lvl 11 Paladin: Which units?

[Ryastar]

Dwarven cannoneers kick @$$ both at a distance, and up close (they have no melee penalty) and they have an activated ability called salvo, which does three times normal damage, but you probably won't find any until you get to the dwarven lands (don't worry, that's the next area you get to go to). They are probably the best substitution for arch-magi you'll find any time soon.

I also second all the recommendations for royal snakes.