Where to Start

[econ21]

Maybe a very good player could become powerful more quickly with another faction, I don't know - statistically, HRE starts out as top dog.

But England, and maybe Byzantium, offer an easier ride for the newcomer. England has a nice "corner" position, protected by sea. The Scots are not powerful and there are several rebel provinces in the British isles you can conquer without requiring a big standing garrison or bringing you into contact with scarey enemy factions. Plus longbows seem to be war winning weapons in my VH battles - perhaps thanks to the "passive AI bug".

Soon you may get into contact and conflict with half a dozen continental powers, but unlike some other factions, you are not thrown immediately into that precarious position.

[andrewmuir]

Sounds like very good advice. Muchas gracias.

Andrew