I'm also using SPERG this time around along with Civil War (which means you can lose the war and enemy cities are hostile to you), I added one of the balanced spell packs for variety.  I always run a number of beautifcation mods (not supermodels, just a lot better looking than the default people), Apachii hair, some weapon packs, one that allows me to smelt down objects and so on.

I usually run with one or two followers, so I play it a lot more loose and less difficult that what you are doing.  Having said that, I still find ways to get myself killed.  I'll go after whole groups of enemy soliders or giants.

I haven't gotten to the end either. I either re-start or corrupt something because I've tried too many mods.  LOL!

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