Can't lose an empire, even if you TRY

[flyd]

I finished my first campaign (as Byzantium) a few weeks ago. Today, for some reason, I decided to go back to count my troops. This proved to be a difficult task. I decided the easiest way would be to collect all the troops in an area, put them all in nearly full stacks, and count the stacks (estimating 1000 men per stack). Thus began the Great Withdrawal of 1305. As I left empty provinces behind, rebellions and reappearances started.

Now, I've seen rebels join me before. But what I would see next shocked me. In 1316, every single rebel province, except one, joined me. I didn't regain the entire empire because the reappeared Germans took some provinces.

Maybe this is a good way of getting free troops?

[Gregoshi]

Hmmm. Your people really like you. They really do Even the rebels agree (What were we thinking?) Try jacking up the taxes and razing key buildings.

I don't think good is the right word to describe this method of cheap troop aquisition. Cheesy is the word.

[BlackFireStorm]

High influence king? Weak rebel leaders?
Grab the chance with both hands and run

[HopAlongBunny]

Gee Gregoshi, why turn down free cheese