I just finished a game on normal difficulty on a medium map against 6 opponents.  At least, I think there were 6 of them.  I only ever saw one, and that was very briefly.  By turn 65, I had seen 4 messages that kingdom X has just been destroyed.  I thought, "Uh oh, someone is really going to town.  I'm going to be in trouble when they show up."  Then about turn 100 I got another message.  Only one opponent left now.  I sent my heroes scouting far and wide to see if I could spot them before they showed up on my doorstep.  I did spot a Drake's Army , but it was minding its own business.  Another 20 turns later, my last opponent bit the big one, and I won a conquest victory without ever seeing more than a single Pioneer.

According to the debug info, Kravox lost his last city to a Forsaken Martyr.  Thanks guys!  Pariden salutes you.  We'll be by to kill you later.