise, one point in a path just doesnt get me far. What is the point of having all those great varied paths when you have no power in them?

This of course is NOT a rhetorical question: can anyone help me out with their experience here?

It doesnt have to be Machaka, any multi-but-weak-path race tips would be good, but I sure would like to play them, they seem so.... interesting. I kind of like the tribal motif.

thank you

[Gandalf Parker]

Attack all provinces that say they have amazons in them.

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by onomastikon:
Machaka has most of its mages spread out with ONE point in THREE paths (exception: black sorceror).

You forgot the 190 gold Sorceror - 2 nature, 1 ?. There aren't that many nations that can get mages with 2-3 levels in 3 different paths.

it seems I have to rely on my Pretender to forge items they cant even MAKE in order to get them the +1 boost in a path so that they can forge the items themselves AND/OR forge items to give them the +1 boost to cast those "power of" spells giving them the +1 path they need to cast other spells.

Sorcerors can forge Thistle Maces (+1 nature)
Black Sorcs can forge Earth Boots (+1 earth)
All mages can forge Fire Skulls (+1 fire)
Black Sorcs with a Fire Skull can forge Flame Helmets (+1 fire)

That's without even considering random magic picks. Quite a decent list I'd say.

[onomastikon]

Oh right fire skull -- but that's a "very" powerful item, right? So would you suggest going "construction" all the way for a long time first -- and use the casters for research and searching only? And rely on spiders till then?

Attack all provinces that say they have amazons in them

I dont understand.

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by onomastikon:
Oh right fire skull -- but that's a "very" powerful item, right?

That's a Construction 6 item, yes, if that's what you mean. There aren't that many accessible items earlier.

So would you suggest going "construction" all the way for a long time first -- and use the casters for research and searching only?

You still get the Earth Boots, Mace and (if you find a +fire Black Sorc) Flame Helmet at Construction 4. Add Skull Staves if you find a +death Sorc or Black Sorc, or the hero Sorceress. You don't find many other nations that can build so many +skill items at that research level.

Re research: Witch doctors are cheap and good researchers, usually I don't have problems with pushing research with Machaka, and actually I think it's one of the best races in that area. The other mages are free to support troops.

And rely on spiders till then?

I prefer to rely on hoplites and bowmen. When I recruit spiders, it's more for the fun than for anything else.

[NTJedi]

onomastikon...

if your main concern is forging items then have your pretender start with at least 4 earth magic. The spell 'Forge of the Ancients' will allow your commanders to forge just about any item.
Machaka is my favorite race so far too... the biggest weakness I see is their province defense sucks.