I play on the old maps.
By the way, I made a cooperative version of the map with garrisons and outposts, because I'm not a fan of rushing.
I take a Winged Horror and an Osshe on the map, and 1-2 units for gathering resources at the mill and watermill. The Winged Horror runs around with shackles, and the Osshe defends the castle (or an Envenom instead of the Osshe). I upgrade the Special Ability, and fill the remaining skill slots with defense and attack skills.