Lamias vs mandragoras

IMO the Vine Ogre is the "best" nature summon after you have a few Ivy Kings.

Mmm, the Ogres are good indeed, but I realize recently that lamias are better IMHO.
Ivy Kings need Conj 7. For 160 less RP you get Lamia Queens, and they can summon 5 lamias each (and they can forge moonvine bracelets, if you really need +1N somewhere).

Lamia are extremely powerful. They cannot be killed by a single killer spell like Gifts from Heaven. Also, they often survive weaker large-area spells like Wrathful Skies. They are immune to poison (like Ogres), and Foul Vapor will not damage them.
They drain life, so they regain both HP and fatigue when opposed by living troops. This is a 'magical' attack BTW, so they easily kill the classical ethereal buff (false horrors, spirits, winter wolven, even air elementals). Okay, they are cold blooded, and this could be a problem in a cold province, but if you can summon them you can also cast Relief in battle.

All this is very convenient for Man ! Man can summon Lamia Queens (Crone + Thistle Mace), forge a staff of storm (Crone with random +1 Air), cast Foul Vapors (Crone with random +1 W), cast Relief (any Crone, or even a Mother + Mace) and Soothing Songs. With a +1Air item and the SoS, any crone can cast Wrathfull Skies. Most Mages can cast Resist Lightning, and *all* mages, including the Bard, can cast Resist Poison.

Two suggestions for Man : (a) summon some undead with the N1 lamia queens (Arouse Hunger, Revive Whight, Summon Ghost, Behemoths, Manikins etc) when the N2 queens (with a mace) make lamias. Mix them all. Use undead or nature mage to lead them in battle. Add Foul Vapor. Serve.
(b) Take an Air9 pretender. Make Wardens and lamias. Forge Rings of Tamed Lightning for some monks. Forge a SoS. Send all the stuff in battle and cast Wrathful Sky (warden are immune when blessed, lamias will suffer very few losses).
Cheers