What kind of builds do you use against the AI (aside from the hydra)? Which seem to work the best?
I've played against the AI for the last 10 levels (at 58) with 5 rangers which has proved quite effective except when there are 3 or 4 heretics. (Or when the AI starts spamming heavies.)
At 200 something, I have a hard time envisioning beating the AI without changlings. I might be able to use something other than the Hydra, but it would be much more difficult.
When I didn't have a Hydra and was in the 70s, I used shield maiden + healer + priest + some other units.