Ok I will try. 1 You need alliance with Pope first. 2 The Pope can be influenced with very small sums of money at start of game. 3 Marry into the Scots Clan should keep them off your back. 4 You can defend against but not attack some one the Pope is protecting. 5 Never allay with all of your neighbors, leave one to pick on. 6 If you did #1 after a bit they get excommunicated and become fair game. 7 Jest have fun! SadCat