The Holy Roman Empire (M2TW-K-TC faction)
- Game: Medieval II: Total War - Kingdoms
- Culture: Northern European
- Religion: Catholic
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Contents |
Campaign
Starting position
Regions
- Magdeburg - Minor city (Capital)
- Hannover - Large town
- Hof - Village
- Prague - Fortress
- Stettin - Minor city
Purse
10000
Introduction
The Hohenstaufen dynasty ascended to the throne of the Roman Empire in 1138, prepared to restore the former glory of the Empire. The current emperor, Frederick II, crowned in 1220, renewed the Empire’s conflict with the Pope. Frederick II, speaking nine languages and an avid patron of the arts and sciences, is known as Stupor Mundi, or “wonder of the world”. He embarked on a Crusade to the Holy Land, despite being excommunicate, and was crowned the King of Jerusalem in 1228. Frederick’s success in claiming Jerusalem for the cross brought him great prestige throughout Europe, but provoked further hostility from the Pope, for crusading while excommunicate. Many see Frederick as a great hero, but others, including the Pope, call him the Antichrist.
No longer able to use the church as a way to maintain power, the Empire began to lend land to ministerialia, formerly unfree service men. This new class of people formed the basis for what has become an imperial power base, the knights. The Empire’s increasing population, along with the need to concentrate their economic power at strategic locations, pushed the Empire to found new cities and expand their power base.
The German princes grew in strength and began a successful colonisation of West Slavic lands, extending the Empire’s influence east. The Teutonic Knights were invited to Poland by Konrad of Masovia to Christianise the Prussians in 1226. The Holy Roman Empire allowed the Teutonic Order to rule Prussia as a sovereign monastic state and donated land to the Order.
With the Holy Roman Empire’s long-standing enemies, Denmark and Poland, to the north and east, the Emperor would be wise to stay on good terms with the Teutonic Order. If they can work together, the Empire will have a chance to continue to extend its borders to the east and gain a stronger foothold to the north and a monopoly on the Baltic trade. The Empire has great strength in their beloved knights and heavy infantry, who can be used to stand strong and defiant against weaker enemies.
Strengths
Strong all-round.
Weaknesses
Lacking in professional late period armies.
Campaign rules
Long
Hold 45 regions. Eliminate factions: Denmark
Short
Hold 35 regions. Eliminate factions: Denmark