Just some quick obersvations from a new player

[TwoScoopsOfViking]

After playing the mod for about a day, I have to say it's very challenging maybe too challenging (but then again I haven't been playing long). As I've stated before I'm not expert on the period so as far as I know it does an outstanding job at portraying the time period and the collapse of Rome's frontier towns and cities (within the first few moves Rome was even sacked by the Visigoths). Coming from a gamers point of view this mod is not for everyone, those who want quick easy wins will not find them in abundance as it is a very difficult map. Visually the only complaints I have are the cavalary units, more specificlly the cataphracts (I appologize for my spelling). The complaint I have is that they seem to glitch out at certain times (their legs and/or armor will disappear). Also I have noticed a strange bug, while it doesn't affect anything in particular it's very odd; during combat some units will "teleport" from one side of the line to the other. It's not a visual viewing of the soldier/cavalry unit running from one side to the other, the man literally disappears and reappears on the other end of the line leaving is foe confused and bewhildered. It is rather comical and only occurs maybe once an entire battle.

Something I do wish I could find would be the composition of a typical legion of the time period on the western empire, I know I've seen it before on the forum but can't find it (maybe I'm just blind). Also I would appreciate any strategies the fellow players on this forum could provide to enhance the experience I have on the west. Specifilly the money issues I have been having.

- TwoScoops

[Mylae]

1- never heard of this kind of bug, no idea on how to solve it.

2- to compose legions look on the The late roman army for IBFD (Manual)

3- roman are difficult to play; you could try sassanids - a civilized empire quite strong - or barbarians - economically weak but with good and cheap units

[TwoScoopsOfViking]

I suppose I could try those. However I have sort of, reached a point where I am starting to gain back some denarii...even though I am now at -80,600k. Situation still looking grim as the Vandals have taken the iberian peninsula and the ERE has begun pressing on me from the...east...obviously. There have been minor skirmishes to the north against the Alameni(sp?) but over all I am holding. I have wiped out the Visigoths around Rome however one of my legions was destroyed initally and their Eagle taken shortly after the Visigoths took Rome. However the citizens of the city revolted against their heathen barbarian masters and retook the city, I then took it from said rebels. Only problem now is that I may have to cut my military in half via disbaning frontier posts and perhaps abandoning North Africa. I have consolidated many of the smaller legions and fort garrisons, which proved to be benificial due to the minor engaments in and around the Alps.

[Lord Agelmar]

I usually only disband the useless Roman Navy. Use your African troops to take the cities you wont initially be able to control in the begining.. atleast that is what I always do. I also try and hold onto Carthago Nova as it is a very rich city. Also take Arelate from the Constantini as well as Lugdunum (sp?) and your financial situation should start to head back into the green. Continue to push and you should restore order in no time.

The key against any barbarian stack is to use heavy infantry and flaming onagers. They are super effective.