[NTJedi]

Here are some tips:

1) Play on larger size maps... you'll have more time to secure your kingdom.

2) Don't play maps with Ermor as the AI until you feel ready for a good challenge... he provides the greatest challenge compared with other AIs. At least for early and middle game times.

3) Province Defense will greatly decrease the chances of them attacking.

4) Search for bottle-neck points on the map and hold them.

5) Vine Ogres(nature), Enliven Statues(earth), Pale Riders(death), and Bind Fiend(blood) are just a few of great summoning spells which will bring you stronger armies.