using rebel lands as buffer zones

[caravel]

Thank you for advice.

I am so enjoying my old version of MTW that I do not want to start play VI and XL version for a long time (even though I really look forward to play Cumans, Bulgarians, not mentioning all the Saxon factions etc.).

If you already own VI you should install it, as it won't stop you playing the original MTW campaigns, in fact it improves them, and adds new units.

However, I will install V1.01 patch after your kind advice. The question is: will I be able to finish my current campaigns (on V1.00) after patch installation? Sorry for a stupid one...

Finish your current campaign first, then delete all of your saves and install the patch. Be sure to download the correct language version of the v1.1 patch.

Regarding buffer zones and re-emergencies - sometimes it becomes a real challenge if you fight deep in Central Europe, and suddenly a faction reemerges in strength behind your lines...

To avoid re-emergence keep a close eye on province loyalty. This should be above 120% or factions will reemerge. Watchtowers, Border Forts, Churches, Militia Buildings and Brothels all help the loyalty of provinces, as do spies (alot) and a 200 man peasant garrison (the only use for peasants).

That is my single objection to reality of MTW play. There would be no chance in medieval Europe to keep huge empires as you often command in mid-game. Feudal lords and neighbors would tear sooner or later your kingdom apart.
The Shogun and unification of Japan is quite realistic concept...

Well that is a bit unrealistic. I play domination games but don't for 100%. I usually give up once I've taken and controlled what I want and there is no longer much of a threat.

Still, it is the best strategy game I have played on PC.

[Sensei Warrior]

To Mac and Rufus. Thanks for the reply. I just thought that maybe you were playing a Mod that made the rebels alot more aggresive. I took care of the Rebel problem in one of the games I got going on now based on your info. Thanks a bunch

I agree that after playing this game for a number of years, strange nuances keep cropping up to help keep things fresh. This is by far and away my most favorite game.

I agree with CheziScrotus about VI. It foes make the "regular game" alot better, with new units, a slightly smarter AI, and the general bug squashing.

[macsen rufus]

One thing I did miss since patching up (or maybe going to VI) was the way mercs behaved. I think it was the vanilla v1 which allowed you to not only merge merc units, but merge them into non-merc units (or putting them on the proper payroll to recognise valiant service, as I liked to think of it ).

One of my favourite changes was the improved re-inforcement deployment, because that finally allowed for multi-stack battles to be properly planned for rather than taking the reinforcements "as they come".

[Ironside]

9) Removed the ability to build more than
one of certain unique buildings in your
provinces. Was possible to build, for
instance, 2 Grand Mosques at the same time.

Ahh the memories. Was able to play around with about 10-15 production centers for Nizari's with that one.
Oh, those muslim rebellions with Mongolian highlander clansmen in Georgia was quite funny to.

The re-emergence funktion reduces the strength quite a lot for the rebels. As the AI is based on Shogun's and in Shogun I've seen considerble empires for the rebels (they were churning out more than 1000 men a turn).
But that the Novogrods very often did die out due to rebels in v 1.1 and that I've seen rebels attack (like the Scots), seems to indicate that under right circumstances rebels will attack. But they often require quite favorable conditions to attack.

As for rebels, I rarely use buffert zones. I usually expand into them when I can or want (constantly expanding makes GA a bit too short).

[gaijinalways]

Th rebel buffer zones also help in another way, as the rebels slow your opponents from　taking the provinces near you. I'd rather they have to fight off the rebels to retake their depleted lands (whose cash mysteriously went into my coffers ) and save my troops for taking the province later when and if it is useful for me to do so. This often is a strategy that goes hand in hand with the scorched earth policy, so I am a bit surprised that you don't make use of it. Now in the case of Anjou and Britany, I may eventually take them, but at the moment, no, I'll let the French fight the rebels (though the French may be rebels soon themselves, as their king is endangered).

[naut]

The rebel buffer zones also help in another way, as the rebels slow your opponents from　taking the provinces near you. I'd rather they have to fight off the rebels to retake their depleted lands (whose cash mysteriously went into my coffers ) and save my troops for taking the province later when and if it is useful for me to do so. This often is a strategy that goes hand in hand with the scorched earth policy, so I am a bit surprised that you don't make use of it. Now in the case of Anjou and Britany, I may eventually take them, but at the moment, no, I'll let the French fight the rebels (though the French may be rebels soon themselves, as their king is endangered).

Yes, I see what you mean. And hopefully if enemy factions attempt to take it, the loyalty will cause larger rebellion.

[gaijinalways]

Yes, it can be effective while you tech up your other provinces. In my current campaign, I have retaken Milan, but I simply put the minimum in it (fort and tower) so as to reconnect Venice to my empire. Often when you retake these buffer zones, they'll often not be your soldier building provinces, just mere 'filler' provinces. I plan to do the same with Anjou and Aquitaine when I finally force the French out, though I wouldn't mind getting another ransom (if the French have any money left) !

I never look upon most provinces as necessary. You have to look at a long term strategy of rip and smash, and leave, and on to the next province. Of course, if you can grab a jewel, try to keep it intact if it fits in with your line of defense and your general strategy for expansion.

Of course, you may use crusades to achieve this end as well, I have yet to use a crusade though I will probably start soon to crusade so as to gain GA points. Crusades are another example of getting others to do your dirty work with your general in charge. I hope to soon crusade as I tech up and look for new rebel lands to seed !