Is it okay for me to ask for advice in this thread? I figured it was more for general questions about the game mechanics, rather than advice on the game itself, but I didn't really want to start a new thread just for this.
So I decided to try and play as the independent Jews in Africa (Axum I believe?). Things were going well and I was slowly, but surely expanding by conquering the neighbouring Shia and Miaphysite kingdoms. Then the Fatimids came and conquered absolutely everyone in just a couple of years.
As of now, I am the direct vassal of the Fatimid Caliph, and the ruler of a single county by the coast. I was thinking of trying to war against some of the other vassals, but the level of crown authority will not allow vassals to fight one another. I could probably get almost 8000 troops if I hired both available mercenary companies, but I very much doubt that's enough to get independent and there's no one else to fight either. I'm also unable to make any alliances due to religious differences.
Do I have any chance continuing playing as a Jew, or should I just convert to Shia and try to marry my way up from there?