Hi, just so you know, I lurk in the Total War forums daily and I have read all you've posted. I have 7 different Medieval/Rome TW mods installed that I play so they all stay somewhat fresh, if that makes any sense.

I know you were asking for Moors intel, but I'm not sure I can give you accurate information. What I mean is, I play on the normal setting and from what I've seen, you use the expert setting. I have little experience on the expert setting, and don't have the patience to deal with the rebellions.

Anyway, playing the Moors on the normal setting, of course I found it easy. In the year 827, I have a yearly income of 12,468 florins, full balanced stacks on every province which are all golden armour, at least 1 ship in every sea, almost every building built in every province, and I've easily taken Sicily, Sahara, and Malta after it rebelled. I've had practically no altercations while I was building this solid juggernaut.

Portugal tried to sink some of my Dhows, but couldn't. So did the Saracens, and they managed to get 1 or 2. I then began to mass produce Bagalas and both factions quickly sued for peace. So I resumed building the empire, but never forgot their treachery.

In the year 827, I decided it was time to test this elite horde of an army against some Catholic knights so I attacked Portugal. They had about a full stack and so did I, and the result was... The Portuguese have decided they cannot win the battle and have retreated. You have captured bla bla number of troops including the King......The King of Portugal has been killed in battle. He has no heirs and his forces no longer pose any real threat......