Late Age Abysia

[Zenzei]

Is this nation generally considered to be weak or strong and why so?

To me they seem quite capable due to excellent mage commanders (sanguine acolyte & warlock in particular make me excited) and good access to powerful magic paths like blood/astral/death. National units aren't anything spectacular but an awake SC pretender should give them the extra punch needed to survive until blood summons take over that responsibility.

Also what are some general guidelines when playing this nation?
-bless/no bless
-what should be researched first and what is the grand end goal (if there is one)
-any special tricks
-any glaring weaknesses
-what are the more heavily armored troops good for
-anything else important you can think of

I'm about to play this nation in a large newbie game and while I have my general strategy planned out any extra insight is appreciated.