[Zeldor]

MaxWilson:

They are good enough with CBM changes, cost reductions etc. And you can use that bless for Sepulchrals, TOs and mages. E9 gives additional protection for them and nice reinvigoration. D9 adds that increased affliction chance for all spels they cast [and add shroud for rituals].

You don't need to mix xbowmen and knights. 4-5 knights alone clear indies. You can make 2-3 knights a turn even with sloth3, so expanding party every 2 turns. It makes really solid expansion rate.