Kronk smash!

[Mr 47]

I love this game, I have to say.
My only problem is that I die alot.
Seriosly, the only thing I can beat in a striaght up fight are river pirates.

Occasionaly Ill beat another type of enemy if theyre in a battle with somebody else.
But if I go after, say, some mountain bandits, with myself and my little army, the mountain bandits proced to own my guys and shoot me full of arrows before I can turn my horse around and poke them for 3 damage with my scythe, sword, or whatever I have at that point.
I then die, lose my money, occasionaly my horse, my trade goods, and my expensive guards.
Its rather frustrating.

Any suggesstions?

EDIT:
By the way, this may sound n00bish, but whats the best way to make lots of money quickly?

 

[Balor]

Military supply quests. You may have to have some 'initial capital', but they give you 200% returns if you do it smart .

 

[Nairagorn]

Yeah, like when you're asked to get horses, buy the cruddiest most dog-food-worthy horses you can find for cheap, and you get mucho dinero in return. Same with the armor, might be worth it to shop around for junk.

::edit:: are those types of quests a flat payment?

 

[Suhe-Bator]

Learn to shoot with bow, increase "horse archery" skill and buy good horse. Also learn to strike at right moment with two handed weapon from horse. I easily can kill 50 Dark Hunters alone.
Buy swadian militia and upgrade those to crosbowmen. Even cheaper buy peasants, they quickly become crossbowmen - a couple of battles with pirates. In battle order them to hold position (button "1"), ride around and shoot enemies not far from them(not too close), they will be more helpfull.

 

[Mr 47]

Thanks all.
A bit of practice and trying a few things has basicaly left me with the 'parthian shot' tactic.
Ride up the enemy, turn around, and ride away, VERY slowly, like walking pace, and shoot at anybody who presents themselves.
IT helps to have lots of arrows >_<