The most UNPOPULAR faction in Heroes 5.

A "pop" race is one that is easy to play, without requiring much thought, and that is present in every game. It is always green and brutish if it's an Orc, always long-eared if it's an Elf, or always fat and numerous if it's a race of fat and numerous guys. Original races, which are difficult to play and are rare, are not "pop." The Academy is not "pop." Everything there is very confusing, diverse, and varied. Look at the post above. This person doesn't like the Academy. Why? Because everything doesn't fit together, because Goblins don't belong in the desert, because Mages are difficult to control, and because Rakshasa are not like in Indian (not Idusian - racist!) myths. But compare that to Elves. Elves are Elves in India, in Peter Jackson's films, and in Lineage. Long ears, slender figures, forests, fast running, excellent archery, secret warp-forest magic, etc. Elves are the same everywhere, and most people like them. They are not original. This is an example of a "pop" race. I hope I've explained it clearly, even if it's a bit rambling. To the previous author: despite all their perceived flaws, you wouldn't call Mages weak, would you?