Starting VH/VH; Need advice :)

**Cato the Younger** · January 04, 2007, 03:27 AM

Hey guys, I'm fixing to start my first VH/VH campaign and I was thinking about straying from my usual English domination; who should I play as? I'd like to play with a highly versatile army and a nation that I can actually picture controlling most of Western Europe.

With that in mind, I've narrowed it down to France, HRE and Spain (although England is still viable I suppose

). I've noticed that all three of these are pretty well-balanced, and was just wondering what you guys think.

I know, to some it's not that big a deal.. "just pick one," they'll say, but hey, for me, starting my first VH/VH campaign is kind of sentimental; especially because I've played all the TW series and I've just never thought about doing VH/VH, despite the ease of the game. Thanks to many of you "Masters" who claim VH is the only way to go, I'm willing to give it a try!

So when it comes down to versatility, who comes to mind?

**Artos** · January 04, 2007, 03:33 AM

I think HRE. It's difficult at the beginning, but when you start to rule, it feels better than other easier factions

**Metellus** · January 04, 2007, 03:39 AM

Play Byzantium! Re-establish the Roman empire! I believe its rather hard too, and the units are a bit unbalanced (making it a little harder

). And who is to say they couldn't have conquered Europe, given a little Medieval push...?

**Artos** · January 04, 2007, 03:42 AM

Well, yeah, Byzantium is a very good option too! Mongols and Timurids coming from the east, and constant problems with the Turks, very good challenge! And you don't have to care about the pope. I just wait for a some mod to get better units for byz, atleast there was some discussion about it somewhere here in the forum.

**mybigfatgreekjihad** · January 04, 2007, 07:52 AM

too bad Byz is purple, as that prohibits me from using them

**RedLeader** · January 04, 2007, 10:50 AM

HRE is pretty cool. Expect a fight on 3-4 fronts at some point, at least with the unmodded wretched diplomacy and a proud stance not to bribe anyone in liking you. And dont forget to mod Dismounted Gothic Knights back in the campaign.

**stemix** · January 04, 2007, 11:09 AM

Play Byzantium. I also hate the colour, but its worth playing. HRE is an other option.

**PenguinsFriend** · January 04, 2007, 11:27 AM

It won't matter who you pick - playing on VH/VH is a walk in the park.

**Roma** · January 06, 2007, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by PenguinsFriend

It won't matter who you pick - playing on VH/VH is a walk in the park.

try darths mod on vh vh it improved diff lots for me

**Mikelus Trento** · January 04, 2007, 11:33 AM

Sicily. It allows for immediate expansion without the Pope consideration.

**PenguinsFriend** · January 04, 2007, 11:39 AM

In fact, if you want play on really hard, why don't you ignore the pope and get excommunicated. I've never had another faction call a crusade against me - but maybe you'll get lucky?

**Mr Longbowman** · January 04, 2007, 11:42 AM

Russia, they have big vast areas of rebel countries nearby and dosen't need to think about the pope in any way because the crusades USUALLY goes to Israel.

**Yazilliclick** · January 04, 2007, 11:50 AM

I'm enjoying venice. Of course I'm not very good and not playing VH/VH but they do have a nice area that offers some challenges. Right now I'm enjoying fighting on all 4 fronts thanks to being excommunicated (papal states are attacking me, hre, byz & milan). Almost have milan beaten down though and byz are hurting. Tempted to take rome but figure it might not be worth the trouble.

**Cato the Younger** · January 04, 2007, 01:38 PM

Thanks for all the help guys!

I'd like to play a Catholic nation because I feel like trying to put up with the Pope makes it a bit harder (not really, but it least it takes a while to start expanding without getting excommunicated). I think I'm going with The Reich.. :german:

**XSlingerX** · January 04, 2007, 02:00 PM

Denmark. Once you take Hamburg you have an awesome buffer and defense zone. Also, the ports make lots of money.

**Pfundner** · January 04, 2007, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Conquest

Thanks for all the help guys!

I'd like to play a Catholic nation because I feel like trying to put up with the Pope makes it a bit harder (not really, but it least it takes a while to start expanding without getting excommunicated). I think I'm going with The Reich.. :german:

wow! wot a cool smiley! and yes, good choice. thay have 3 very powerful 2 handed sword units!
my tactic for a hard game would be: start as hre. ATTACK EVERYONE! get excomed. on 1st turn (preferably). when monguls/timurids come atttack them 2. also, if u really wanna go for it, use jsut peasants?