Got the game 4 days ago, damn what a time killer.
Tried a few factions, but the Danes are a howl. For once, you can now play in a non-conquest style and have lots of destructive fun. I played in the High Age.
First got Sweden. It has the potential to pump out 1200plus florins a month, great if you're playing like a Viking and not intending to hold more than 5-6 provinces. Attack on the first turn, get it, get some backup and hammer the last rebel state. Build up Sweden to keep and pump out longboats too.
After you get it, it's LONGBOAT TIME! Man these boats are cheap and useful. Get two to the West for trade (build up on this) and one to the East to the Baltic.
At this time, you'll prob be running out of money. It's VIKING TIME! The Russians are really silly. Sea Raid the province next to Moscow when you got about 9 units. Grab what money you get (ignore the garrison) and invade Moscow. BIG MONEY! Ignore Garrison again, retreat via port. This nets about a useful 300 florins, great for more long boats and florin upgrades. Never go into war with the French and English - they got too many boats and ports.
Raid Moscow a couple of times, especially now the province next to it is revolting against the Russians all the time. The Russians are doomed in the long term anyway with the Golden Horde.
Next target for raid - Spanish! Few ports, so trade is not that affected, and fewer boats. Snake your long boats around Spain, and when ready, pump in 12 units led by a heir. Get chased around destroying buildings etc. Hope to get back via port but if not, no big deal. I send heirs with "Drunken" tags or similar on these expeditions.
When longboats pass Spain, next target Aragonese! Hammer them, wipe them out completely and send troops rampaging around Spain. They will be destroyed but Spain will be pressed hard by the Almos and will press for peace.
Now you have enough florins from upgrades, trade and raiding to get to Italy and Egypt. Bad choice to war with Egypt, since lotsa trade.
Next florin source: Almos! They don't defend North Africa. Again wipe everything out there, so that the Spainish get a breather. Attack their ships simultaneously. Time it right and you will get enough florins to get to the black sea, all on five provinces only
- 3 Scandinavian, Scotland, Northhumbshire (English RIP by France). Money is the most important, therefore trade is. My most upgraded unit was men-at-arms lol. Never attack France, English, Egypt, Turkish. The rest are fair game.
have fun
