Re: tough indy provinces
 

The -5 probably means that 5+ bloodslaves turned in to units for some reason. It happens some times. Possibly because they took damage or because they ended the battle without the/a commander next to them to pick them up.

Re: tough indy provinces
 

hmm. so maybe they are weaker...i need to take this province, but can't afford to lose. i think ill try some of the suggestions here, try to get them to punch themselves out, then try to bury them in black steel.

i know i sound like a fan boi, but it is stuff like this that makes the early game really fun. taking chances to try and get the jump.

this is really a great game. even tho i think i will never win a MP game. who cares?

Re: tough indy provinces
 

I typically have more trouble with the druids casting 'Bleed' while the vines block advancement.

My usual tactic is to send a decent sized force of melee units to engage with the vines (starting army usually, so long as they have shields) while a couple of small squads of cavalry (3 or 4 units each) are to the sides, scripted to attack archers. Sometimes the blowpipes are engaged, but usually the majority ride to the rear and start killing the woodsman archers and blood slaves.

I have had some small success with archer nations scripted to fire archers, but it requires a lot of archers to force the woodsmen to rout quickly and leave the vines without leadership.