The Environment for Rationally Challenging Campaigns

[Dunecat]

I think I've got it. The best maps are the Americas and Grand Campaign maps, though any will work presumably. This method of play is a natural extension of what I usually do (slow building and such, I don't like to 'sploit), and I think I've perfected it.

Basically, on M/VH (because VH/* is just irrational...), always autoresolve non-general battles and auto-manage non-governed cities. Never blitz in the beginning, and always let the computer take at least 70% of the slave regions before you expand into them. Until you are attacked by more than 4 nations, or until after 100 turns, you cannot own more than 5 territories. Few alliances must be made, and even then in character (no Fatamid-Papacy/French-English alliances). Always side in favor of flavour against powergaming and sploiting, and you should have a rewarding campaign which while challenging is actually enjoyable and worth of telling the story/AAR.

Any suggestions?

*EDIT*- I forgot to add that the best results I've had are with Venice in the Grand Campaign, Norway in the Britannia campaign and Jerusalem with the Crusades. I haven't tried the Americas, but I heard that if you're not VERY aggressive you can get ****ed.