Yes, the game does have a lot of stages. In my current English expert campaign, I have semi-settled on an empire, though I have successfully crusaded twice now within a few turns, improving my relations with the Pope (who went and died), but now I have attracted the attention of the horde after I vanquished the BYZ in 2 nearby provinces, as well as directing a third crusade targeting one of the horde's provinces directly, which will be tougher to win (mainly I want to get rid of my crusade markers, this is the last one I have, held them for about 30 years or so was I was busy trying to get out of debt). Debating if I should dump the ex-BYZ provinces I took over, though right now they are useful for launching the horde crusade.
Trading is brisk now as only the BYZ, the horde, and the HRE refuse even cease fires with me, so I figure why not attack me. My trading partners are getting a break for now, I want their business as my bank account fattens. I was peaceful for about 20 years as I teched up and built up my trading and farming resources until the Polish decided to attack me in Venice (kind of suicidal) though I believe they have agreed to a cease fire now. This war business now though is good for cutting down on overhead, MTW doesn't charge for burials!
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