Scotland or Portugal?

[Egbert]

In my next campaign game, i'd like to try a new and different faction. There are only 2 that i've never tried: Scotland and Portugal. Which is best, based on how interesting it is to play as? Which is harder?

[MedievalDragoon]

I think Portugal has the best navy,Scottland has the best pikemen and high numbers but weak missile units and no calvary, but allying with England to keep them off you wile you take Ireland is a good tactic.

[Angrychris]

scotland would be easier imo, i took england out within a few starting turns.

[Lancea Quantum]

Scotland is an easier starting position, and I prefer to play as them IMO. Portugal is much more spread out. With Scotland I take Inverness, Dublin. The wait for the French to attack England (which they always do) then march onwards to London. Once you have taken them out (removed them from the British Isles) then build up your economy (which will be amazing) as you will suffer no problems from other Nations [as your an island] until your ready to launch an attack on mainland Europe.

[Spartan90]

They both have their pros and cons. Portugal starts of in an economically advantageous situation - with their powerful navy, they can ply the trade routes of Iberia and North Africa. However, they will have a tough time against their Catholic neighbours - Spain, who can become quite a powerful nation, and also have the obligation to push the Moors back over the Gibralter strait.

Scotland starts off in a weak economic position, but are quite safe at the beginning - only one possible front to fight. Quickly grab York before England does, then grab Wales. Dublin should be taken in a couple turns, and this really does limit England's possibilities. Controlling the Isles can provide a very strong economic powerhouse.

Also, both nations are in good position to cross to the Americas when the time comes..

[Angrychris]

portugal has weaker infantry and strongholds; you have to really use ur naval/calvs

[Sodbuster]

If you're planning on playing in on VH/VH, as Scotland expect Denmark to sail across and attack. Russia, Poland, or France might make the trip too. In my English VH/VH campaign I've got going, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and Russia have all landed troops at Caernarvon at some point. No idea why.

[Pinky333]

ya the brit islands can become pretty whack.. ive seen denmark england scot land and portugal all on thier and they were all at war with each other.. pretty funny tho

[Random Emperor]

They both have good pikemens and Light cavalry.

Portugual has better javelins, gunpowder units and navy.
Scotland has better Swordmen, and dual-archers.

[Pinky333]

Oh ya to answer the question go with portugal imo scotland is boring cause you have that island .. with portugal you have more of a challenge like i beat scottland with ease

[Viking Prince]

I just finished a Retrofit Mod vh/vh with Scotland. You start in a corner and quickly secure the islands. Much like playing England after that. I simply took the English off the isles first, leaving them with Caen and with a ceasefire at the English Princess' request. Rennes, Bordeaux, Dublin, Wales, and Inverness can be taken at leasure after England is neutered. (excommunicated -- but not really much effect since either the King dies or the Pope dies and all is well.)

If you like horses -- go with Portugal. As others have posted, it is a bit tougher. Good luck!

[Angrychris]

winning with scotland was done my first time on vh/vh but i never completed a portugal campagin mainly because i expanded to fast and my economy collapsed even though i controled spain.

[Kratos]

Portugal. You can take out Spain by turn 5-6 and a few turns later you can drive the Moors out of the peninsula. Then you can expand slowly or wait for the invention of gunpowder. After this Portugal are one of the best factions in the game.

[Xerrop]

I would take Portugal: excellent navy, good gunpowder units and more interesting (diverse) factions to fight against - catholic and muslim enemys.

[The Noble Lord]

Scotland!

[Viking Prince]

Portugal. You can take out Spain by turn 5-6 and a few turns later you can drive the Moors out of the peninsula. Then you can expand slowly or wait for the invention of gunpowder. After this Portugal are one of the best factions in the game.

Why be in such a hurry to turn Spain to a cinder if you are then going to wait until gun powder? Both Spain and Portugal will eliminate the other if one is played by a human. The key to both falling is through Cordoba and the Moors. France and even the Italians (Milan and Sicily) are more of a threat than the Moors.

My opinon may be colored since my games end before gun powder.

[The Noble Lord]

Moors are fun to play too.

[Silent Assassin]

For the challenge go with Portugual but for starting position Scotland

[Magno]

Portugal is more fun, Scotland is safer. You choose

[robbo]

If I were you I'd choose Scotland and migrate to Iberia. Or vice versa. Then you get the best of both worlds.