Thank you!

[HopAlongBunny]

Just wanted to thank all the contributors to an HRE thread.

Italy does indeed seem to be the key; steamroller that and things fall into place very nicely :)

I guess its much like the Hungarians: Venice and money make it all work http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-party2.gif

[The_678]

Yeah it's fun when you win as the HRE. Most times I win it's because I successfully rush both Italy and Denmark within the first few years of the game. Italy gives you money and Denmark gives you Huscarls. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/medievalcheers.gif

[katank]

splitting Hungary in later counter attack also yields ransom and helps your cash strapped state

as tempting as France is, I would actually save them for after the Huns.

ample militia in the forests of Lorraine can hold them off indefinitely.

[HopAlongBunny]

Actually I was shocked by the lack of trouble caused by other factions.

The Hungarians and even the Poles just sat as I secured my borders. The French left Flanders wide open as they invaded Wessex...how could I leave that alone? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Maybe more good luck than good management, but a very enjoyable campaign http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[katank]

you are lucky.

however, the reason I prefer an early rush is the unwillingness for the AI to invade during the first few years, allowing you to vacate some provinces and focus the hammer blow upon the target.

Italy and Danes shoudl crumble before anyone even starts to bug you.

French will likely move on Lorraine and/or Burgundy soon so secure that before storming down Rome and Naples, etc. for satisfaction of HRE GA.

Poles and Huns dont' pose any trouble until at least ten years from the start but by that time, I have hordes of spears and archrs and can actually field FMAA already.