Newbie needs help

[ilunar]

in general hiring noldor is a waste of gem, yet in your case (low max party size) its not that bad idea. its very hard to get units stronger than they are, especially at the mid-game. Consider warriors/archers/maidens, and only from the Elacrai (youll get a little more units than from laria mechant).
Elixir also ain't a bad idea, especially since you're a warrior. Gems are also used to set an knight order (strong honor units), so its OK to keep one just in case.
Best way, in my opinion, is to get a map. Dont bother with hidden mines just yet, since showing them on map costs one gem, and it cost another 1-2 to get a weapon from there.
But once you get one of those weapons, you won't be using another one.

You wont have to

 

[Rad10]

Ok, thanks for the advice... Too bad about the mines... I was looking forward to it... later maybe... more dots...
Guess I'll focus on the independance thing.

 

[Rad10]

And should I focus on the leadership skill? After all, I'll be a king soon

 

[ilunar]

it raises the max army size and morale a little bit. Not a bad thing to choose, since your party size sucks is low 

 

[NicotiN]

If your army limit is 150 you're good, that's a nice number for your battles. Imagine paying wages for 150 troops, that's a lot....if you don't pay much that means you don't have a top tier army

 

[Rad10]

I'm paying a little over 9000 for the 120 troops I have. I'm my own man now. And guess what? Sarleon has just entered a war with the Vi...Fierdsvain
I sense an opportunity.

 

[AxeMaster3]

Good luck and happy hunting. Let us know how it turns out. 

 

[Rad10]

It ended sadly... the vikings and romans tore apart sarleon before I could properly get my hands on them. there was nothing left. I tried attacking the Empire, even took one of their cities, but it was bad timing... you can guess the rest.
I'm going to start a new game soon, become a vassal, rebel and do things beter than before. as soon as the sorrow passes, that is.
By the way, I'm playing on 135% difficulty (normal damage to me and friends, smart AI etc...). will that be a problem?

 

[Moses IV]

I do the same mate, 135% as well as the fact that I always start level 1 , the game is painfully hard and unforgiving but I love playing it this way.

 

[Centurion1]

IMHO at least i find the hardest addition to difficulty is using realistic saves.  Made a mistake?  Too bad.

Also i enforce artificial handicaps upon myself.  For example this game I am using no faction troops becasue I am roleplaying a returning king from across the waves.  So he has lots of rogue knights and stuff.

 

[Moses IV]

I respect that ! I do similar things, like once I start my kingdom I only use it's troops. I also use realistic saves, it's the only thing I'd call wimpy without playing on it, I can understand turning the combat down if you're no good but reloading saves is far too easy.

 

[Rad10]

I also use realistic saves...damn my chivalry! Deleted my character in a fit of rage   

 

[Rad10]

I do the same mate, 135% as well as the fact that I always start level 1 , the game is painfully hard and unforgiving but I love playing it this way.

True! But taking something on your own is extremely hard... and keeping it too!