Thanks Didz - interesting - I guess playing Venice means I have to change my playing strategy and be more agressive (which I don't like doing - I'm not an agressive person!). I have to say I've had to disband the starting fleets for Venice as in the early game they've been too expensive for me to maintain, whilst also fielding an adequate set of northern and eastern armies and some city/castle building. Granted, once I get better finances i'll be making sure my war galleys rule the waves.