Archived: HRE-campaign in Redux v1004 (Hard)

[Stazi]

After carefully checking surrounding area and available units I decided to start slowly and build my economy. 1st two turns was great - 2x 1000fl gifts from pope. I'm certainly the chosen one. Then, I was gathering money, building farms and castles, arranging marriages for my heirs. Generally, 30 years of peace and prosperity. All other countries seemed to do the same (with a small exception of Portuguese and Almohads which really don't like each other).

After 30 years fleets of multiple countries started to grow rapidly. Now, 42 years after start of the campaign, Danes, Aragonese, Italians, Byzantines and Egyptians have their ships all around the known world. So, I decided to break my isolation and get access to the seas too. Frisia and Saxony were the first. The next will be Pomerania and Flanders. Both still independent. Flanders has very nice infrastructure but big castle and strong garrison too. I'd like to get the province as intact as possible so I'll probably send my emissary to show them that their duty under the imperial standard can be much more lucrative with plenty of prospects and opportunities.

Unfortunately, during last 20 years 2 of my emperors died so there are no legal heirs now. The new 22 year-old emperor is one of the youngest ruler I've ever seen. He is married with a very nice hot-blooded Spanish princess so I hope heirs will come soon. Long live the Emperor!

btw rebel fleets are non-existent and rebel armies are generally very passive. Some provinces has many troops but not use them at all. IMHO those big rebel garrisons stops main factions from going anywhere cause they need to keep their own garrisons (they don't even attack "free" provinces with no garrison at all.) It leads to stagnation. Obviously, it's my 1st game with 1004 so these are just my first impressions.

[Axalon]

Staz, I changed the thread-title temporarily, for increased clarity and instant identification on the main index on what this thread is about. If you prefer something else, please change it accordingly, but you should include "Redux" somehow due to index-reasons outlined. It’s about keeping information clear and easy to find (even from the main index). If there are any problems with all this, send me a PM and we’ll sort it out. – Axalon

***

I can only welcome and support this initiative. I’ll be happy to read up about your HRE-adventure/experience here with great interest, and probably others with me. The more details provided the better. Might I suggest that you try to throw in some strat-map overview pic now and then (on your empire in general or your borders etc. etc.). It usually illustrates things for the reader, and it usually makes things more exiting as well – some “pics for the kids” is thus recommended. Just a suggestion for you.

btw rebel fleets are non-existent and rebel armies are generally very passive. Some provinces has many troops but not use them at all. IMHO those big rebel garrisons stops main factions from going anywhere cause they need to keep their own garrisons (they don't even attack "free" provinces with no garrison at all.) It leads to stagnation. Obviously, it's my 1st game with 1004 so these are just my first impressions.

Please keep me (and others) informed on what happens with the rebels and what they do - but wait with any analysis until you’re done with the campaign at least. Let’s have some data before we analyse this and other stuff, alright? If it turns out to be indeed such traits and problems with 1004 in general – this across factions and across multiple campaigns, then obviously something will have to be done about it. As that is not what Redux should be like. However, until that point, we still don’t know if that is the case or not. Speculation is fun, especially if is well founded and convincing, but it is too early for that here as there is hardly any data/info available at this stage. Your stuff here will help to change that circumstance, so keep it up. For now, just keep track on and report what happens with the rebels and leave it at that. We’ll put on the lab-coats later…

...Anyways, take it away Kaiser Staz... “So, what happened next?” the lurker wondered…

- A

[Stazi]

Staz, I changed the thread-title temporarily...

No problem. In fact, at first, it was very much like your version now but I thought there is no point to put "Redux" in title when the whole forum section is only about redux. Apparently, I was wrong.

I'm not so good in writing stories so it'll go in default mode .

Some time has passed and now situation looks like this:


I've taken Flanders and Pomerania as planned. After I built my fleet and sent my ships all over the world Flanders became truly a gold mine. It brings nearly the same amount of florins that all my other provinces together. What happened in the world in meantime? Generally, nothing. There was not a single war between main factions except Portuguese-Almohads conflict at the start of the campaign when as a result Portuguese were eliminated. Russians were eliminated by rebels but reappeared a few years later. After 86 years love is still in the air .


I think the main reason of this is the amount of ships cruising the seas. Nearly every faction that has access to the sea has dozens of them. They give them access to rebel provinces anywhere in he world. That's why for example Egyptians established their colonies in Sicily, Ireland and Wales. They are not forced to attack other faction when they can pick vulnerable rebel province and don't have to risk their fleets in unpredictable naval battles. Is it good or bad? I don't know but it's one of the strangest campaign I've ever played. Many sea regions look like this:

Blobs of ships everywhere. Imagine what will happen when real war starts.

Considering units.
The best are undoubtedly Frankish Crossbomen. 100 xbows compared to standard 40 or 60 is a huge difference. Salvo from 4 of them can massacre any unit.
2nd is Tyrolian Cavalry. The +2 valour bonus from stables and +3 from metalsmith makes them very good (close to lesser knights) light cavalry capable of not only chasing routers but flanking and softening their targets before charge too. It's very versatile, multi-task unit. They can even dismount before battle.
3rd is Flemish Infantry. They are only a bit worse than the best Imperial Guard but cost only half to maintain. They have 20 men less per unit but I use them as a cover for range units so they usually see very little fighting.
The rest of my army contains Heavy Infantry and Feudal Knights. I still haven't decided which archers will be better: Royal Archers (40 man) or Slavic Bowmen (60 man). I think Slavic but tests will tell.

[Axalon]

Alright, some proper comments about the HRE and its adventures under "Kaiser Staz"...


The “Summer of Love”…

Obviously peace is popular at the moment and that is fairly common, everybody tries essentially to ally with everybody, I seen that many times. It typically won’t last. My guess is, from the limited info I have here is that either Moors (striking on Spain) or the Lombards (striking at the Italians in Venice) will be the first ones to start war. Those two seems to be the most likely to initiate war – ever before all rebel-land is taken. Saracens and Byzantines will probably go to war once all Rebel-territory are taken – which I suspect the HRE will play an instrumental part in. Ergo, the Summer of Love will not last, that’s my guess, if it did it would be exceptional to say the least.

The fleet-craze…

It certainly looks weird with all those ships floating about. Still I doubt it will last forever, once war breaks out. My gueass is that the seas will be clear out in due course – time will tell.
I also notice that there are a dominance of 4-5 factions in the seas. Byzantium, Saracens, Italy, Aragon and the Norse – All are classical (and the most likely) naval powers in redux in my experience. Is any of these powers even close to having a serious army anywhere? Or have they wasted all their resources on their fleets? Each ship is roughly the equivalent of 1 land-unit wasted on the seas. Had all tose ships been troops, It would have been very different for sure. Of course, there are advantages with ships too – up to a point. If I must chose between army and fleet – army wins every time. From what I can see this campaign has so far a different taken on that, or so it certainly seems…

I think the main reason of this is the amount of ships cruising the seas. Nearly every faction that has access to the sea has dozens of them. They give them access to rebel provinces anywhere in he world. That's why for example Egyptians established their colonies in Sicily, Ireland and Wales. They are not forced to attack other faction when they can pick vulnerable rebel province and don't have to risk their fleets in unpredictable naval battles. Is it good or bad? I don't know but it's one of the strangest campaign I've ever played.

I share that temporary assessment of the circumstance (this far). Saracens in Sicily, Naples and even Sardinia is fairly common but Ireland and Wales – not so much. If nothing else this is good example of “the why” rebel-fleets are an important element to the game and its dynamics, especially at start up. I suspect that all this will end or change eventually once the wars break out, much like yourself (as I understand it).

Internal strength of the Empire...

It quite obvious that this is a high priority for you. Personally, I think it is a healthy one, especially with an empire that has that many borders. Had it not been for Flanders, farming and mining had probably been what sustained the empire (save some minor trade too perhaps). It seems almost systematic with all those castles about. I think that this sort of "dicipline" or restraint will eventually pay off - one way or the other. Had it been me, I would probably been more eager to "redraw" my borders somehow, and I would not have allied as much as you do. I guess it also matter of style, how we prefer to do things. I take it that you don't use any mercenaries?

What are the Kaisers plans for his empire?

I notice that you are fairly peaceful yourself… What are your actual plans, besides grabbing promising rebel-held provinses? What is your next goal after that? What faction is most likely to be the HRE’s first regular enemy. What scenarios of war is discussed at the imperial high-command? From the pic it seems only france is the only neighbour with the capacity to be a some kind of threat somehow, all others look very weak (which is a weird sight for me. Although I typically play v.1.1, which AI-wise behaves somewhat differently to VI/v.2.01).

Imperial Troops…

I guess it is a matter of fighting style. Overall, the HRE has a truly great unit-roster, a partly it can explained by being the largest in the game. It can basically cater to any fighting style with ease and still offer then some. It also has more specialist-units then most factions, I think(?). Anyways, your assessment of imperial troops seems very reasonable to me, but had I been the Kaiser, I would have gone for different troops myself such as Royal Archers, Heavy- and Frankish Infantry and Feudal Knights. That’s the stuff I would use in battle. If I would use any crossbows it would probably be Heavy Crossbow-units.

As for the Flemish Infantry, yeah those are good, I would have relied on them too, whenever possible (they are hard to come by, Flanders only or some such). However, you don’t fuss with the imperial guard as they are among the best infantry in the game – especially in killing cavalry and knights and that better then most (and they also are available in large parts of Europe)… It’s essentially a prestige and terror unit of the empire. BTW, I would like to also say that this is an open activity, so everybody inclined are free to join the discussion here at any time. What troops should Kaiser Staz focus on/build? Etc. etc.

- A

[Zarakas]

100 Frankish crossbowmen units can be very effective in defence when placed on high ground. In particular if you can cover them with heavy imperial guard and other good troops. They cut through the attacking forces.

I think Staz should concentrate on defensive troops to defend flanders and other important provinces around borders of empire. Should concentrate on conquest of island provinces as they can be defended easier with less troops and good navy, in particular the north seas. I would suggest strengthening the north sea navy.

[Cyprian2]

Nice campaign and description, Stazi. I've often seen this "cold war" type buildup -- with each faction jockeying for a better position at the expense of the rebels. If you make the first move against another Christian (or even Muslim) faction, expect most of your allies to desert you. Yes, those Flemish infantry are quite superb, aren't they? Personally, I've found royal spearman to be overpriced and underperforming by comparison. They always seem to die in droves, while doing no more damage, seemingly, than the less professional units such as Frankish spearmen. Flemish spears, when you can get them, are the way to go.

Saracens in Sicily, Naples and even Sardinia is fairly common but Ireland and Wales – not so much.

I've also seen the Saracens take Ireland and Wales — (in 1003, Saracen-held Ireland became the target of my holy French crusade). And, yeah, not having the Sicilians in game leaves an interesting vacuum in Southern Italy and the coastal islands, which is most often exploited by one of the Muslim factions.

By the way, have there been any crusades yet, Stazi? (I'm guessing not.) Maybe the HRE can be the first to bring the glory of the cross to those benighted arabs. **Heavy sarcasm here**

The fleet-craze…

If nothing else this is good example of “the why” rebel-fleets are an important element to the game and its dynamics, especially at start up. I suspect that all this will end or change eventually once the wars break out, much like yourself (as I understand it).

Ha, ha! I feel vindicated! Indeed, even with rebel fleets set to max, there will eventually be a build-up of sea power by the other factions. But it will take much longer… I am curious, Axalon, about what was changed in the current build to make rebels train less fleets? Is it something to do with faction personality? Is it difficult to change back?

100 Frankish crossbowmen units can be very effective in defence when placed on high ground. In particular if you can cover them with heavy imperial guard and other good troops. They cut through the attacking forces.

Agreed. Again, going back to my French campaign in 1003, I found that the Frankish xbows packed more or less the same (devastating) punch as the heavy xbows, but for much less $$. As Zarakas says, placed on higher ground and defended properly with spears and/or heavy cav, those guys can rain death on approaching enemy ranks.

[I] I take it that you don't use any mercenaries?

This is an important question. I haven't played enough of 1004 to now whether the roster has changed at all, but it might be worth opening a separate thread to discuss mercenaries in Redux. What does everyone think? Do you use mercenary eliteguard? Mercenary cavalry or spears? What about those small-sized, but potentially deadly, mercenary archer units?

Personally, I only use mercenaries as a last resort. They are expensive to hire and retain, and I also consider it a mild form of cheating, since the AI never hires any. That said, my Christian kings have often kept a contingent of eliteguard around them, just in case...

[Stazi]

My guess is, from the limited info I have here is that either Moors (striking on Spain) or the Lombards (striking at the Italians in Venice) will be the first ones to start war.

This reminds me of the fact that Lombards was eliminated quite early by the rebels.

The second thing I've forgot to mention was my colony (kind of) in Scotland (you can see it in the distance on the first picture). High Command was searching for a source of good and lightly armoured infantry for future operations planned in the eastern and southern Mediterranean. After a little training and reequipping Claymore Warriors should fit the role perfectly.

I also notice that there are a dominance of 4-5 factions in the seas. Byzantium, Saracens, Italy, Aragon and the Norse – All are classical (and the most likely) naval powers in redux in my experience. Is any of these powers even close to having a serious army anywhere? Or have they wasted all their resources on their fleets?

Saracens have the biggest army in the game right now. Byzantium and Italian have also significant amount of troops and actively fight with independent provinces. Aragon and Norse - maybe one not a full stack per faction at best.

I take it that you don't use any mercenaries?

No. I don't use mercenaries. It's unfair when AI can't hire them too.

What are the Kaisers plans for his empire?

I notice that you are fairly peaceful yourself… What are your actual plans, besides grabbing promising rebel-held provinses? What is your next goal after that? What faction is most likely to be the HRE’s first regular enemy. What scenarios of war is discussed at the imperial high-command? From the pic it seems only france is the only neighbour with the capacity to be a some kind of threat somehow, all others look very weak (which is a weird sight for me.

It depends on the situation. The plan now (year 786) is to develop my core provinces to the max and build a strong expeditionary armies to spread the faith to the east and north. Lithuania and Norse are the most feasible victims... oops.. I mean they are first to be enlightened and returned to the bosom of the Christian Church. Of course there are two problems. The main problem is Poland which stays in our way and, as it's a Christian faction, Pope will surely has something to say about it. To avoid it, blitz campaign is planned and that's why we need strong and numerous forces. I'm sure two provinces in two years isn't too difficult task for the Imperial Army. The second problem is Norse navy. Unfortunately, it's much bigger than ours. Additionally, it blocks direct access to Sweden making quick, one year campaign impossible. But I'm sure sooner or later an opportunity will arise.

By the way, have there been any crusades yet, Stazi? (I'm guessing not.) Maybe the HRE can be the first to bring the glory of the cross to those benighted arabs.

No. Not a single crusade yet. I'd gladly send a crusade or two but teasing the Saracen's fleet is not a good idea right now.

That's it for now. New report will come shortly.

[Stazi]

A.D. 797. The year when things started to change. But the changes weren't totally unexpected. For the last ten years special forces of all factions were extremely active. A least 4-5 assassins were getting caught each year (even the Pope participated in it). Unfortunately, not all of them were stopped early enough. Life of my emissaries and bishops became extremely short. From those times comes the story about brave emissary who was sent on a mission through very dangerous, enemy territory. One day he was ambushed by two assassins. He not only managed to kill both of them with their bare hands but he successfully finished his mission too (Kaiser was so pleased that he thanked him directly in front of the whole court). Evidently, diplomacy and university studies weren't his only interests. The rumour about this incident spread around the world quickly. In the result no other assassin tried to kill him, ever.


But what's really important happened this year? At first, it looked like an unimportant border incident. Saracens easily conquered Sinai but a few units of muslim riders crossed the border of Egypt. Mameluks have taken this personally and that's how the full-scale war started. After about 15 years Saracens lost 90% of their territory and Mameluks became the main power in the Middle-East and the strongest faction in the world.


English has very similar story. Now the Flemish rule the southern England. Normandy is the last English province.


During the war with Mameluks, Saracens lost Sicily. High Command strongly advised to take control over Sicily and argued it will be a perfect base for our future operations in the Mediterranean. It was found that many members of the High Command were strongly "supported" by the Merchants Guild that wanted to have their own port and reduce the maintenance of their ships. After it came out a few members of High Command were changed.

Instead, Cauronia was choose as the first province in the eastern Europe where true Christianization will start.



Hmm... what else? Ooh, yes. Moors conquered Byzantine's colony in Andalusia. At first, it didn't look that bad. Moors attacked but Emperor Michael VIII sent an army commanded but one of the greatest general in history. Moors was forced to retreat but they didn't give up. Khalif gathered nearly all his troops from Portugal, Cordoba, Granada and Marocco and striked back. When the general saw the Moors' army he realized there is no strategy that can help him to defeat such a force. It is believed that his last words in Andalusia were "F*** it. Board the ships! We are leaving!". Byzantines left Andalusia for good. War ended naturally and peace treaty was signed shortly after.

Norse has their own problems too. Rebels from Norway conquered Sweden. Norse didn't get their chance to get it back because Italians were faster.
French conquered all rebel provinces and started to look for new lands.

The year 812 has come. The year when prince Ferdinand matured and became very promising young men. Nobody expected it'll be the last year of golden age, peace and prosperity.