Well so far, I think I've learnt a bit of general stuff from this game. Diplomacy is a big issue, everyone but me was RoK and as a result, no one wanted to trade with me and each war that gave me "You declared war on my friend" effects. I'm a bit behind in techs because of it, since no one wants to trade those with me. So, heading into my next game, I'll know to work on my diplomatic relations early (and try to found a religion early enough to spread it to my neighbours).
As far as Calabim are concerned, I’m finding myself disliking them. I like Vampires, they’re very powerful, but they’re hard to replace. You feed them a city, turn them into superheroes, wage war, but once they die, it takes a chunk of a city to try and make a new one. It’s kind of frustrating and disappointing when you see a Vampire die (and yeah, I was kind of slow getting to Vampire Lords >.<). I’m kind of finding it not to my taste, when I go to war, I quite like to have my main units be expendable and replaceable, heh. Vampires + Slaves from OO are quite handy though: Kill > Slave > Eat > Kill. Shame it’s only 25%, but I suppose it’d be monstrous if there was anything higher.
I don’t think I made enough Blood pets early on either, but one thing I’ve noticed about them is they slow me down. They don’t have Commando and some don’t have mobility, which is kind of annoying when going to war. I like Losha though, with Orthus Axe she’s proven to be a dominating figure in my army (and her voice is awesome).
Over all, I don’t think I quite have a taste for Calabim. I think I had more fun the last time I played them (maybe because everything went so smoothly or maybe because I could play around with the toys some more). It was a decent learning experience though, especially in regards to diplomacy and getting myself early allies.
Anyway, going to run this game out. I’m certain I will lose. 3rd place in points and an enemy has nearly completed the Altar. I certainly won’t be able to shoot for a domination or conquest either, their empires are too big and mature to take down (much like my own). Oh well, win some lose some
Either way, in my next game, I don't think I'll run as the Calabim. Maybe as the Elves, although the impression I've gotten is that people consider them imbalanced? Maybe as the Balseraphs, if only because I find Keelyn too adorable a character to pass-up (and Summoning could be fun).