Quote Originally Posted by Daveybaby
Managing to monpolise the textiles resources in northern italy very nicely thanks. The key is to build their stats up elsewhere first.
Sorry, no deal. If you set up shop anywhere near civilization your chances of being bought out are extremely high. If you can spare the navies to float your people out to Timbuktu that’s great, chances are you’ll soon be at war and need every ship defending your coast. Everyone with a ship will be after you and you’ll loose trade agreements.

I’m trying an experiment of cutting loose from everywhere but northern Italy early on to reduce my surface area. Hopefully this will avoid a naval confrontation with the Byzantines and leave me with just Sicily to worry about. Your army defending your five cities (four and a castle) will be sucking up enough cash to ensure you that you don’t have too much left over for merchants. Quick cash via mines may be the best option.