[sector24]

I believe you can also spread Mirror Image and Mistform through your communion when the master casts it, which makes them very durable. I usually have 3 or 4 masters per communion.

9x Communion Slave, Evocate!
1x Communion Master, Mistform, Thunder Strike x3
1x Communion Master, Mirror Image, Thunder Strike x3
1x Communion Master, Power of the Spheres, Thunder Strike x3

I always make 9 person communions just in case 1 dies, But you can usually get away with 4 slaves and 4 masters as long as the fight won't drag on too long.

As far as summons, I really like the Mountain Vila, although it's pretty far along in research. You can use them to seduce, and if the seduce fails, have them scripted with 5x Charm or Swarm and then 4x Charm. Either way you will probably steal a few commanders before your opponent develops a counter. There's also an air version if you don't have the nature income to support them.