As a complete newbie with boosted attack, luck, and morale, I started summoning reinforcements from the underworld instead of attacking (possibly with a lucky strike) the opponent's cavalry. The opponent had -1 morale and 0 luck, with no attack at all, only defense. This was my epic fail. Then came subjugation for 5 turns, mass poison, and game over. Although throughout the game, I felt that with the slightest mistake from the opponent, I could have turned the tide, but it didn't happen.
That's when I realized who I was dealing with.
Game 2.
Derry's morale was already -2, and panic started to set in, which is why I couldn't fully explore the runes by level 20 (Battle Fury was useless, along with the Yarkai). Then came a lot of maneuvering, blocking with bodies, and so on. When I saw the Phoenix (Hell Phoenix!), I realized I had made it too far and lost the second game.
Morale on Fury rises to +5. Maximum concentration.
Game three.
I had to choose between a guy with machines and a logistician. It was a complete disaster. I didn't get "Darkness" because of those damn machines, which is why my own Cyclops quickly defeated me (the way they killed was something to behold).
I still have a lot to learn to play at a decent level, but I can't help but note that the opponent was really good.
Thank you for your time, and good luck to you too