So, since I couldn't wait to play, I rushed off and started a game without before any comments. I started early age Tir Na n'Og, and they seem pretty cool. The stealth on their heavy infantry is really nice, and they have javelins and high precision, too, for getting the first strike.
Definitely have had fun playing them so far, after I had gotten things up and running and having my prophet (he was a national hero too
) get trounced, I decided to make some elite archers to take them down, so over several turns I equipped ten of the sidhe champions with thunder bows and boots of giant strength, and sent them with a small squad of soldiers each to take on the baddies. It worked pretty well, but despite setting the commanders to cast eagle eye and attack largest, they seemed more interested in buffing their men than shooting. Though the one time they did was totally awesome, and it wiped out the enemy troll hero instantly.
It's gotten to the point, though, where I am dominating the computers enough (they're on easy) that it's a foregone victory. Managing to get the level 9 nature enchantment cast that makes ducks fat and mustard tasty (I don't remember what it is called) caused my cashflow to go through the roof--I'm spending a ton and still am gaining money, so I think that the AIs are totally outmatched in unit production, so I think I'm going to try something new.
The late era Ermor opponent sounds like fun...
And thanks for the suggestions!