Yes it was really fun, thanks everyone! I like these small games and the reduced micro.
My land expansion failed as well and while I got the seas, it was obvious I couldn't defend them all. They did buy me the extra forts and mages though.
Our hopes with Eriu were in a fast win over Abysia, but the defence was tough and so the war lingered. I also had several very bad turns in a row in the beginning of it, partly due to bad luck but obviously my own mistakes and Aby's good play as well.
It was fun to hunt the SCs, spent a lot of time scripting for them, only to find out the AI promptly ignore my orders (Leech, Life for life, petrify). I think I killed the two heliophagi in melee in the end
Must try Vanheim with a more conventional build the next time, I think the increased blood randoms do a lot for them.