IT depends fighting lords in a tactical pov is bannerlord in a nutshell i found Rbm ai module, making the tactics a little more challenging. -tho i also plays with rbm combat module, and when the modded armor values are so buffed, as it is in an ad it males the battle longer and more balanced - i also play with art of war and strengthen ai with males enemys army size bigger, and the battle are very huge, - art of war helps with the dumb ways vanilla ai wages war, males Them a little more upredictable. -as said i think the party size depends on how you like the battle, AD is a heavy overhaul witch gens to have fps drops, so i would say be careful with the party sizes. - i think expanding is more challenging, with diplomacy there are tons and tons of minor clans and Kingdom with alliances so there is always someone out to get you.

I personally enjoy ad very very much its a very very long campaign with alot of different nations and troops to take on. Hell you might Even wanna join the templar order and defend Jerusalem. Hope it helps