Vanheim themes?

[FarAway Pretender]

Yeah, if you're into the SC route, I think the Dwarves EEE make an awesome combo with mounted heros. Since Mounted heroes don't get the Defense penalty from Armor, a full suit of Black Steel Plate Armor can give one of the best combos of High Defense (somewhat glamor-dependent, admittedly) and High Protection in the early game.

The lack of Lifedrain is challenging, admittedly.