Things I've learned from Age of Empires:

1) Generally you and your enemy's main town centers are at opposite ends of the camp. Once you start gaining territory build, 'cause it takes a frikken long time to get your troops anywhere, particularly if you're playing the DS version.
2) When possible, cheat like crazy.
3) Monks/priests are love. Healing! But remember not to underestimate the "convert" ability. Which leads us to...
4) Why kill troops fighting an enemy when you can convert the enemy and gain troops?
5) If you haven't reached age III yet, flee at sight of enemy, unless your town can see them on its own.
6) Let them attack first. You'll be able to make troops reach the battle faster, and COM's don't leave people behind to defend the base, so after you can invade like whoa.

I've started character designs and writing for a new comic of mine, called Sin and Virtue: Private Investigators. Fancy, huh?

Last but not least: sorry for the lack of postage. Been spending way too much time at scans_daily. Heh.