Try it yourself first. A little imagination and effort, and you'll succeed. I played the battle against the Nagas twice, and against the Dendroids four times. And even then, I don't rule out that the Scorpion might have done better in an online game. :)
As for popularity, it's a matter of taste. Many players try to get to the black map with a pair of Castle and Rampart, which requires very little brainpower. I suggest a more creative approach, and you'll succeed with any faction. ;)
The minimum number of troops just isn't enough; I couldn't make it work...
And regarding getting to the black map with a pair of Castle and Rampart, I try to avoid such a pairing myself. Because the terrain is the same, and an early encounter is inevitable, which means relying on chance, and you shouldn't rely on chance....:smile30:
