Help!!! The whole of Europe is at War with Me and Can not make a Ceasefire!

[Kilroy88]

Just wanted to start off by saying that I really enjoy the medieval total war 2 but the game really does get on my nerves and I am getting frustrated with some game concepts. My main problems are


1: I keep getting people declaring war on me
2. I cannot stop these wars-even if I use diplomacy and offer them 17,000 florins, tribute of 1000 florins for 20 turns and offer them one of my cities and its only turn 50.


I thought 1.2 patch was supposed to limit factions pointlessly attacking you.



I currently playing a France game on Hard setting and its turn 50 and I am currently at war with England, The Holy Roman Empire, Milan, Portugal, Demark and The Moors . I have not started one war or attacked any1 myself before they sneak attacked me. Try as I might I cannot get any of them to make a ceasefire- even if I offer them all the gold in the world.


I had an alliance with Holy Roman Empire in turn 10 as I got my Faction Heir to marry a German Princess- but they just attacked me for no reason and then allied themselves to Milan who declared war on me two turns later. Basically my early game was war with German and Milan vs me with no way to stop the war.
Now its turn 50 and I have just destroyed Milan but- England, The Holy Roman Empire,Portugal, Demark and The Moors are all Allied together and at war with me and I cannot stop the First World War lol- all countries against me.



I am allied to hungry, Venice and Papal States, but I can not convince any of them to attack my enemies even if i offer them 20,000 florins- which is the point of an alliance. I am the richest strongest faction but no one wants to help or make a ceasefire even tho I defeat their armies and take their cities.
I am basically going to have to quit this game after about 9 hours play which is a shame because I cannot take on the whole world. It is annoying because I am number 1 in all areas Military, Finance, Production, population. I can not break up the alliance that has formed against me and every1 is an war with- if only had one or two enemies I would be fine.


I need guides/ advice on how to stop wars and people not to attack you in the first place.
I think this is a serious problem in Medieval Total War 2 and it’s very stressful. If you cannot stop wars what is the point in having ceasefire on the diplomacy screen.


Please could some1 point me in the right direction and maybe to a guide that help with making cease fires diplomacy and alliance building, particularly at the higher settings. Has any1 else had the same problem as me in having the whole world at war with you and no way to make peace?


Sorry for my moaning thread but it’s getting frustrating that an otherwise good gamer is spoilt by not being able to stop wars. No one should have to have a war with a faction for 150 turns lol.

[Aeratus]

its turn 50 and I am currently at war with England, The Holy Roman Empire, Milan, Portugal, Demark and The Moors

I think the number of enemies sounds normal if you did not fully wipe out the enemies who have declared war with you.

I am the richest strongest faction but no one wants to help or make a ceasefire even tho I defeat their armies and take their cities.

The stronger you are, the more likely the AI will declare war on you. The weaker you are, the less likely. Once you're of a certain size and strength, it becomes virtually impossible to play diplomacy on higher difficulty levels.

Please could some1 point me in the right direction and maybe to a guide that help with making cease fires diplomacy and alliance building, particularly at the higher settings.

This is Medieval 2 Total War, not Medieval 2 Total Peace.

[AJenny58]

I agree with Aeratus. Also you are France, they have a tough starting position as they are bordered by the HRE and Milan, which are two of the most aggressive factions. Also you are playing on hard campaign difficulty, making the AI more aggressive. Try an alliance with Poland, they usually hate the HRE. Don't quit, it sounds like you have everything in the world you need to destroy your enemies. Good luck.

[irishron]

If you are playing a Catholic faction and get excommunicated, expect immediate assault from all sides.

What has been said is true. The stronger you become, the bigger the bullseye you become and there is a point there is no more diplomacy, just all out war.

[xcorps]

If you can afford to pay 20k and are the richest and strongest faction, why worry about a ceasefire? Firm up your defenses and let them seige you while you go about your business. Or build a couple of shock armies full of cavalry to keep their armies too weak to bother you. Give 1500 a turn as a gift to the Pope, then when you have a nice high rating with him, he will give you missions to cease hostilities. When the HRE or Milan ignore those missions and continue to attack you, they will be excommunicated. Once that happens, call a crusade on the Capital of the faction you want to make peice with and send your family generals on the crusade. Much hilarity, experiance, and retinue goodness results.

I'm currently in a Campaign as Venice (H/H) and the HRE and Milan have been my enemy since about turn 10. The method above got me Paris, Dijon, and Innsbruck. I still have 4 stacks of gold/silver exp Pilgrims and Fanatics tromping around as a result. Also earned about 50k florins from sacking those places.HRE has been excommunicated about 5 times, as has Milan. Spain, Portugal keep attacking me for the last 15 turns, but the Pope calls them off. Every time he does, they offer a ceasefire which I charge them 1500 florins for. HRE is reduced to fielding peasants. Milon just took Dijon back when I emptied it to send the militia there to finish of the Byzantines, but that's ok. It's just about time for another Crusade.

As said above, there is a point in your campaign where you just become too powerful for reasonable peace. Denmark and Hungary are still allies, and I still gift them 2k a turn for the last several turns, but I can't get my relation with either faction above poor.

Gunpowder soon though, but then the plague.

[dannyalex]

Gunpowder soon though, but then the plague.

[skofuz]

If you have armies in your homeland that will act as a deterrent. Couple that with a high chivalry faction leader and nobody will attack you. And if they do you can just retaliate hard with your armies that you put in your homeland. After grabbing a few cities getting a ceasefire is easy. This way you can just relax and play the game instead of being at constant war. Just remember to build up a strong empire the first 30 turns. As France I conquered the Iberian Peninsula north-west africa and all the french rebel cities and Gifted Metz and Bern to the Papacy to block the HRE (the AI is reluctant to walk through the Papacy's territories). It's turn 120 now and the only factions that have declared war on me are Denmark, I replied with destroying them and getting Antwerp, Hamburg, Arhus, Stockholm, Stettin and Magdeburg. After that Poland tried their luck but I got a ceasefire after killing their army. Later Milan tried aswell but I got a ceasefire from them aswell after killing their army. I got six armies in Europe. Three in France, two next to Milan and one next to Caen. And I have three armies in North-Germany to ward of the HRE, Poland and Russia. I have the economy to push out more armies but I won't for the time being, because my campaigns in the middle-east will definetly be costly due to the rebelious nature of the populations there.

EDIT: Just read the guy above. NEVER sack christian cities, this will hurt your reputation with the other catholic factions and it's not worth it. Always release prisoners and occupy their cities/castles. And 1500 florins each turn in tribute is overkill, 250 florins per turn in tribute is more than enough, I'm always in perfect standing with the Pope.
Also xcorps the reason your relations with other factions is so low might be because you sack the out of cities, I'm guessing you execute prisoners aswell. Take a look at your faction leader, if he has less than 5 stars in chivalry he's pretty bad and you need to get him on a crusade asap.

[Re_Minder]

Well, first of all, if you don't ally people it's the same as asking them to attack you. Stabs by allies do happen sometimes, but not nearly as often as attacks on non-allied countries. So... ally almost everyone around, pick on 1-2 nations at the same time, keep your reputation high and fill all upkeep slots in cities with guards as well as recruiting an extra or two.

[xcorps]

EDIT: Just read the guy above. NEVER sack christian cities, this will hurt your reputation with the other catholic factions and it's not worth it. Always release prisoners and occupy their cities/castles. And 1500 florins each turn in tribute is overkill, 250 florins per turn in tribute is more than enough, I'm always in perfect standing with the Pope.
Also xcorps the reason your relations with other factions is so low might be because you sack the out of cities, I'm guessing you execute prisoners aswell. Take a look at your faction leader, if he has less than 5 stars in chivalry he's pretty bad and you need to get him on a crusade asap.

Yep, that would be me. I sack everything that gives more than 1500 in florins and I execute as a matter of principal. Thanks for the advice, that will help next time.

[crzyrndm]

Sounds like a standard france campaign, with the wars you've got going. England, Milan(backstab central), and HRE should definetely be at war with you. The danes means you probably siezed Antwerp and that other one near Hamburg.
Portugal and the moors means you siezed toulose and possibly a settlement on the iberian peninsular(probably valencia).

If you can afford tribute like that build up 2 stacks of the best troops you can field, capture nottingham on the british isles with them if you haven't already done so and proceed to wipe out the english and scots. While you are doing that, buildup at toulose to steam role the iberian factions. Once finished with britain ship whats left across to the danes. If you get a little bored take out milan as well(never ally with these buggers, the can't hold an alliance even with an executioner standing over them).
Destroy any faction that you attack before moving on to the next one. Send your diplomat to rome if you haven't already and offer 500-1000 for 20 turns because otherwise you are going to get excommed with all these catholic wars.

[AJenny58]

Do NOT ally with everyone around. You must pick and choose carefully. Don't ally with two nations that are bound to go to war with each other because then you have to break an alliance and your global reputation will drop.

[Re_Minder]

Do NOT ally with everyone around. You must pick and choose carefully. Don't ally with two nations that are bound to go to war with each other because then you have to break an alliance and your global reputation will drop.

I dare to object - while it does reduce reputation a bit, it's nothing that can't be restored by a chivalrous leader in a few turns and when you do break the alliance, the nation that isn't allied anymore to you is busy with your ally, becoming no threat and easy pickings. So for a minor rep drop you get long term safety (till the alliance is broken) and an easy target when it is broken... that isn't a bad deal for me.

Then again, picking allies wisely is always advised. What's the point in allying someone who you're going to attack in next 5 turns...

[AJenny58]

I dare to object - while it does reduce reputation a bit, it's nothing that can't be restored by a chivalrous leader in a few turns and when you do break the alliance, the nation that isn't allied anymore to you is busy with your ally, becoming no threat and easy pickings. So for a minor rep drop you get long term safety (till the alliance is broken) and an easy target when it is broken... that isn't a bad deal for me.

Then again, picking allies wisely is always advised. What's the point in allying someone who you're going to attack in next 5 turns...

Interesting points. I've never had a very chivalrous leader before, so that's likely the reason I try to pick an ally and stay loyal for nearly the whole game. By about turn 100 I'm lucky if anyone will even accept trade rights haha. I guess chivalry is the answer to better diplomatic relations.

[dannyalex]

I guess chivalry is the answer to better diplomatic relations.

i always go for something between middle,Aleader with Chivalry helps,but find quiet nice Dread to Leader armies with the only purpose to Conquer more Lands

[Stratorian91]

Hey Man

I know what you mean - Its happened to me as well on MTW2 but like in history when Revolutionary France faced war on all her fronts in 1792-1793 - you use what you can to repel the enemies. You say you are rich, then bolster your defences, raise armies and march them to the frontline!

As France vs. England, The Holy Roman Empire, Milan, Portugal, Demark and The Moors here is the strategy (I formed it, put it into practice and with sheer determination, I was victorious)....

Portgual and the Moors are the minor enemies: just guard France's southern border with 2 or 3 full strength armies.
England - take Caen, then Normandy is yours. England has lost its only continental possession. Retain Caen as a castle/fort for military benefits. Bolster Channel Defences.
Holy Roman Empire, Denmark and Milan are the main enemies - they are spread over your eastern borders from the Med to the North Sea - I say 2 armies to attack the Milanese and your main forces to strike the HRE and Denmark - expand France to the Rhine river, guard the bridges, take Bruges and Antwerp and bolster their borders with HRE/Denmark.

In the meantime, to generate further income - improve economy of your French hinterlands. When you have neutralised Milan (take Bern, Dijon, Milan and Genoa) your Italian front shall be secure (if Venice is your ally, all the better - although be watchful of them).

Naval Warfare is second to your land conflicts, blockade all Moorish ports and those of England. Remember, England NEEDs a Navy in order to launch attacks at you, cripple her naval forces, blockade her ports, more importantly: try to ally with Scotland if they are still about - they should help you out.

Keep on going!

[Under_Siege]

Portgual and the Moors are the minor enemies: just guard France's southern border with 2 or 3 full strength armies.

What? Guarding southern borders with 2-3 FULL ARMIES? I don't see any reason why he should raise 2-3 full armies just to guard, he could expand instead...

England - take Caen, then Normandy is yours. England has lost its only continental possession. Retain Caen as a castle/fort for military benefits. Bolster Channel Defences.

As you say below, HRE, Denmark and Milan are the main enemies, I don't see any reason why he should try to take Caen at this moment, and waste soldiers who are needed elsewhere... England cannot make big attacks from this castle, and even if make - a strong garnison is more than enough.

Don't forget, the guy may have a lot of money, but not enough to make 10 armies, a really strong fleet and building in his cities... At this stage, he should fight with HRE, Denmark and Milan.

Holy Roman Empire, Denmark and Milan are the main enemies - they are spread over your eastern borders from the Med to the North Sea - I say 2 armies to attack the Milanese and your main forces to strike the HRE and Denmark - expand France to the Rhine river, guard the bridges, take Bruges and Antwerp and bolster their borders with HRE/Denmark.

What? Another two armies attacking Milan and the MAIN FORCE strike HRE and DENMARK? How many armies he should raise for your advice - ten? 15?

Naval Warfare is second to your land conflicts, blockade all Moorish ports and those of England. Remember, England NEEDs a Navy in order to launch attacks at you, cripple her naval forces, blockade her ports, more importantly: try to ally with Scotland if they are still about - they should help you out.

Instead of just sending french hordes against everyone, I think it will be far smarter if you increase the garnisons, which are attacked and send your forces against Denmark, HRE OR Milan... You can't attack them all in the same time. While you are fighting, don't stop training troops and then take Caen and Normandy, or send your units fight in east against your main enemies.

But I must warn you - when/if you take Milanese cities, and Venice are your neighbours, you can expect attacks from them.

[Stratorian91]

Well I know it works differently for different games and people - maybe I just stuck to the principle of 'Levée en masse' - forming as many armies and navies as my economy allows (if it allows) and chasing the enemy out of my Kingdom.

However I do respect that we can share our differing views on strategies. WIth regards to the Moors and Spain and the 2-3 armies, I only counted the number of passes through the Pyrenees Mountains and thought that will do - either to guard the southern border or to expand to the Ebro river and beyond. Sigh. Just making a point, no need to shoot me for it.

[Under_Siege]

Well I know it works differently for different games and people - maybe I just stuck to the principle of 'Levée en masse' - forming as many armies and navies as my economy allows (if it allows) and chasing the enemy out of my Kingdom.

However I do respect that we can share our differing views on strategies. WIth regards to the Moors and Spain and the 2-3 armies, I only counted the number of passes through the Pyrenees Mountains and thought that will do - either to guard the southern border or to expand to the Ebro river and beyond. Sigh. Just making a point, no need to shoot me for it.

No offense man I am just arguing.

And regards to the Moors and Spain, I think that increasing the cities/castles in the southern border will be enough for battles with minimal loses, if he has a crossbowmen - these guys can make a miracles.

And if the guy has many armies, he will be on minus income, big minus, and that could be a problem. But I think that first he should invade east - Denmark, HRE and so, because they are the biggest problem and weakening them will be good Later on he can invade european England and Iberia.

There is a big chance that there will be new problems after dealing with the eastern guys - defending from Poland, Venice, Sicily and/or Hungary for example. Even with alliance.

[Stratorian91]

Fortifying the southern border of France - top idea - Charlemagne did it for real, he created the march states there.

I would only suggest mass formations if your economy was well-developed. A fortified southern border would prove useful, most of the troops there could be diverted to another front without having to worry about the Moors and other Iberian factions.

As I said before: the Italian front would be worth investing in - destroying Milan. securing a border with Venice (albeit wary of them) and a border with the Papal States and protecting the Pope from potential attack from Sicily or Byzantium (score some browny points with his Holiness). Italy has wealth, that could be attainable. What do you reckon?

[Under_Siege]

Fortifying the southern border of France - top idea - Charlemagne did it for real, he created the march states there.

I would only suggest mass formations if your economy was well-developed. A fortified southern border would prove useful, most of the troops there could be diverted to another front without having to worry about the Moors and other Iberian factions.

As I said before: the Italian front would be worth investing in - destroying Milan. securing a border with Venice (albeit wary of them) and a border with the Papal States and protecting the Pope from potential attack from Sicily or Byzantium (score some browny points with his Holiness). Italy has wealth, that could be attainable. What do you reckon?

Yes, fortified southern borders would be smarter at this time... I also think that as he is expanding to east and making more units at the same time, he could gather created units and take european England - they are the easiest target and have developed cities.

About Italy - I think that this will not be the smartest thing - even if Milan has a few territory, it won't be an easy task of destroying it. But even if they are destroyed, the guy could have problem with Sicily and Venice - I don't know why, but these bas-ards always betray me And about taking Rome, this could be useful, if Sicily or BE, or whoever take Rome, the guy can take it and gift it to the pope, this will be useful.

Instead of expanding into Italy, which can increase the enemies and fronts to fight, I will recomend Denmark - with taking Scandinavia he can attack HRE from both sides. And Scandinavia is really well placed, isolated and so. I don't know why, but I always find Denmark easy, or at least easier than Milan - Milanese infantry is very good with all these crosbowmen and etc.

So destroying Denmark, then attack HRE, also alliance with Poland, Russia, Hungary and whoever is suitable. And after he pushes HRE or destroys it - then it is time for Milan, that is what I think.