Haven discussion.

Optimal development strategy up to the Capitol in 13 steps
This tactic is for those who need a Capitol, who like to play long and eventually crush the enemy with a huge army, gathered into a fist.
The tactic for the fastest conquest of the world is a little different. =)

Regarding the difficulty level - Warrior. ;) I myself play a little differently... But I don't like quick actions. For me, it's much more interesting to clash forces with the enemy when the armies are larger than two weeks' worth of growth.