Russians / High Period

[Ludens]

no crusades or jihads for orthodox ?

No. Historically, none of the Orthodox factions in game went on a holy war. (the Armenians, however...)

however, real far factions attack my trade lines ( french, sicilians and so ) how can i stop this from happening ?

Not much, the Sicilians are notorious for this. However, single ships present the A.I. with an irresistable target, so don't use them alone, and certainly not near important (to the A.I.) coastlines.

[Rodion Romanovich]

If you have VI I believe churches etc. give morale bonus. What I did as Russians, high period, I built a cathedral and so on in one settlement producing uber-halberdiers, then produced pavise arbalesters in another one. I managed to make a quite decent army before the horde came, by rushing and crushing most of the Polish and all rebels. I must say the halberdiers with upgraded morale are one of the best units in M:TW singleplayer, plus they're cheap in upkeep.

[m52nickerson]

If you have VI I believe churches etc. give morale bonus. What I did as Russians, high period, I built a cathedral and so on in one settlement producing uber-halberdiers, then produced pavise arbalesters in another one. I managed to make a quite decent army before the horde came, by rushing and crushing most of the Polish and all rebels. I must say the halberdiers with upgraded morale are one of the best units in M:TW singleplayer, plus they're cheap in upkeep.

I agree, halberdiers with moral upgrades are very useful. Just keep them away from cheap unarmored units. With no armor bonus there attack is very low. They will win, but will exhaust them selfs doing it.