Yeah, with the After the War patch and Expanded Factions and Artifact, I started with the Golem King (White Wizard), and quickly researched reasonable defense, then picked up Tier 3 dual reapers with over 20 attack. Since you don't have to research Adventure techs any more to pick up Notable Locations, you can make use of the AI's research of Notable Locations to stay in the game. Even though I only have 53 Faction Rating, my White Wizard can do heaps of damage plus has enough defense and hitpoints to stay in the fight and defeat pretty much any reasonable enemy. I am on Godlike (500%) difficulty, and have developed a solid defense for both towns, one Earth shard and 1 Metal Mine. It certainly helps that the White Wizard starts with 1 Tech Research per turn off the bat, so you can get started with basic defense before the AI starts attacking you with it's group armies. Then just pick up a powerful weapon from a cache and you're in with a fighting chance. 
Best regards,
Steven.
