I've been trying to get into this (actually Eador: MoaBW, but there wasn't a title-specific thread and the other one [titled "Eador" only] was last bumped in 2013, so wasn't sure which one to bump) but have trouble getting started.
Even on the easiest difficulty I don't nearly enough gold to actually do anything. I'll build a couple buildings and run out, and by the time I have enough accrued to actually go and start taking provinces the local lord or rival master will mosey over and start knocking on my door. Never mind having enough gold (or contracts or access) to buy guards to keep the lord from taking over my undefended provinces, and good luck taking one back against his guards when they consist of groups three times more numerous than my hero's army and having a dozen levels over my recruits to boot (seriously, how does the computer opponent afford all this?).
With the initial gold I can either build a couple early recruitment buildings (usually spearmen and recruit them) and run out, or unlock the mill or sawmill (so that new provinces can actually provide some additional gold) and run out, or an armory to equip a scout and then run out. Only one of those things, meanwhile exploring and hoping that I can get a location with weak defenders for a little extra gold.
I'm also pretty annoyed at how combat works. On top of being chronically outnumbered, I'm frequently losing units (putting an extra strain on already limited gold income...) due to ranged attackers. My own ranged attackers usually get focused fired and dead after only a turn or two.
Given the effectiveness of the scout (especially on a hill) maybe I should go for one pikeman/swordsman and the rest bowmen (crossbowmen being too expensive given the need for iron and redwood) but it's still a problem of income.
In the campaign, other than the first tutorial map, I've only won one tiny shard and that for some freaking unknown reason because just as I was finally getting a comfortable income (having around 7 provinces, all with income buildings, plus income from iron/horses, and a good success rate with "not quite the weakest you'll ever find" defenders in locations), the local lord up and died on his own. I'd never even met or saw him or ventured outside those 7 provinces circling my stronghold.
I can see how eventually you can use energy to improve your start but in the beginning I can't do anything except increase my starting gold, which is still not enough to get the ball rolling in a start (at least not fast enough).
(PS: Karma is dumb, chiefly because it is almost entirely obscured to the player. Interface screw can be a valid gameplay mechanic, but this is not.)
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All that to say, any tips?