Wow! They really did make it harder.

[faker01]

I hope to accumulate the needed cash reserve and technology while expanding rather than taking time just before, since I have to go so slowly to convert new provinces to christianity.

Fast expanding brings most cash(and fun). The only clan I had problems with fast expanding was the ikko-ikki. Converting costs some units and the ikko-ikki have many enemys, which requires an aggresive tactic.

For each army, at full stack strength, I want
4 cavalry units + the general (the low level ones have always worked as well as the advanced ones for my tactics) 2 bow and 2 light,
10 low level troops, 5 archers and 5 yari,
5 elite troops du jury, including gunners, swordsmen, and/or siege units (changing these for the specific mission).

I wouldn't use archers with the Otomo. Except in siege battles or with Chosokabe the bow ashigaru worth less then yari ashigaru. Other bow units cost more and still have a rather low use.

As in other TW games, I will put my most advanced training facilities as close to the front as possible and replace the older ones with $ generating buildings.

Don't forget to check if they realy bring something. Some building need ages to bring more cash then they cost.

BTW, I'm really excited about realm divide. In previous TW games, once I had 15 provinces, the game was won. The only exception was Rome,, Barbarian Invasion, where a large empire had a chance to lose.

If you play aggressive you shouldn't get problems after realm divide. If you play defensiv you may can get overrun. I don't know if it can still a problem, in previous versions clans had more armies.