Pace for Roman Faction in Emperor Edition - Early Stages?

[Darklion74]

What pace should I set for Rome in the Emperor edition? I know the Etruscans should be wiped out in short order, but after that, should I consolidate Italia or make quick plans for Syracuse or Carthage? I know there is a bonus for setting the right war early enough before you conquer two provinces, but is speed a requirement after the Estruscans bite the dust?

Also, Syracuse, ally or demolish?

[Hooahguy]

I would secure your position in Italia, and then head south to destroy/consolidate Syracuse and Carthage. The Celtic tribes to your north (probably) wont give you too much trouble as you take on Carthage. On the other hand, there is a decent chance that the Carthage problem will be taken care of for you by other factions, unless you have a mod which guarantees that the big factions like Carthage arent devoured by some random small faction.

[lars573]

Syracuse isn't much of an asset in the long term, where you're better off controlling all of Magna Graecia. But a defensive alliance for the first 50 turns might help. But definitely consolidate Italia first. However the Gauls of the Po valley can get agro on you early on (it'll depend on difficulty).

[edyzmedieval]

Consolidate Italia first, take out the tribes to the north and make sure the Arverni are either destroyed or left in a good state so they won't form a Celtiberian union. Once the northern border is secure, move down and take over Carthage for a good income boost, and from there onwards it should be relatively linear.

Watch out for the Illyrian tribes, they might pose problems.

[Bramborough]

I guess I don't quite understand the OP's question, at least not in the way it's worded. Seems to me that "wiping out the Etruscans" and "consolidating Italia" are pretty much the same thing. What exactly do you mean by "consolidate"?

As far as Syracuse, obviously you're eventually going to conquer them; the settlement is far too valuable to leave in the hands of an ally long-term. The only question is whether you attack Syracuse first, or go after the tribes in Cisalpina instead. Either are viable options.

[edyzmedieval]

Wiping out the Etruscans is one thing, consolidating your position against a sudden Carthage / northern tribes / Arverni attack is another thing. In the beginning, wiping out the Etruscans would leave you woefully underhanded if you played Very Hard or Legendary, leaving you wide open to sudden attacks.

[lars573]

I guess I don't quite understand the OP's question, at least not in the way it's worded. Seems to me that "wiping out the Etruscans" and "consolidating Italia" are pretty much the same thing. What exactly do you mean by "consolidate"?
Cept they're not. The Etruscans control the rest of Italia yes. But they also have Corsica. So consolidating Italia is separate from conquering the Etruscans.

[Darklion74]

Admittedly, I meant getting Corsica and Sardinia in the Consolidating Italia comment. I'm being daring in the first turn, using my first fleet to blockade Alalia and acting against Velathri with my first legion. The second legion pacifies the populace in Magna Grecia.

Admittedly, this is on Normal difficulty. I'm rather new to Rome 2, and I appreciate all the help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bramborough]

Personally, I think the early game is the most interesting. Say, the first 50-100 turns. Limited resources, only a few armies, etc. It's in this period when individual decisions (building choices, recruitment, army/agent movements, etc) are most important.

If you're new to the game, I don't think it would be a bad idea to play several "100 turn only" games with Rome (or whatever faction you prefer). Try the south option one game, then north the next, etc.

[lars573]

I like to play follow the objectives for expansion.