It's turn 120, playing England and have 50+ Provinces

[Xix]

I was training up a fleet and was about to go take Jerusalem (to finish my first campaign (VH/VH)) when all of the sudden the Mongols landed in Kiev (which is on the eastern border of my empire).

Would people recommend I not finish the game to be able to get a taste of the full mongol experience?

[eggthief]

They are really a good challenge, since u are england I would advice u not to use stakes agains them cause it makes them pushovers and try to do some open field battles since they suck at infantry and thus are nearly unable to take over settlements.

[Xix]

since they suck at infantry

What?!?! The Mongol Archers are some of the best infantry I have seen. They do more ranged damage than the English Retinue Longbows and have armor and attack almost as good as full plate heavy infantry.

~

I'm going to set my new winning conditions so that I must first destroy the mongols before sailing to Jerusalem.

I've just been eager to finish this first long campaign because I told myself I wasn't going to get Kingdoms until I finish.

[Samir]

when you have over 50 provinces and some castles near the mongol front you will probably wont find them much challenge, especially not with England.

but the game does not end anyway if you take Jerusalem, you just get a message and can continue the game without worries.

so go there, pawn them and use stakes

[NobleNick]

Xix,

Take another look at Samir's post:

...but the game does not end anyway if you take Jerusalem, you just get a message and can continue the game without worries...

If it were me, I would go for the long campaign win; then select 'continued play;' and then beat up the Mongols at your leisure.

BTW: I also second Samir's advice to use (Retinue) Longbowmen and stakes. Give those stinking barbarians the pointy end of the taste of what civilized factions can accomplish...

[eggthief]

The quality of the mongol infantry (that is the unit itself) is pretty good but their army is like only 25% composed out of infantry, not to mention that some aren't good at melee.

[eggthief]

what is the fun in fighting mongols if they are gonna commit suicide on those stakes anyway?

[homefry]

They are just an appetizer for the next horde.

The mongols arrive to late to the party. By the time they come, it's like fighitng little babies.

[Samir]

Give those stinking barbarians the pointy end of the taste of what civilized factions can accomplish...

a wooden stick is an accomplishment?! woot!!

[Xix]

a wooden stick is an accomplishment?! woot!!

It's a POINTY stick!!! Major technological advancement in warefare

[Old Geezer]

I have whupped the Mongols and Timurids about 6 times as the Scots by using almost entirely Border Horse and Hospitalers with a few pikes and noble swords to entice the Mongols. Get some fast horses; rent Alan light cav. and use hobilars to chase their mounted archers and pin them so your heavy cavalry (hopefully you have Hospitalers) can crush them. If you try and attack them with an infantry heavy army you will not have fun, because they will be very difficult to engage. If you try and defeat them by holding bridges and cities be prepared for them to chicken out and not attack you unless your forces are weak: they'll most likely just go somewhere the pickins are easier. They will most likely try to hold and retake Kiev which seems to be set as their usual homeland target.