Rlyeh newbie getting massacred by AI...any tips?

[Forrest]

Don't forget Dominion is affected by the number of temples you build(5 per point). So your starting level does not matter that much except for blessed troops.

Stone Idols are a good item. However you will need to start a nature 2 pretender unless you want to work for them.

The guide says build in water and jump big when you come out of the water. If you jump a castle then your foot hold is very secure. The gem income is nice and you can quickly reach the point of dumping all your money into land troops. Take out the nation with the best home province troops first thing. You are the ocean that rises up to take castles with out warning. Only a fool builds a temple on the beach for you to burn and slip back into the water uncontested.

Also, remember if you are safe in the sea then you can build a few thousand up for the jump. You are going to spend money fast.