Russia Grand Campaign

Episode one
After dividing the available armies into two groups, I have send the small one to conquer Helsinki to the north-west of Novgorod, and the southern forces are deployed toward Smolensk.
The first important construction in this moment is a town center, so you can train at least a diplomat.
I have used 2 diplomats to cover more ground, and to ally with as many as possible factions.
This will assure a small period of relative harmony with the immediate neighbors, and this will be less probably to have 2 factions at once on your head at the same time.
Poland will move aggressively with the first chance, having large armies from the start, and the Holly Roman Empire to the sound, knocking at their gates.
Prepare to war, and cover ground quick.
Take your time to RRR - repair, retrain, reinforce.
Completing missions helps and keeps the armies moving.
As an orthodox faction, you do not join crusades or jihads, so you need to watch your moves at all times.
Russia is exposed to invades, such as Mongols or Timurids, so - again - watch out!
Do not forget the eastern provinces, but do not reinforce them at this stage.

I have this game and love it play it online sometimes but its a good game even when modded out:)

I only play original games.
I tried only one mod for ROME TW - the one with perfected historical accuracies for nations/weps and units - Total realism i think.
Since I've posted my last campaign movie on youtube, i have not give this game 5 minutes.
I guess i should try at least finish that campaign....