Quote Originally Posted by PaulTa
Katank is right. House rules make the game much more interesting.

For example, as Spain I don't attack the portuguese until they initiate the conflict. This gives them time to tech up. I, as a rule, try and shoot for rebels before other factions, so the other factions have some time to get themselves together and rollin'.
I play every game with the rule that I don't attack anyone who doesn't attack me first. And I accept basically all ceasefires. And I won't engage in a reprisal until their reputation is trashed from attacking me. If I'm a catholic faction I won't retaliate until they get excommunicated.

Game's much more fun this way. I've become a master of the machiavellian in the process.