Just found this thread. Whew...
I'm playing Pangaea and there was indeed pre-game discussion about dealing with Ermor quickly. I'm somewhat a newbie too but that has always seemed to be a goal of Ermor's neighbors in my other games--essentially, remove Ermor before it becomes unstoppable. *shrugs* I'm not even fully aware of the logic behind "why" Ermor has big target on its back but I've been around long enough to know that it does and that it's prudent to get them out of the game ASAP.
When I found out I was about as close to Ermor as one could get I had two thoughts: 1) go with Carrion Woods and ally with Ermor or 2) go regular Pangaea and fight Ermor.
That's about all there was to it. "Oh look, Ermor is my neigbor so I either join him or fight him". I don't see how this can be considered bad form or (OMG!)cheating. It's purely a diplomatic/strategic decision. hell, I say the same thing in every game really, no matter who my neighbors are.
Anyway, although I agreed to this war with Ermor I have never actually invaded him though I am trying to keep him from taking over Ulm and, thus, surrounding me on 3 sides.
Crash, sorry you weren't aware of that massive target on Ermor's back. FOr that reason I'll probably never play Ermor in an MP game. I much prefer having friends.
I had no idea what your skill level was. Had I known before the game started I might have gone with my #1 option, with Carrion Woods, and approached you with an alliance offer. I like allying with newbies like me to take on the vets!