[Wrana]

Agree with previous statements. EA Vans need good scales and good research. The latter can be provided by Magic scale, Dwarves and Quills (plus probably Skulls and/or Lightless Lanterns in mid-game). Huge Bless isn't necessary nor desirable. However, several light blesses are quite useful, especially Earth. Bloodstones allow them to become a major Earth power, so are to be made in numbers (I once even empowered dwarves specifically for this - playing Helheim!).
Another thing useful to look at are Baalz guides for Eriu/Tir and Helheim (you may note that even though Helkarls are better troops than Vanheres, he doesn't think they justify a Bless tailored for them). These nations have many similar elements. The difference of EA Vans lies in lack of sacred cavalry - which can turn into a point sink and presence of strong Earth mages - which allow research, early Hammers and midgame battlefield magic.
As for lategame... I don't see many good options here - just Blood and Death in a usual way. If you lack into a lot of Nature gems, you can also GoR some Siege Golems/Iron Dragons. Also, you may be able to reach Conjuration 8 in time to secure Air Queens. I am not good in lategame, though - so it's possible there are other possibilities.
Wait - one thing I forgot about (it's untested, though) - Vanyarls can form a Sabbath which allows for some interesting possibilities. As Masters you can use either Vanadrotts, or Spectres with Astral. Note that all Sabbath members are both good thugs in and of themselves and stealthy, so they could be used for raiding, then combine to attack strong enemy forces, then sneak out and start raiding again. Note that outside of CBM they'd need some blood slaves to cast Sabbath, but in CBM this won't be necessary.