Visual strategy guide thread

[Askthepizzaguy]

For those who enjoyed my England: Turn by turn thread, and even those who did not, I am considering starting another, more serious thread now that I have experience with this.

I would like to create a visual strategy guide for certain factions, such as merry old England, France, the HRE, or your favorites. Harder factions like Turkey are A-OK as well.

I intend to show through visuals some good strategies and tactics for building an empire, both on the campaign map and in battle. Obviously I will not be able to take such general guides to the length of my previous thread, which was to completion of the map, but I will be able to show fellow forum readers, from the novice to the fairly experienced, good sound strategies.

Of course, to be a serious and useful guide, I would have to have a fairly high opinion of myself in order to go it alone.

I would appreciate your input.

First of all, which faction would you like me to make a guide for first?
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When I have the results of your input, I will then be asking for contributions to general strategy, battlefield tactics, agent usage and so forth.
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This is just the beginning of what could be a great idea, or a gigantic mess.

I will probably do it on my own just for fun, but with your support and contributions, it could turn into something really good.

This is your chance to contribute.

Which faction would you like a visual guide for?

[alpaca]

Hehe I wonder if one should write a guide for the Turkish savegame Didz posted a while ago.
Anyways, this could be a good idea for people who aren't so experienced in the game or don't pay as much attention

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This is an example of what I might have as a visual guide screen. This is the campaign map for England, turn one, with some helpful hints. This is just an example, mind you, and your input is welcome.

It doesn't have to be England, of course.

Maybe I should pay attention to the spelling of heresy.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Here are some more examples of what we could accomplish, again using England as an example.

This example will focus on battle tactics.

What do you think of the on-screen visual aids? Are they good as-is, should they be changed to look more pleasing to the eye, or are they distracting?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Here I approach York



I will try to work on the details like making visual aids look better, but this is just an example.



I do my best to show troop movements and detail the overall strategy.



Highlighting critical maneuvers and showing all relevant battle data.


Showing the expected results of the battle, and pointers on what to avoid. You should try to limit your losses as much as possible. I would have done better on this battle but I am just going for examples here.

I will try and limit the number of images per post, so even slower connection users can access them with relative ease.

Does anyone know how I can make battle videos? I know those files must be huge, but it should be possible to post some. Anyone with expertise on this matter please contact me.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Some people are having trouble seeing the images. Are they too big on your screens? Any other problems?

[BattleN00b]

Yeah I'm having some trouble... how odd.

Looking forward to this :)

[Askthepizzaguy]

Yeah I'm having some trouble... how odd.

Looking forward to this :)

What kind of trouble? Please be specific. And feel free to elaborate on your opinions!

[PapaNasty]

Thats a nice looking guide your putting together there. Definately something that would help out those who are less skilled at the game, and interesting reading to those who've played a bit :) I like what you've got so far. Perhaps only slightly more polished visual aids, but it gets the message across fine

Only downside, is that your general in this battle probably picked up a Dread trait by winning with such an overpowering force compared to the enemy. Of course, that won't matter for those who want their generals to be Dread lords hehe.

problem with some guides is that there are so many different strategies you can follow. I myself normally attack York with 1 General unit, 1 archer unit and 1 spearmen unit, when I'm wanting Rufus to be more chivalric and brave than dreadful . Doesn't take much for my spears to hold their spears, my archers to decimate their peasants, and my cav to mop up their archers/peasants and hit the spears from behind

The screenies showed up fine on my screen. They just are a bit big and extend our to the right a bit, meaning I have to scroll right to read the whole thing. Not an issue really though.

[WhiskeyGhost]

What kind of trouble? Please be specific. And feel free to elaborate on your opinions!

might want to go with some larger/bolder text, and also take off the white backdrop or replace it with a toned down color, like perhaps light brown

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Thats a nice looking guide your putting together there. Definately something that would help out those who are less skilled at the game, and interesting reading to those who've played a bit :) I like what you've got so far. Perhaps only slightly more polished visual aids, but it gets the message across fine

Only downside, is that your general in this battle probably picked up a Dread trait by winning with such an overpowering force compared to the enemy. Of course, that won't matter for those who want their generals to be Dread lords hehe.

problem with some guides is that there are so many different strategies you can follow. I myself normally attack York with 1 General unit, 1 archer unit and 1 spearmen unit, when I'm wanting Rufus to be more chivalric and brave than dreadful . Doesn't take much for my spears to hold their spears, my archers to decimate their peasants, and my cav to mop up their archers/peasants and hit the spears from behind

The screenies showed up fine on my screen. They just are a bit big and extend our to the right a bit, meaning I have to scroll right to read the whole thing. Not an issue really though

Interesting... I love the feedback. True, this battle was heavily stacked in my favor, but since the guide will be something to give sound pointers to noobs and even intermediate players, and only occasionally offer a brilliant strategy that advanced players could use, I will have to give technically sound strategies to make up for a lack of skill. This battle was one that any novice could win, and that was the whole point.

However, your ideas are definitley worth their weight, and will be included as notes on the side. This way the message gets through without sacrificing gameplay.

Advanced tactics like taking down cities with minimal troops CAN be added to the guide as general information, but as a rule I won't be relying on such advanced or risky play.

Expert players will learn or already know this kind of strategy, and the guide will offer pointers in this regard, but generally the guide will intend to raise the level of skill from knowing almost nothing about the game to learning almost everything you need to know.

The advanced tactic you just used will also be included, but more as a side note.

Thank for your your participation!

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

might want to go with some larger/bolder text, and also take off the white backdrop or replace it with a toned down color, like perhaps light brown

Excellent suggestion!

The above 'guide' is just an example, and it will definitley be fine-tuned. I will experiment with the color, but you generally will need a sharply contrasting background to make the text legible.

Larger font, better color choices are a definite addition. Thank you for your post!

[Askthepizzaguy]

Leading the pack so far: Egypt, Moors, and the Holy Roman Empire.

I must confess, I think Egypt has it the easiest. I don't know how much fun writing an Egypt guide would be, or how much appeal it would have for advanced players.

The only real tips I could offer would be how to defend against crusades and Mongol invasions, other than the basics.

I have never played a Moorish campaign. Honestly. I don't know how good of a guide it would be. But, I am considering it as well as Egypt.

An HRE guide would be both fun and interesting. I could definitley show many players several good strategies for this faction, which has both potential for greatness and a critical opening game. There is much that could be learned from a faction guide for the HRE.

I voted for Turkey, myself. But the choice is YOURS.

[Hermann the Lombard]

Well...I voted for Egypt because I'm approaching the end of my HRE campaign and I want to learn about a peripheral faction that practices the eastern style of warfare. The Moors or the Turks would do, and I suppose the Turks are the most challenging.

[Askthepizzaguy]

@Hermann:

Your vote puts Egypt in the lead!

Looks like I may have to brush up on my Muslim faction warfare.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Just waiting on some more votes...

In the meantime, here are some samples of what the guide may look like.
Choose your favorite:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Due to some feedback, I reduced the size of the images. Sample text ideas.



My top 2 choices: red or white text on black for easy viewing.



The screen here is too small for my taste. Also, I consider that on-screen text may be distracting, so perhaps we should leave all the info as captions?

I don't know. Maybe half and half... some text should be on-screen.



An example of the battle screen with no distracting add-ons. You decide which format suits you... or I will! Bwahaha.

Which image size do you prefer? Can you see these OK? Some have mentioned viewing problems.

Seems kind of silly actually to be posting about color choices. As I mention in the above images, real warriors don't care about decor, just functionality. Just thought I would put this up for comments.

If no one objects, I am going to go with red text on black for onscreen comments, and red indicator lines for pointers and direction arrows.

[The Teacher]

excellent stuff - ive bookmarked this already waiting for more!

[PapaNasty]

Go with White on black I think... The red on black is a bit hard on the eyes Red arrows are good though.

hehe, for the tutorial, I vote for Scotland!! I've just started a campaign with them (albeit playing the Stainless Steel Mod) and find them a heck of a lot of fun to play!

After rampaging through Ireland and England, i'm about to turn my sights on Denmark . The Scots really are an enjoyable campaign.

[Askthepizzaguy]

excellent stuff - ive bookmarked this already waiting for more!

I assure you, and all the other readers, the more participants I get, the more I will endeavor to work on this project. Your feedback and postings will keep this thread alive and well.

Thank you!

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Go with White on black I think... The red on black is a bit hard on the eyes Red arrows are good though.

hehe, for the tutorial, I vote for Scotland!! I've just started a campaign with them (albeit playing the Stainless Steel Mod) and find them a heck of a lot of fun to play!

After rampaging through Ireland and England, i'm about to turn my sights on Denmark . The Scots really are an enjoyable campaign.

White on black you say? Very well I will consider it.

Any others have two cents to give for the color of the text?

By the way, I'd love to do a Scotland campaign, however you need more votes. Great beginner campaign.

[SadCat]

Red on black was a killer. I could not read it. Your red on blue was nice but red on white may be clearer. I see blue as brighter after work due to the light I work in. SadCat

[Privateerkev]

I like the idea of visual guides for each faction. But I also like the idea of showing how the "Galactic Empire" strategy could work for each faction. One project would be for fun and the other serious. Again its all about how much time and resources you have. And if you feel like doing it. The thread won't let me vote but if it did I would pick France because thats what I am currently playing at the moment since I finally won a long campaign as English.

[alpaca]

A suggestions for the Muslims: Show people how to effectively get Hashashims.

[Askthepizzaguy]

So far, it is a tie between HRE and Egypt!

We will need more votes!

Note to readers, POLLING WILL END tonight at midnight. If there is no clear winner by then, I will cast the deciding vote.

I'd like to get started on the visual guide ASAP.

Until then, start thinking of your favorite strategies and tactics to send in for either the HRE or Egypt!

All submissions will be considered and you will get a response! This is not a dead thread.

Thanks for your participation! These guides may not be as brilliantly researched as the ones posted in the GUIDES section, but they will be visually appealing and hopefully quite useful. I intend to review the forum guide for the faction when I write the visual guide, (and give due credit) so that much of the same useful information is included.

[Askthepizzaguy]

A suggestions for the Muslims: Show people how to effectively get Hashashims.

Will definitley show people how to get Hashashims if I do a Muslim faction. Thanks for participating!

[Askthepizzaguy]

I like the idea of visual guides for each faction. But I also like the idea of showing how the "Galactic Empire" strategy could work for each faction. One project would be for fun and the other serious. Again its all about how much time and resources you have. And if you feel like doing it. The thread won't let me vote but if it did I would pick France because thats what I am currently playing at the moment since I finally won a long campaign as English.

Thanks, Privateerkev, but my resources will definitley be used to the max in this current project, as I am a college student. However, there is no stopping you from starting your own "Galactic Empire" thread. I can offer you pointers on how to get started.

It's more fun when you're in command!

[BattleN00b]

HRE, well, what I did on M/M (which was very easy) was waste all the initial money on troops, and for rebels as soon as possible. I besieged Florence, Hamburg and some western rebel settlement right on the first turn, and then marched to would-be polish settlements like Stettin. By joining the crusade you get much more income (no troop recruitment cost for crusading troops) AND more troops, which means you can take Bruges and Antwerp, limiting France, England and especially Denmark. I fed 300 a turn to the Pope and remained almost always maxed out in the Pope-o-Meter. I played defensive and the only time anyone declared war on me was France. They besieged my castle of Metz with only three units. I picked up a larger army, broke their siege, took their city of Dijon and immediatly they asked for a ceasefire. They happily conceded with my demand - 1950 florins a turn for 15 turns.

I have been on two crusades (Antioch and Baghdad - the later called by me) and took most of the rebel settlements around the zone. I didn't get to Baghdad in time because the Turks took it first. Right now, neither they nor the Egyptians have declared war. Kaiser Heinrich has 6 command, 8 authority, 8 piety and 10 chivalry - he commanded all the crusading armies.

[Ramses II CP]

I can't vote, but I would vote for Egypt of the two 'finalists.'

[Privateerkev]

Thanks, Privateerkev, but my resources will definitley be used to the max in this current project, as I am a college student. However, there is no stopping you from starting your own "Galactic Empire" thread. I can offer you pointers on how to get started.

It's more fun when you're in command!

As a fellow college student, I understand the lack of free time. Thanks for the offer of helping me get my own empire started but my playing style is a little... different from yours. I'm afraid I would bore all of you to tears if I posted my English game. It took me until almost 1500 to get 45 territories because I go at a much slower pace to fit my style. Your right that it is more fun being in command but it is also fun to enjoy someone else's work when they put so much time and effort into it and make it fun.

[Askthepizzaguy]

HRE, well, what I did on M/M (which was very easy) was waste all the initial money on troops, and for rebels as soon as possible. I besieged Florence, Hamburg and some western rebel settlement right on the first turn, and then marched to would-be polish settlements like Stettin. By joining the crusade you get much more income (no troop recruitment cost for crusading troops) AND more troops, which means you can take Bruges and Antwerp, limiting France, England and especially Denmark. I fed 300 a turn to the Pope and remained almost always maxed out in the Pope-o-Meter. I played defensive and the only time anyone declared war on me was France. They besieged my castle of Metz with only three units. I picked up a larger army, broke their siege, took their city of Dijon and immediatly they asked for a ceasefire. They happily conceded with my demand - 1950 florins a turn for 15 turns.

I have been on two crusades (Antioch and Baghdad - the later called by me) and took most of the rebel settlements around the zone. I didn't get to Baghdad in time because the Turks took it first. Right now, neither they nor the Egyptians have declared war. Kaiser Heinrich has 6 command, 8 authority, 8 piety and 10 chivalry - he commanded all the crusading armies

Ah, an expansionist like myself! How could you NOT take advantage of the helpless rebel settlements, and quickly? They are only one tiny step away from being yours! Were I not a brutal, feared warrior, I would break into song right now and sing "Part of your world" from the Disney classic The Little Mermaid.

...and then snap the spine of some rebel scum and let them bleed to death, just for fun! BWAHAHAHAHA! I relish the pain and the agony...

dread rating for askthepizzaguy increases to +7
askthepizzaguy gains trait 'twisted sense of humor'
askthepizzaguy gains trait 'sadistic destroyer of men'
askthepizzaguy gains trait 'likes cute little snuggly-wuggly puppies with poofy tails'
dread rating for askthepizzaguy decreases to +6

...What? A hated and feared dictator of all Europe can't enjoy cute little snuggly-wuggly puppies with poofy tails? What if I fed the twisted remains of my slain rivals to them?

dread rating for askthepizzaguy increases to +8
askthepizzaguy gains trait 'totally insanse'

Sorry... a bit off topic there. For some reason, I really get into roleplaying this game.

lol...
bwahaha!
BWAHAHAHA!
BAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAAAAAAA!!!!

dread rating for askthepizzaguy increases to +9
askthepizzaguy gains trait 'laughs like an unhinged lunatic'

[Askthepizzaguy]

On a more serious note, it appears that Egypt won the vote!

You will get your Egyptian visual guide.