I too, have not played MTW recently, but I always seem to remember enjoying playing the;


English - great troops, billmen and longbows rock. Great starting position

Byz - Love the gemnerals and they have decent soldiers.

Italians - love those Genovese sailors and the Italian infantry.

Alomos - always had good luck with them after turtling.

Spanish - okay, not a big jinnette fan. Some good starting provinces though.

These are the only factions I have successfully played all the way through. I admit it, I hate losing!