Devils have very high attack and defense, and 2 hits per turn. Look
here and at the stickied newby guide for what the numbers mean and how they affect combat.
Supply items always generate a set # of supply. Winebag=25 supply, enough for 8 Jotuns.
As for indies - they never starve, and never change strength unless armies invade. But without scouts the apparant strength fluctuates. Try out Gandalf's super-tough indy map, I think you'll like that...
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...4;t=000270;p=2
P.S. On indy 9 you should still see hard provinces. I'm in an indy-7 game where my capitol started adjacent to a province with a golem, 50 living statues, and 2 gargoyles. I attacked with 96 units of Einheres (elite dual-wield prot-12 level-5 berzerkers) and assorted heavy infantry, and lost 80 units to their 17.
[ January 16, 2004, 21:28: Message edited by: Saber Cherry ]