[Septimius Severus]

Though there are many things we can do (and are doing in this series) to make the AI more challenging, as far as I know we still cannot really change the predictable and seemingly stupid (to us) behaviour of the AI in terms of the way it actually uses its units, spells, and the specific combat mechanics. A starting army is only a temp advantage, but I believe Gandalf has gone further by giving the AI more staying power this time around and with certain of these foreign national units being recruitable by the AI throughout the game. Rest assured though, if your one of those players who long to be have your butt kicked by the AI, we will do all we can in the future to try to accomodate you.