[chrispedersen]

I have to disagree with almost all of the advice given in this thread under CBM.

The pretender is a GREAT chassis for early expansion.
I do agree that you don't end it with attack orders (usually).
I try to end it with Staybehind.

I never give items to the phoenix.
I never end with cast spells. Spells are generally inferior to just blowing up with phoenix pyre. The fatigue from spells will kill you. Having e2 can be useful.

Usually I stay in the far lower corner with Holdx5 Stay. If there are archers of any flavor it will be airshield Holdx4 stay.

If there are almost all archers, it will be AirShield, attack hold hold hold stay.

Only attack *in dominion*.

It is very useful to prophetize your scout, so that you can spread dominion surreptiously. (ie before conquest). Use the flying ability of the phoenix to pick and choose weak indies.
Build scouts to keep a good list of potential targets.

Try to use the phoenix as an adjunct to usual expansion - ie., let your normal troops take areas close to your capitol when possible.

the phoenix does well against:
provinces with multiple troop types (with different AP esp.)
small numbers of troops.
High encumbrance troops.

A phoenixes dominion is so low that Awe is expensive. However, it helps a great deal in increasing the territory choices, and due to the number of HP of the phoenix can slow the rate of death. That, plus the awe, can let it win a few more types of battles, such as low morale troops. (Even berserckers occassionally.)

the trick with the phoenix is enemy selection. you need to be winning 2/3 fights against indies or the selection probably isn't worthwhile.