The machinations of battle

[Duncanish]

I don't use dryads too much and I've never run across any, but if I recall they have the Awe skill, which means any unit attacking them has to pass a morale check or they won't go through with it. It's not that your units aren't adept at hitting them. Normally, they'd hit them just fine. But at the Last second, they kinda get caught up on how good lookin' the woman is and various other lecherous thoughts. Which is when the dryad takes the opportunity to beat him to death. A higher morale unit, like your other troop (I forget the name; has a shorter spear but higher base morale of 14) would have a better chance of getting through.

Province defense is fairly weak against any kind of determined attack. It's mainly there to discourage raiders and border skirmishes. 20 is the highest I'll ever put it and it crumples fairly easily for most nations.

Arcos is a good Astral nation. Key spells being Communion Master/Slave, Mind burn, Soul Slay, etc. A swarm of astrologers casting Soul slay repeatedly can do some serious harm...