Why am I not able to win the Orania Map ?

[JimKnopf]

This is really a great community here. I think it will take me quite some time to to check out all the advice I got from you .
In the meantime I was able to start a new attempt and it looks pretty good for me this time.
Although I am at war with Pythium, Ermor and C´tis I don´t see any danger for my empire. Once C´tis was the strongest Empire regarding troops and provinces.
That has changed after they declared war on me. Now I am the strongest. I own about 25% percent of the map with 7 nations (includung mine remaining)
Now to the bad news
It´s turn 131: So it will be no fast victory. (If I should actually win )
I used a game setup that would hopefully be very disadvantageous to Ermor. (World richness rich + Independents 9). Apparently it worked.
All AIs are on Easy level.
So all in all it won´t be a glorious victory. But I think this time it will be a victory.

I will keep you up-to-date with my progress and will incorporate your advice into my strategy for my next game.

[Saxon]

If you are going after a SC, you generally need to worry about magic resistance. In cutting through magic resistance, that extra level of astral can sometimes make the difference. Also, the higher level of astral helps keep fatigue down, which is important if you are trying to cut through magic resistance through sheer volume of spells.

[shovah]

thats the thing, petrify kills if it isnt resisted and paralyzes even if it is resisted (so your vine ogre hordes can pummel the enemy)