What faction to play as?

**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?

**DisruptorX** · 09-17-2004, 05:49

The Egyptians are easiest for a beginner. They can pump out troops like there is no tomorrow and have the richest provinces in the game.

When I was a n00b, I played as the Danish, Mercians, and Almohads. I lost my first games horribly.

Almohads, despite what people say, are not easy for n00bs.

**Fragony** · 09-17-2004, 08:49

Another suggestion, try the Polish! They may not seem like much but you can build a highly specialised army right away. You can make slav warroirs who are excellent in the first years, woodsmen that actually stay usefull because of their great charge and anti armour bonus, javelinman for general carnage and horsemen that are pretty decent early cavalry. You also get the best medium cavalry in the game with the retainer(you will have to wait a while before you can build them), and in moldavia you can build Avar Nobles who are unstoppable in early. To make it even more lovely, you get mounted crossbow that actually perform pretty well when used as light cavalry. If you like the battle aspect of the game the Polish are the one! Build a nice army and decimate the Germans.