[PvK]

Originally posted by Chris Byler:
... Strategic mobility was one of the Horde's greatest strengths, yet it is all but useless in Dom II (you can only move one province into enemy territory, same as plodding hoplites). ...

I don't disagree in general with other things you've posted, and what you say is true while on the offense over a narrow avenue of attack. However, the strategic movement speed can often be important. In my current Ulm game, the limit of most of my troops to strategic speed 1 is an important disadvantage to my armies. I hired a mercenary band of 40 Tien Chi cavalry, however, and their higher strategic speed inside my own land made them invaluable as a "fire brigade" unit to meet sudden threats.

They were also extremely deadly, even against the likes of Jotunheim. The few foes who made it past the rain of arrows found themselves faced by 40 cavalry with lances, and died. If friendly fire gets changed so archers are careful not to shoot their own men, they'll be even dealier.

PvK