Return of the raptor ... have they really returned

[Liadran]

If you want to make changes to Raptor mages then there are few options around. Now the problem is that to use that earth well it'll take attention from Pretender design as it's hard to get earth enhacers with Earth-1. Earth is also very very usefull for Raptors.

If you want to change the mages then following is possible:
Harab Seraph:
Death-2, Air-1
no research bonus needed, it's one of the quickest researchers in the game already

Harab Elder:
Air-2, Death-2, Earth-2
Air-2, Death-2, Earth-1, Random-1

This setup makes Earth magic more usable without reducing the so needed Death magic for Raptors. From those Elder choices the one with random is better as it keeps still the possibility for Air-3.

About Ravens Guard. Ravens Guard is simply the most effective unit for Caelum in my opinion. I admit that those stats are a bit low though. But the point being that Ravens Guard is an offensive unit with 2 attacks and dealing more damage than either Storm Guard or Iceclad. I think that the price is also decent one as it takes a lot less resources compared to those other 2 choices (and guarantees move of 3). Storm Guard and Iceclad even with their nice armor won't be dealing a lot damage and can't stand in a few turns of fighting. Size 3 and flying attack spreads them over a large are and they are just moped down and then retreating off the field. Ravens Guard can (especially with the help of some Earth magic) deliver a blow that is enough to win that brawl.