My current build is almost the same. I mainly play as a Sorcerer, sometimes I level up Retribution. Also, Summoning (without skills), Luck, Education, and Attack (Battle Frenzy - mass haste). I definitely take Sense Element, but I don't take Dark Ritual. If Protection becomes available, I take it instead of something else. I once played against a computer-controlled Orc, and at that stage of the game, he had over a thousand Centaurs (hero Haggeesh) and the rest of the troops in proportion. I had Retribution, and my hero just skipped turns, and the Orc was easily defeated. Although this is impossible in a game against a human player, but still.
Retribution without Dark Ritual is not worth taking. And it gives +25% damage.
But I still believe that without Tier 3 Earth Magic, it's just not possible. The Light faction, due to their initiative and Expert Light, will simply crush you.
And with this build for Tier 3 Earth Magic, the following trick is possible:
Sylvan can, thanks to the alternative upgrade for Druids, raise Spell Power to an acceptable level and defeat Tier 3 Earth Magic with Chaos
Творят настолько черные дела,
Что до таких блистательных идей
Не вдруг дойдет и записной Злодей
Темный адепт клана GODS