[NTJedi]

Depends on how many humans are in the game but most mercenaries are also very good for their price during early and mid game for capturing provinces. Orion is probably the best overall for the price he offers.

Second try different battle formations... I won't mention any of my strategies but this is important. Perhaps dominions_3 will provide a battle field in an octagon shape where armies in different territories will be approaching from different directions where more strategies could be developed.

Using assassins on the commanders is a good idea too... if done right you can attack the territory and independents will retreat.

Last I recommend getting lots of archers... this works great on most indepedent territories. Definitely stay away from any cavalary type territories until you are ready.