one of the very rare times ive been able to be successful in IBFD or Rio's submod.
on my outer regions i use 4 frontier troops, 4 peasanty troops and 4 archers. this is usually enough to hold out against small-mid sized barbarian armies. its proven to be very succcessful method. my 1-2 main armies are super elites(all silvered etc) and they are looting most of the ERE at the moment unexpectingly well!
Manius the butcher is the son of what was one of my best generals in this campaign(very hard veteran general)
i dont think ill be taking anymore of ERE, i dont want sassinids to get any stronger in the east. but it might be abit too late now. I might even have to go help them. lol. as you can see on my screen i bribed 2 vandals to be generals. ^_^ they'll help me to secure sicily and the baelaric islands.