Alveug
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Maybe they play that way somewhere else, but not here... Large maps are interesting in single-player, but in multiplayer, fighting against another player is much more interesting than clearing out neutral creatures, so the key is the pace. Only those who benefit from it try to prolong the game, but in that case, the opponent, on the contrary, tries to attack as soon as possible while they still have a good chance. It's pure calculation.
In general, I don't agree that the Academics are the strongest... They are definitely the most unpredictable because they depend heavily on resources and what comes up in the Guild of Mages (the ability to develop any school). Once, I played against a friend, I was Necromancer, and he was Academics. In the final, I was surprised because he had Darkness... And he did well, although I still managed to win thanks to my army. But sometimes it can be extremely unlucky; it varies from game to game.
Mages are the strongest in the late game, where resources are no longer needed for buildings, and you can invest everything in mini-arts. With the help of mini-arts, you can create an army to counter any race; you just need to test it. With knowledge +60, a mini-art gives +40% initiative... Any opponent won't be able to attack even once, not even Wingael. As for spells, a special ability + light/darkness, and you're good to go. And mini-arts give not only initiative... The Necromancer is more dependent on the map.