This game is way too difficult.

[Mausklickmoerder]

Even on easy it seems like an endless parade of fails, a complete downward spiral. Its so ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ frustrating. I don't have anything insightful to say about it, only that it sucks.

I actually completed King of Dragon Pass, but I will never finish a game in Six Ages.

[MarkDey]

That sounds rough! How are you losing? Starvation? Being overrun by raids?

[Mausklickmoerder]

All raids all the time. :/

[ExcelsiortotheMax]

Make sure to send diplomats out to turn Hated clans to neutral or friendly. Sending trade delegations and diplomats to all tribes will also decrease you getting raided.

Try always aim to be at 19-22+ Swords. The more swords, the better you have. Same with defensive upgrades.

[lyreofsheliak]

If you have a highly skilled diplomat, put them on the ring and try parley -> conciliate when you're raided. If you don't have a diplomat but do have a trader, try parley -> tribute. (A Heroic trader can often get raiders to go home with one cow's worth of tribute, which is hilarious and also a lot less than you'd lose by losing the fight. If they're not Heroic you'll want to offer more, but you can still get away with losing less than you would by being raided.

[Errapel]

I sympathise, it took me a while to get a feel for the game. Have you checked out the guides? Some have some really good advice on how to set up, how to win battles, and how to avoid being constantly raided (and how to handle it if you are).

As others have said, having a good diplomat or trader can help you turn away raids. Sending diplomats and even small gifts to your neighbours to improve their opinion of you helps (super necessary for any that hate you).

Making sure you have enough swords (19-22 are a good number to initially aim for).

During the choices at the start, chose the 'we were the most war like' option as that gives you extra swords.

Some of the gods have useful bonuses like having your swords fight more effectively or improving the damage from arrows.

Honestly if you don't get good nobles at the start it can be worth just restarting to make sure you have an excellent war leader, diplomat and trader.