Minor states : Bavaria

I have been working my way through the minor states of late.

Westphalia did pretty well for me. Not exactly world domination, but at least stayed alive until 1813. The reason for this was because I actually manged to decamp the capital city to Amsterdam, thus obtaining a port. From there I took Norway and Sweden. I actually had a fleet !

Now Bavaria are a different kettle of fish.

Even more central than Westphalia, you are immediately at war with Austria and Russia. These can be beaten off in pitch battles (not enough money to build a fort defence) but they just keep coming. Just when you think you've got some breathing space every bloody faction in the game (so it seems) declares war on you and - obviously - you get overrun.

I've tried having a revolution, too. I always like to rid myself of a Monarchy anyway, but by doing this you inherit the forces you were given for the purposes of said rebellion. The means two things : firstly, you can get a scratch army together over one turn and 'rush' a neighbour with them to get a quick buck by looting and withdrawing, but of course this doesn't make you many friends ! Secondly most of the force comprises Militia ( no squares) and a load of cavalry. This is expensive and if you decide to keep/use this army you will surely run on bankrupt. Militia are no match for Russian irregulars or even Austrian LAnwehr.

I've tried decamping via the Tyrol to Venice ; no dice. The casualties you take getting there are so heavy they won't replenish in time to defend the capital (yet again) from the inevitable Russians and Austrians. I actually manged to flog out to Croatia in an attempt to get a port, with a view to sailing out via the Med to Norway !

The Russians had other ideas.

Talking of which has anyone any Bavarian strats that at least keeps you alive for more than a few years ?

I have learnt therefore, that the best way to play minor states is get a port and pump out as many merchant ships as you can. Right up to the maximum of 10 on a node. Create 'buffer' states where you can to give allies and a breathing space from the larger factions.USe the cash gained from trade to buy advances in tech, as you may not have a college.

BUT Bavaria is virtually impossible, unless of course, you take the difficulty setting right down, then it's less of a challenge.

If this is of any use to somebody wanting to play minor factions let me know. Will try others to see how they fare and report back.

A bit off-topic, but I find minor factions all have the same units, just reskinned essentially. Every minor faction I've ever battled with is made up with 12lb cannons, generic line infantry, and some low quality light horse/infantry units. Is it the same with Bavaria?

Originally Posted by Hakomar

A bit off-topic, but I find minor factions all have the same units, just reskinned essentially. Every minor faction I've ever battled with is made up with 12lb cannons, generic line infantry, and some low quality light horse/infantry units. Is it the same with Bavaria?

Bavaria has Cuirassiers, Howitzers, and Guard Infantry (named the Life Regiment), and the prominent German minor states all have guard infantry and cavalry (Saxony and Westphalia).
The minor faction skin is not generic. The southern German states have the unique model with helmets, Italians, Batavian Republic and northern Germans have bicorns, Scandinavians have top hats, and the western factions and most emergents (Kdm. of Italy, Swiss, Bretagne..) have shakos.

My experience with Bavaria is similar to that of Poland - build as many forces as you can in the opening few turns and hold out for as long as possible, killing as many as possible

If you are only fighting Austria and Russia then your odds of surviving are pretty good. Mostly due to the AI's incompetence you can hold off against larger numbers by using the couple of bridges in the region to your tactical advantage. From there its a matter of waiting for your ally France to build around you to offer support and more importantly a distraction for you to conquer the northern italian regions.

However, I have found on a couple of campaigns France and Prussia also join in and declare war which will ultimately lead to your destruction since you are surrounded by all 4 . And when this happens I like to create a epic final stand moment, some of my favourite battles I've had have been with Bavaria against massive odds.

I think you should assist the French to defeat the Austrians as well as Kutuzov's Russian army, and after the French started attacking Vienna you can pick Tyrol as your target. Tyrol is lightly defended and they should be taken with ease. Convert one of your cities to schools and stat researching. As long as you hold Munich with a decent force you can create another army to pick on other neutral German states such as Hessen-kassel, Oldenburg, and Mecklenburg. Don't attack your allies.

Minor states ; Wurttemberg - see Bavaria.

Similar army. Too far away from the coast to even contemplate grabbing a port.

Beaten up by just about everybody, including Hesse.

Need to go for a rebellion to get 'free' troops and go into bankruptcy in a last ditch to decamp.

Hard, very hard indeed, but you last a little bit longer than the Bavarians.

Next up, Oldenberg. Looks promising after having a rebellion and using the troops generated to take Amsterdam.So far so good, will report back.

My favorite was the Irish. Once you wipe out the British, you have breathing room to plan your attacks. I didn't win the world domination in time, but I did take over all of Europe.