[EU3] Byzantine Strategy

**Maximus_96** · December 16, 2009, 08:45 AM

What is a good way of being the Byzantines in the latest version on WWM?

**Bolkonsky** · December 16, 2009, 09:59 AM

This might help you out.

**Maximus_96** · December 16, 2009, 05:27 PM

that helped a bit

**John I Tzimisces** · December 17, 2009, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by COGlory

This might help you out.

That's HttT, not a mod. Principles are more or less the same.

In WWM, as there's a shitton of greek/orthodox provinces owned by non-greeks and non-orthodox, spies are your friend. Spies and trade early on.

Also, don't underestimate the importance of the navy for such a small starting country. Early on, the ottomans are quite volatile. While obviously all of their country is their cores, something like half of it is not their culture or religion. How do they reinforce these provinces? the sea of marmara. With a fleet in the way, they can't do that. Greek patriots will defect to you (unless they're greek nationalists. Watch out for those).

As for the spies, remember for a moment there are a number of latin states in greek territories. And all of them are small. A greek patriot rebellion, if financed by you, if successful will give those provinces to you. A single investment in cyprus will net you the island, and the same with rhodes and achaea. I would prioritize making sure those provinces are yours before you try and take on the ottomans, given that you have, what, two provinces?

I also might recommend pushing the start date back a bit. If you start in like...1406 or so you'll have thessaly. Extra tax base means you won't have to mint as much...obviously means the ottomans will be a little easier to take on...though it doesn't close the gap in power by too too much.

**Yoda Twin** · December 18, 2009, 06:41 AM

Navy and spies is the key, if you can keep the Ottomans out of Greece, greek patriots can easily get you the majority of Greece in within 5 - 10 years

**Maximus_96** · December 18, 2009, 08:51 AM

alright, when do i declare war on the ottomans?

**Killerbee** · December 19, 2009, 03:31 PM

Whenever you want, it's a friggin game

**John I Tzimisces** · December 20, 2009, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Mr.Blackadder

Whenever you want, it's a friggin game

HURRRRR

It's best to be an opportunist. It's good to understand that the ottomans WILL be gunning for you sooner or later. I'm make getting control of those smallish latin states a priority if only to prevent the ottomans from getting a 99% warscore on you just from taking thrace...
I would also say don't be afraid to take a loan. But if you do you can't be idle. You have to be improving your income constantly.

**Bolkonsky** · December 26, 2009, 07:41 PM

Fund Patriots if you have the cash and spies. Try and get a province that way, before declaring war on the Ottomans. It will help if they are at war with someone else, maybe the Timurids, and also, don't declare war on them if they are allied with the Mamluks.