What faction to play as?

**Doug-Thompson** · 09-16-2004, 15:44

Byzantines are a good start, mainly because you don't have to worry about inquisitors, Crusades and excommunication.

Of course, you don't get to learn how to use inquisitors or Crusades or how to avoid excommunication, either.

The difficulty ratings on the set-up menu in the Early Era are obsolete., mainly because people have come up with good opening moves that have been discovered since the game was invented. The ultimate example is the Turks. They're listed as hard, when the truth is that Katank's opening "Ransom Blitz" make them the easiest, most powerful faction on the board.

Spain is another faction that's described as hard but are really easy once you know how to open with them.

I'd go with the Almohads: Great early era units, decent navy, you get to use Jihads. You're on the opposite end of the map when the Golden Horde arrives.

Also, what type of units or faction do you like? If you're a horse archer fan, Hungarians are the best by far. If you like to just walk up and chop people up, follow The Grand Inquisitor's advice and go with the Danes and their Vikings. If you love cavalry charges, you might consider the French with their bonused Chivalric Knights. If you like early, lighter cavalry, consider the Spanish with their jinettes. If you have other units you'd like to use, let us know.

**Hetman_Koronny** · 09-16-2004, 15:56

And if you decide you want some challenge try Turks in Early, France in Early GA or IMO greatest challenge Russia in High... Golden Horde battles are something you must experience

**Lonewarrior** · 09-16-2004, 16:42

Italians, great economy, nice troops on early and high, the only faction you have to worry about is The Germans until you have a nice and strong army.

**Servius** · 09-16-2004, 21:29

England

I agree with Yakobu. In the first two turns of Early, abandon Aquitaine and Anjou, moving thier forces to Normandy. At the same time, move the archers from Northumbria and Mercia to Wessex. On the third turn, invade Flanders from Wessex and Normandy. The French will retreat, you have only one front-line province to defend, you have THE richest province in Europe (I'm pretty sure) and you are free to take Wales, Scotland, and Ireland at your leasure.

Also like Yaboku said, you can eventually invade Scandinavia, take out the Danes, and push as far as Saxony all the while only having two front-line provinces (including Flanders). In early you get Hobilars (light cav), a discount on the cost of Archers, Fyrdmen (upgraded spearmen), Highland Clansmen, Gallowglasses, Kerns, and Irish Infantry. In High you get Longbows (who are badass) and Billmen who are cool too.

**Doug-Thompson** · 09-17-2004, 02:19

Originally Posted by Servius1234

England

I agree with Yakobu. In the first two turns of Early, abandon Aquitaine and Anjou, moving thier forces to Normandy. At the same time, move the archers from Northumbria and Mercia to Wessex. On the third turn, invade Flanders from Wessex and Normandy. The French will retreat, you have only one front-line province to defend, you have THE richest province in Europe (I'm pretty sure) and you are free to take Wales, Scotland, and Ireland at your leasure.

Sounds like a Blitz in reverse.

**Oaty** · 09-17-2004, 04:27

Well I'd say Byzantines if you want tough troops but if you are looking for secure borders then England would be the better option. So the choice is do you wanna blitz eourope or just simply take it easy and learn a few things.

If you do start with Englang you may run into a bit of a shock when you run into the Byzantines as you may find yourself against tons of 8 stars and a faction that has the best overall troop selection for early.

In my first campaign when I ran into the Byzantines(played as Almohods) I had to lose territory quick to them to spread them thin and then march upon them. I gave them a good 6-8 provinces in 3 turns and even with them spread thin they were having pyric victories

**Lonewarrior** · 09-17-2004, 05:35

Originally Posted by oaty

In my first campaign when I ran into the Byzantines(played as Almohods) I had to lose territory quick to them to spread them thin and then march upon them. I gave them a good 6-8 provinces in 3 turns and even with them spread thin they were having pyric victories

DiD u try bribing?