I recognize the natural inclinement to play as a certain faction. I bought the game to play the Hundred Years war, pitting myself against those pesky English longbowmen.

But it is such a rich game, full of different tactics and strategies to be tried out. Do try and play with some other factions!

I hugely enjoy playing as the Turks, great unit roster, interesting starting position. But, with your professed love for the Byzantines, overrunning the pityful remains of Byzantium with your Jannissaries may not be your cup of tea.

The HRE is a challenge. I love the Danes too - everybody likes building a horde of Vikings in Norway and sending them off on a campain of pillage and plunder.