First of all I should mention I'm playing with a Mod (IBFD). I've played several camps in a row as either the Sarmatians or the Roxilani. Early on it became clear that getting run over by the Huns is a really bad way to start the game. I've horded early and I've turtled, but in each case it seems that I can't keep the peace long enough with the ERE to build up a strong enough force to fight a major power. Every time my economy starts cooking and I can finally support a full stack army tasked for offense, I'm sure to find a stack or two of heavily armored Romans tromping towards my cities. I'm playing on H/H or M/H. I tend to win the battles with anything close to parity but I've never been able to field better than one 1/2 to 2/3 strength stack (unless hording). So if I'm out west dealing with the Franks/Lombards et al, a single stack in the east can ruin my day.

I've never been wiped out, but I've never gotten past the equilibrium point either. I've not tried hording my way to Africa and trying to set up shop in the corner of the map, but I don't really want to. I'd like to dominate the steppes, build up, and then overrun Europe, the Balkans, or Asia Minor. Any thoughts?