Yeah, this is a game that begins and ends with the middle game.
It occurs to me that capping magic at level 6 and then having almost all of those spells available from the beginning of the game eliminates research as a way to get an advantage on an opponent - and to that extent increases the chances of stalemates.
I think the main thing needed to decide this war is for Eriu to go on the offensive. When he entered the war I thought I'd have to deal with him first (and quickly) since he's my neighbor, while retreating as needed through Caelum's lands when you attacked. The problem was that all my attacks on Eriu were complete failures (I really like playing glamour nations - I'm not having as much fun fighting one
). But he didn't take advantage and so I was able to put together the force I just used to break your siege.
You aren't kidding about having lots of gems - I can kill those shuras of yours but there's just so many of them (fully equipped, no less).
So, I guess we'll keep playing for now and see how things go.