It depends on the creatures for me, for a heavy type of creature (turtle, Rhino etc.) i'd pick a club and fire and judo whilst for more fast type of creatures (horse, tiger etc.) i would pick sabers or bow and arrow with wind class of magic and karate :D
I think Scandinavians or Vikings would be a better replacement, it would be cool if every race had its own attributes, strengths and weaknesses
Carthage with elephants
Egypt with Camels
Vikings relying on brute force
England and France always fighting
Mongolians with their superior horse archery...
If BW3 is ever getting made then i hope it there will be Easy, Normal, Hard
There must be a world that you can manipulate instead of just an island, and you shouldnt be able to give your armys direct hints, for example, when a general is praying for guidance you would have to tell him to attack...