Should improving Arcoscephale Golden Era be a priority?

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by Blitz:
Comparing these two themes is almost comical. The giants get 2 free temperature picks, a better mage than the mystic (6 picks overall, common 3-astral and 3-death Versions).

It is highly debatable whether the Norna is superior to the mystic, since that requires you to make a judgement on whether a mage that is limited entirely to sorcery is better than one that has access to both elemental magic and astral magic. This is especially true when you consider that Jotunheim will never have a dozen or so mages that can cast astral fires.

Where standard arco can boast edges in more efficient infantry and trampling, giants versus chariots and myrmidons is laughable to say the least.

Why are you sending chariots, which gain their advantage by trampling smaller troops, against giants? Myrmidons can hold their own against giants, since you can easily have three times their number with enough cheap castles producing them. If you can't produce enough Myrmidnos, then use your cheaper troops, since Jotuns are strong enough to kill just about any human in one hit.

GE has no edge in magic over the giants, certianly no advantage in summons, and forging is a wash at best.

Forging is certainly _not_ a wash. GE Arco has access to almost every elemental item, and most of the astral items as well.

Somehow I don't see philosophers and engineers making the difference in a matchup like this.

Philosophers give you a huge lead in your research ability, since they are both extremely cheap, and extremely efficient researchers.