Quote Originally Posted by pezhetairoi
So let me make this clear: Starter armies to take Segesta/Syracuse/Apollonia, and no further, and further conquests are only through using troops bribed from other Roman factions. Buildable stuff is limited to Town Watch and Peasantry and naval units, agents, and buildings. Yes? Is that right?

But a word of warning: I'm not playing on 1.2 so my bribing will really be extravagant. So it won't seem realistic to 1.2 players (my patch doesn't seem to work, $#&*@@%). But this will be a nice exercise in all the techniques I don't often use.

If all this seems okay, I take your challenge! (Though I don't know how long I can last, heehee) I will give you a turn by turn account of my actions. Updates begin tomorrow. :)
All is as you noted, though you can use your peasants/watch offensively -- if you think that'd help. It is even appropriate for you to send a family member off to lead the "acquired" army -- but no armies of family member cavalry as some scurrilous folks have suggested. I'm interested to see if an experienced player can make this work.