[Fantomen]

@Chazar: Having a discount, any type of discount, on gems is a very big deal in this game. Cheaper item means more thugs and sc for the same cost, and more thugs and sc means a serious advantage. A skilled player can abuse this kind of discount to the point where is decides the game. 20% forge bonus is very considerable.

The FoTA is more powerful, but it's not comparable. First of all it's an effort to research and get it cast, and second anyone who does essentially declares war on all other players, at least if the other players are experienced. And everyone will gang up to take you out before it's too late. You need to be in a very favorable position for that to be a good idea.

The steel ovens and other sites are secret and free, which makes all the difference in the world.