Quote Originally Posted by Antagonist

The Campaign
Unlike factions such as Denmark or England which have limited initial opportunities and clearly defined enemies, the Empire's position means that while you will likely be fighting people in every direction at some point. The main focus of your efforts will shift as time goes on, but will likely be different for each player and in each game.

Antagonist
Quoted for truth, and i though i'd elaborate as to why wiping out the danes and venetians gives you a superb launching platform.

Simply put, it's economics. You now have large trading infrastructures in the Baltic AND in the mediterranian. For what its worth, I think the portuguese/spanish/moors are the only ones to really reap the benefits of this, of which there are plenty. All of them involve money.

With the Danes' quick demise, you don't have to worry about the dutch powerhouse they always seem to become later on. With Venice taken, you can now become the Trading powerhouse in the south that they were supposed to be.

One Mistake i made though: Kinda important Typo.
"
Venice.
You cannot destroy the venetians in a timely manner due to their far off island nation. Instead, cut the snakes head off, and the body. Save the tail for another day (or, try to get it in a ceasfire, then kill the body, don't get your hopes up though)

You have 2 options here:
Your first move in both of them is to move your garrison (Everyone) from the southEASTERNmost province and march to attack the italian province south of them. It will take them a while to get there, so alternatively, you can sieze venice, build a boat, and sail there as well. I'd recommend both actually. But how to sieze Venice?"


That definately required a fix.



Addendum: In terms of endgame, it might be a good idea to mount an invasion of england, and then follow it all the way down till france, then invade france on all fronts. Eastern expansion is totally possible as well, but I'd bet they will end up fighting amongst themselves, which means encroaching on them may blow up in your face. They'll have to deal with those mongols eventually anyway. Better them than you.

Vis-a-Vis the Pope:
IF you are excommunicated, there is only 2 ways back into the fold (that i know of)
1) You lose enough territories (At least in the AI's case)
2) Your faction leader kicks the bucket

Obviously, you don't want 1 to occur. So it may be a good idea to go all out at the end of your faction leader's life, and not care about excommunication. Likewise, you can lose your Faction leader in battle, but thats not recommended, and may not come when you want it to. Best to eliminate a faction, and then be back into the church, than threatened into stopping half way.