The German Faction
The information on this page is copyright Bradygames – Rick Barba.
Please note that the starting positions are based on the VI version of the game, and the strategy is from the Offical strategy guide.
EARLY PERIOD
Playing the Germans is possibly the most difficult position in the Full Campaign scenarios. The game starts with the Holy Roman empire in control of a large number of provinces in the centre and north of the mainland. A number of emerging factions are trying to establish themselves in the same area, and they wont take kindly to being considered imperial subjects. Expect to be attacked by the Italians, French and Polish. Also expect to find it difficult to forge lasting alliances, especially with catholic factions.
Starting units :
2 Archers
4 Urban Militia
3 Viking
4 Peasants
9 Spearman
1 Royal Knight
1 Emissaries
1 Princess
Faction Difficulty Rating : Moderate.
In reality, the empire saw themselves as the successors to Rome and therefore viewed Italy and Southern Europe as their by right. Germanic emperors constantly fell in and out of favour with the Pope. Catholic faction tend to hang on the pontiffs every word, so its essential to make an alliance with the Papal faction and keep it solid in order to pacify the pious nations surrounding the German provinces. Due to geography, the Italians and Sicilians will probably encroach into Papal lands before the start of the High Period. So the opportunity is there for the German faction to offer alliance to the pope, fight the common enemy, and thus gain favour.
HIGH PERIOD
Historically, the German Hansa controlled North Sea trade, so establishing ports, fleets and trading posts/ merchant in Friesland and Saxony is essential. You may consider expanding northwards into Denmark to secure the trade routes in the region, and eastward into Pomerania, Silesia, Prussia and Poland. Poland has relatevely few provinces, so you might be able to wipe out the Poles before the Pope has even noticed.
Starting units :
1 Catapult
4 Urban Militia
1 Militia Sergeants
2 Halberdiers
5 Peasants
6 Spearmen
4 Feudal knights
1 Royal knights
2 Mounted Crossbowmen
2 Princess
1 Emissaries
Faction Difficulty Rating : Moderate.
LATE PERIOD
By the Late Period, the Empire will have lost a sizeable chunk of their lands in France. Expanding east may be the only way to raise the funds needed to seize back Franconia, Lorraine and Burgundy from the French. At all times, the short-term nature of alliances and the frequency of attacks against Germany will require a high concentration of force along your borders. Build Border forts to stop the movement of Spies, and put up Inns to hire the mercenaries you need to respond quickly to any threat.
Finally always maintain a good level of loyaly among your generals by promoting them and marrying them to your Princesses. If generals have questionable loyalty, use Emissaries to strip them of titles, Spies to investigate them and bring charges of treason, and Inquisitors to keep up a healthy level of fear.
Starting units :
2 Catapults
1 Serpentine
3 Archers
4 Crossbows
1 Handgunners
4 Urban Militia
3 Militia Sergeants
2 Halderdiers
4 Chivalric men-at-arms
4 Peasants
2 Chivalric Sergeants
1 Teutonic sergeants
1 Teutonic Knight
2 Hobilars
1 Chivalric knights
1 Royal knights
3 Mounted Crossbowmen
1 Emissaries
1 Princess
Faction Difficulty Rating : Moderate.