Few more turns played. Shinuyama was wiped out pretty easily although I haven't checked out the fortress battle yet.

But have a look at the map - specifically, at the Ulmish province highlighted to the south. 390 troops! Granted they are fodder-type troops but with 390 they are gonna do a LOT of damage.

While in the shower I had the thought to beef up the provincial defense to some insane number - like 40 or 50 perhaps. Problem with that is, the troops you get with Arco (light infantry) have fairly low protection and would be DECIMATED by the enemy archer arrow fire and would probably rout fairly quickly.

I think what we're going to have to do is defend along the two provinces marked by red dots until we can build up a decent force there. This will keep our temples from being destroyed. If he wants to seige our castle that's fine. Unfortunately I think I will have to use the Ichytid troops I had planned to take some easy sea provinces with and throw them into the battle.

Ah well. So much for a CAKEWALK! But there should be some BIG FUN battles coming up.

It looks like we're going to lose part of the southern peninsula but we'll see how we can do up north where we already have large armies massed. Also our magic research is flying and we'll have some evocation or other spells for the mystics/astrologers to cast in battle.