[Lazy_Perfectionist]

As someone suggested, I can use Markata archers as archer decoys. The problem is those fast low-resource herbivore demons mess up my targetting plans. I did take an awake air pretender for a reason, but place him too close to my chaff. There's nothing to gain by casting aim on Atavi. Because of our close proximity, not much research can be gained. I 'spect alteration 2, maybe.

I think if I replayed the same match, I'd be much more cafeful to have a prophet ready, cut back on the sacred recruits in favor of earlier Earth-Melders and play more defensively, resisting the temptation to rush their castle. Maybe I'd raid their nearby provinces though to cut down on resources, gold. I'd use some monkey PD as a very small speedbump while casting Earth-meld with enough durable bodyguards to prevent an auto-route, and then maybe throw in some archers. I would take that same low air bless, but actually have a prophet on hand..

I expect I might be defeated again, but at least not in such a laughable matter. Because of their runner demons, I ended up targetting the wrong guys altogether.