I'd like to join in too, time permitting.

The rules sound fine - taking 5 provinces: is that a maximum, minimum or both? If we want the PBM to last beyond a few reigns, I guess it's a maximum?

I'd also like normal/normal difficulty - I like "fair" battles, including at sea (affected by the difficulty campaign setting).

Anyone got any preferences about what non-Roman faction to go for? Anything but Egypt would suit me (I dislike the ahistorical units).