I'm playing as Nimue against, say, Axel. It's impossible to keep the game short because we're playing for a set amount of time. By the way, Luck and Leadership are essential, but Defense and Education are completely useless. First, about Defense – it doesn't give demons any advantage against Heaven, because there are stacks of troops there. As someone correctly pointed out, you need to block the knights. Focus on the knights and angels, and subdue, berserk, or blind the rest, because the opponent will obviously cast Antimagic or Vampirism on the paladins on their first turn. We attack with gating, and protect our own troops. The Staff of the Underworld is a good item, a must-use. In general, you need more artifacts for initiative. And the amulet is essential. You don't need to level up Intelligence, because it will block access to Spell Power, and we really need Spell Power because of the surprise attack and the ability to summon reinforcements instantly. Luck is needed for Luck, Deadly Luck, Soldier's Luck, and Wide Gates.