[thejeff]

Different nations play differently. Neifelheim has ridiculously strong cap-only units and very weak PD.

You will need a higher dominion score. I generally only build temples in forts. The dominion score costs more up front in pretender design points, but then leaves you with more cash to buy expensive Neifel Jarls and Giants.

Try the extreme version of a Neifel strategy. Small map, 4-5 opponents. E9N4 bless, Dom 6/7, O3C3 and whatever other scales you need/can get. Start by buying nothing but Neifel Jarls. Send them out solo scripted to Bless, Attack Closest. 1 PD in anything you take. Once you can buy a Jarl a turn, spend the left over cash on Neifel Giants, put them on Guard Commander and send them with the Jarls.
When you start wars, you'll need to link those groups up to fight the big armies, but less than you might expect. And you might need to add others for sieging.
Eventually you'll max out on Giants and have money to build other forts and start research, etc.