Newb seeking advice on troops, what next? (long)

[Sir Whiskers]

Originally Posted by magritte

Don't know quite how I'm supposed to activate the spirits, though.

Click on your character, then the picture of each individual spirit. You'll be given various dialogue options, including how to have them serve you. Two will serve immediately - one has to be fed poisonous creatures, the other requires that you win a battle. The other two will join later, after you complete their requirements.