Hi peoples of the world. For those of you who have tried to play Venice in M2TW but said "This is way too small for a start", I have come up with strategies and steps for Expanding Venice into Greece. I hope these will help you out.
Note: You should take Florence or Zagreb on turns 9 or 12 (enough for seige and assault)
Note: If Durazzo is owned by sicily when your about to seige it just bribe them if that doesnt work take Zagreb AND Florence
(turns 1-8) step #1---->You will need to recruit a large army at the beginning because Venice starts off slow and speeds up as you go. Recruit the best units you can at the beginning but leave enough money to fund your buildings.
(turns 8-13) step #2---->Since Venice is a relatively small country compared to the rest of Europe/Italy you will want to expand to the rebel settlements of Zagreb or Florence so you can have extra footholds in Europe/Italy.
(turns 13-20[should be enough time]) step #3----> I will leave what buildings you build up to you but there are 4 buildings you should build first in order to do this the aggresive way [in no specific order] #1)Barracks, #2)Range, #3)Stables, #4)Blacksmith. A blacksmith is so important so you can have units with great defense, great weapons,etc.
(turns 20-23) step #4----> Once you have taken Florence or Zagreb you should repair and build if you cannot build, recruit.While you recruit find a general with good command points[Cristiano Selvo] and recruit mercs and some Mailed Knights or Mounted Sergeants and any other units you want(not more than 10 units in this army because your destination is a village).
(turns 23-25) step #5----> Attack Durazzo and since it is a village assault it on the first turn. Even if Durazzo is poorly defended do not have your general charge with the rest of the army he needs to stay alive (for govern reasons).[this is your first/main foothold in Greece].
(turns 25-30) step #6----> Recruit armies and build. you also would want trade rights with any countries willing that wont become your future enemies.[make some allies also(i suggest Papal States,Sicily & Hungary)] After Turn 29 Have a full army take the settlement of Corinth so you can supply Iraklion with any units you need. [this is your second foothold into Greece(and beginning of war on The Byzantine Empire)].
step #7----> Wait 5 turns so you can repair, retrain, recruit & build up your cities. (turn 35 now)
(turns 35-37) step #8----> It is turn 35 now and we SERIOUSLY need to speed up.[hopefully there was a crusade and you have taken the target city] Send an army to Thessalonica and set siege to it.Take it the first time you get a chance.[this is your third and final foothold into Greece].
(turns 37-40) step #9----> Even though Constantinople is not technically in Greece it is a Great spot to start if you are planning to invade the turks. You should start with a full army and half full reinforcement army and set seige to Constantinople (have some seige units). after you take Constantinople it is up to you how you will finish off the Byzantine Empire[they should only have 2 or 3 cities left].
that is all for this guide. Invading the Turks as Venice will soon be next.
Death is what happens when you "accidently" run into a spear
Death is what happens to the man who acts like an ass
Death is when I kill you in war
Death is how lives end
DEATHAL IS HERE TO TEACH YOU THOSE LESSONS!!!!
(turns 1-8) step #1---->
(turns 8-13) step #2---->
(turns 13-20
(turns 20-23) step #4---->
(turns 23-25) step #5---->
(turns 25-30) step #6---->
step #7---->
(turns 35-37) step #8---->
(turns 37-40) step #9---->
that is all for this guide. Invading the Turks as Venice will soon be next.
Death is what happens to the man who acts like an ass
Death is when I kill you in war
Death is how lives end
DEATHAL IS HERE TO TEACH YOU THOSE LESSONS!!!!
[This message has been edited by deathal (edited 01-28-2012 @ 01:55 PM).]