Howe can I reduce revolts?

[gmjapan]

Well the WRE is in a poo state of affairs when you get it BUT there are some keys things you can do to avoid any revolts at all, no need for cheating / modding:

1. Peasant garrisons in every city: every city should be building peasants and a temple on the first turn. You cant afford it so sell every building not to do with happiness and trade in your more isolated parts of the empire (like spain) where you dont need to build any fancy units ever.

2. Move your capital: somewhere central like Caralais or Arles solves some of the biggest problems in one little click.

3. Lower tax: in the majority of cities this will raise happiness just enough to get you thru that tricky first turn.

4. Get your characters in the right place: this is the biggest factor in the remaining troublespots (like next to franks). Everyone, your family members, your diplomats, spies and assassins should be moved ASAP to a region where they match the local religion or into another factions region. This is mega important as there are at least two areas where this is the real issue and you cannot solve the unrest any other way. One general even has a christian retinues. Next to the Franks you have lots of Christian traits in a pagan area and on your western front the town bordering the sarmatians (i think). Move them, right now. I had my most western general sitting just over the border in enemy territory because of this. Also it gives your initial unrest to the competition.

5. Keep the local religion: find the locally supported religion and keep it that way. There is no reason to change, the towns that are pagan can get troop bonuses. If your want to convert later (either way), go for it. Its quite an interesting dynamic in the game. But wait until you can handle it.

6. Not all towns are needing a governor: you may find that the governor causes unrest or loses you money if you put him in a town so dont! Take some time moving the generals out of towns and watch the money / happiness go up or down and decide if they are better suited not being in charge. To keep them safe or breeding make them garrison an already governed city that matches their religion.

7. Make peace with neighbours: you start at war with some so get a ceasefire to get your trade up and secure your border towns from attack for a short while. You only need to do this while you consolidate your position. i.e. solve unrest and move troops around into worthwhile armies. Then feel free to take them over for the glory of Rome.

7. That outta do it! There is no need to get revolts and rebels as the WRE. And there is no need to mod the revolts out.

My first WRE game I played like RTW and it went to hell in a handbasket on turn 2, but it was loads of fun trying to sort out! My second WRE game didnt see any revolts or the rebel WRE faction just by using the advice above, but it was like a babysitting job the first dozen turns or so. Kinda boring.

Its up to you if you want to use a general to lead your army. The more successful he is in battle, the more likely he is to turn against your faction. Just like a True Roman actually!

One last bit of advice: if you are struggling for cash after turn 1, (likely!) disband your units. In places like Spain you only need peasants so get rid off ALL your comits and cav as you build peasants. The unit upkeep is nothing like RTW, these guys cost over 330 a turn and you start with loads of them! They are destroying you so turn them into tax paying citizens instead. OR use them to secure your borders like North Africa. Take the places that dont border any other factons and you can garrison with peasants and improve your war chest for little worry.

Wow, this turned out like a post for the guide. Oops.