Noob here - how do I play vs just one AI?

[Griswel]

Thanks. I need to take more time on each turn, so that I am expnading quickly, but even now I can keep up with one weak opponent easily enough.

I just want to build a serious empire and figure out how everything works, and not have to worry too much about surviving til turn 30.

OT - but my Wyrm pretender was killed "by the ghosts of all those he had killed" or something. Was that another way of saying assasination? Was I wrong in choosing a Melee type pretender and using him alot in combat? It wasn't clear.