Anyone playing Venice on h/h or better

[Mahatma]

Is it possible to take Milan, Genoa, Bologna and Florence early in the game or will I likely suffer many crushing defeats? I don't want to embark on an impossible mission, spend 3 hours failing at it and then restarting my campaign. That would pi$$ me off. If I can't defeat both the HRE and Milan, would I have a good chance of taking Bologna and Florence, allying with Milan and blockading the passage through the alps to prevent a HRE counterattack?

The Knights Templar, what are their stats and how do they compare to other cavalry in the game?

What are peoples tactics when playing Venice or against Venice early in the game?

[ghost665]

From what i understand venice is a naval power, i somehow doubt your going to be able to steam role through the region unless your either cheating or playing on easy. Best idea is probably to take bits off of the HRE due to internal instability rather then direct conflict. Oh and of course developing trade and crusading of course.

[edmont]

Milan has better unit Genoese crossbowmen they would make you to regret (Playing vh on Germania)

[SIlver General65]

lol