> The basic starter set has two unis of halbrediers, two of crossbows
> and one each of knights and artillery

I like infantry more than cavalry so my 1000pts army would probably look
like this:

1 general [125]
2 heroes [80 x2]
1 wizard w/ring of magic [75]
2 crossbowmen [55 x2]
5 halberdiers [45 x5]
 (2 for the xbows and a brigade of 3)
2 knights [110 x2]
1 cannons [85]

Total cost: 1000pts.
Units: 10, Breakpoint 5.

Deployment might be something like this
 
XXXCC XXX HHH KKKKKK
HHH   HHH HHH
          HHH
 
The Cannons are attached to one unit of crossbows to save commanders and are
tucked in nicely between the two crossbows.

/GertH