a very good stratagy

kherjits, get a good froup of kherjits before you join any kingdom (around 70-80 if that kingdom is not the kherjit khannat) and upgrade them until they are all on horses, and THEN join your kingdom of choice. this group of horsemen will last you almost the rest of the game, i have gone in to battle with around 20 of them against 100+ enemy's and decimated them an only have lost 3-4 guys. they are the ultimate badasses