Difficulty of the Holy Roman Empire

[Egbert]

How hard is it, overall, to play as the Holy Roman Empire in the Grand Campaign? I've already tried playing as this faction in the campaign, but i've made relatively little progress beyond capturing a few Rebel settlements. I once attacked Denmark, only to be excommunicated. I know that this faction starts out with the lowest papal favor. What can I do to avoid conflict with the pope and succeed in general as the Emperor?

Thank You!

[Robo1992]

Try in your first few turns to get an alliance with the Papal States. Try to take as many rebel provinces as you can at the start, then just try to grow as fast as you can. Before long you should be in good relations with the Pope. If you are going to get into conflict with someone try to be on the defensive side of it, don't try and destroy them. If they get excommunicated then attack them. But overall for an experienced Total War player even on very hard it shouldn't be that hard to win, or at least do well.

[zeuxis the mighty]

1. make a lot of alliances and as previosly said especially w/ the pope
2. take all the surrounding rebel settlements and build up your military
3. try to take down Milan or venice (focus on one)
4. proceed with campaign (beware of Sicily even if you have an alliance they're very fond of attacking Bologna)

[lifeonmars]

as said above make alliance with pope
and capture Hamburg
if the danes get it they become very powerful
launch quick expansion
then spend the next few turns rebuilding

[Silent Assassin]

OK here what you need to do

1- Get Hamburg on your first turn atleast before the Danes, that will solidify your defense on the the North
2- Ally your self with the Pope because when you start your not in is favor try to sell him in the same time Bologna.
3- Ally your self with England, Poland, Venice and Hungray ( do not ally with Milan they are untrustable)
4- I usually try to take all of the Baltic area to get better trade (sea) HRE as not much cities close to shoor, try to take out the Danes without getting excommunated(They only have one settement at first)
5- Protect Vienna as this citie will bring you lots of money and trade be sure to build everything that gives you income like Mines, Merchant buildings, paved roads....
6- Get on the British Ilsland to get the settlments taht your ally dosen't have.

That is a very good start

Hope this helps

Rebel