What makes a skillful Dom 3 player?

[Xietor]

From Legendary War Master Sun Tzu:

"All warfare is based on deception.

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable;
when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we
are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder,
and crush him."

Diplomacy is very important, but when it fails, and at some point it always does, you must be ready to go to war. And your forces must always be ready for the unexpected assault.

Do not gear your research towards the enemy you plan to fight, but all of your neighbors.

When outnumbered and out gunned, be prepared to hunker down and defend your castles. Alliances have a way of coming unglued when wars take a very long time and the enemy cannot successfully storm your castles. If you cannot defend a castle-do not build it.

Castle defense is the cornerstone to surviving wars. Taking castles quickly is the key to winning them. Unlike some in this thread, crumble is one of my most used spells in war.
Gate in an army, cast crumble, and with little notice your enemy is facing 20 mages with gems, and a variety of troops.

Typically at a castle where he has few defenders.