[Endoperez]

The one I posted is simply a simple strategy balanced towards aggressive early expansion. I tested it myself, it went nicely until I forgot that T'ien C'hi has those awesome infantrymen with Glaives. Something like a halberd, but even worse: 10 (!) damage on the top of the normal strength of ten, and my W2F2 Wyrm with Quickness, Breath of Winter AND Fire Shield was quickly slaughtered. He still has enough magics for Quickness/ Fire Shield. I played Ulm and took Order 3, Productivity 3 and Drain 3, dominion of about 6, 4 opponents on Sundering.

If you lose your pretender, remember that you can still fare well. As in my case: not every Ulm has Sages (? + research bonus) and Sorceresses (2A2S and ? in sorcery).

Also, use mercenaries. 'B'id for them and give few spare coins, even small amounts of gold help them to decide if computer player tries to hire them at the same turn. Don't order them on suicide run before the turn during which they would leave you (1 turn left on bid list).