Yes, i play as hero who plant rod's. Cause as i already say, Baroness are Capital crusher. After empire capital destruction, asteroth have start his way against demons, loyaled to Bethrezen I use staff of protection(20% damage reduction)
When you get a plant-rodding leader of any of the main races to higher levels (8+), you can extend the leadership to maximum. At least I've done this in the maximal Disciples 2 game difficulty.