Hi CavalryCmdr,

Many thanks - that's good advice. I'm learning to treat the files with more respect now.

Basically, I restored the files to their original state using backed-up copies and then limited myself to modding EDB only. By removing the recruit lines of the units in question, I seem to have successfully eliminated them from the game. At any rate, so far so good, and the game is running.

I've removed units that I think are unrealistic, though I'm no expert. This has left me with armies largely composed of peasants, militia, spearmen, archers and mounted knights. Although this roster is less exotic than in vanilla, it has a gritty quality that I like. Also, fewer unit types means that, in general, specific units get called into action more frequently, thereby gaining more experience.

I have also tweaked the Mercenaries files, making Mercs slightly more plentiful and giving all Merc units experience. I have adjusted Merc costs to reflect unit type and experience. I have also made generals recruitable and 'star' generals are accepted into the family.

I have also renamed the factions according to William Shepherd's historical map of 11th-century Europe. And I have tried to beef up France's economy and farming levels. I have also tried to boost Hungary's population. I have added the Judaic religion to reflect the Jewish presence in Medieval Europe. I have tweaked 'religious unrest' to create some tension. I have also greatly boosted the 'heretics' in southern France to try to reflect the presence of the Cathars etc.

So far, the game is looking and sounding OK (I've added 'real' medieval music).

There are still a few things I'd like to change. For example, I'd like to calm down the use of heavy artillery if possible. I'd also like to add some historical events. I'd also like to make the Teutonic knights emerge as a faction. And finally, I'd like to add relgious buildings for the Judaic and Heretic sects. But for now, these things are beyond my skill - hopefully I'll get there eventually.

Thanks again for help and advice and all the best.