Ok, so I became enthralled by the promise of a good allround Javelin unit in the form of Bashkorts and decided to try out the Volga-Bulgars.

I decided to try them on High/expert as this would be the biggest challenge given their proximity to where the Golden Horde will appear in the near future.

Wow, the VB's have got it rough. Their king is only 2* and most heirs begin with the Drinking vices. They have one, reasonably poor province and almost no army. Added to this, They have the Russians on the northern border, a rebel force stronger than their army to the south, the Cumans to the south west. To the east is the tempting province of Ryanzan but his seems very prone to religious rebellions.

To cap off thier difficult starting position, the only wealthy and developed province nearby is Muscovy, held by the Russians and well garrisoned across a River. Their army has decent options, mainly the very very cheap and nasty Bashkorts, a bargain at 150 Florins and only 22 upkeep, but the only good infantry available besides them is the Kazanchi's, a good Halbard unit, but a whopping 400 Florins to build and 70 upkeep!

I've found so far that money is the biggest problem, as well as a lack of long range missile units what out range horse archers. I'm now tryign to take Muscovy in desperation, I think I can take out the agrrison, but I'm not sure about what sort of troops the Russians can bring out to try and liberate it.

anyone played VB's in high and got some advice? Also does anyone know the building requirements for Varangian Swordsmen?