France Details (M2TW Faction)

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Overview

Much like the Holy Roman Empire, France starts with weak units when compared to what other factions get at this time. However by the late period they have arguably the best unit roster. In the early period, France is average in terms of troops available but has a very good opportunity to expand in all directions thanks to the large amount of nearby rebel settlements.

Starting Position

France's starting position in the campaign map is both good and bad. The good part is France is surrounded by rebel settlements to take advantage of. The bad part is, it is unlikely France will be able to take all of these settlements quickly, due to France's mediocre infantry in the early period. On top of that, France is neighbors with quite a few factions to the east, all of which being potential allies, or, more importantly, enemies.

Military

Infantry

French melee infantry are primarily defensive, with only dismounted knights being able to fill any real offensive role. During the early periods, France has the standard lineup of units, however, later into the game France gains even more effective defensive troops, such as voulgiers and pikemen trainable from cities and castles. These units are exceptionally effective in the defense of settlements because of the narrow streets and passageways and attacking army has to navigate.

If the French have a need for pike infantry early in the game, they can recruit mercenary Swiss and Flemish pikemen.

Missiles

Missiles are a glaring weakness in France's military, especially in the early game periods, having only access to peasant archers and crossbowmen. France's missile capability comes out later in the game, gaining access to the longbow armed Scots Guard and crossbow wielding Aventurier, both of which being capable of serving as effective light infantry. Fortunately for France's foes, these elite units require a large amount of development to gain access to and have small recruitment pools.

The Scots Guard themselves have another weakness - due to their use of a longbow they will be too tired to fight effectively in melee if they use all their ammo, so they require some micromanagement on higher difficulty levels.

Cavalry

France has the best and largest variety of heavy cavalry of the catholic factions, including the ability to recruit Lancers, described as the "ultimate knights".

In the later periods of the campaign, France will -- after a bit of development -- be able to train their own longbow armed missile cavalry.

Artillery and Gunpowder

France's artillery and gunpowder are at best mediocre. The best firearm unit France has access to are arquebusiers, which don't stand much of a chance against the gunpowder units of factions such as Milan.

Strategies

Early in the game France has the ability to expand in nearly any direction and being able to ruin the game for another faction simply through denying them extra rebel settlements, if you can put up with the pope an early destruction of the Holy Roman Empire and Milan would be the most beneficial and would knock out the most strong early threats to you. If you want to cut England off quickly, take Rennes and Bruges. However if you wish to stay in the pope's good graces it might be best to simply eradicate Portugal and Spain while creating a alliance with the Holy Roman Empire which will almost entirely cover the potential eastern threats you can get. After that you can march on the Moors and southward even reaching Timbuktu which is very merchant-effective. As France's knights and ranged power are very strong in the late game you should literally be able to destroy any other factions left, barring a strong England, Spain, or the Timurids and Mongols.

Another course of action you can take is to become allies with Scotland. Doing so will have England fighting on two fronts should you decide to move on its territory.

Faction overview

Strengths

Fantastic unit roster, probably the most complete one, especially cavalry. Good late technology. Strong starting standing armed forces. Starts with a medium sized empire with easily conquerable territories 1 or 2 turns journey from the nearest army. Average to good relations with the Pope.

Weaknesses

Insecure starting position, potential enemies from everywhere except the west. Will most likely be involved in an extended war with England or Milan. Quite prone to Spanish and Portugese expansion/aggression. Large empire to defend and protect. Northern France is rather infertile and takes time and considerable investment to develop, not a very resource rich empire. Will most likely have to content with The Holy Roman Empire at some stage, another major power in the area.

Conclusion

A challenging faction to play. If you are able to live through the dark ages and advance your technology and cities somewhat you will be a great western power in Europe and the world. France will have to contend with tough rivals, Milan and The Holy Roman Empire. England will have to be dealt with aswell, by either forging a strong alliance or pushing them off mainland Europe and back to the Isles. Crusading to the Holy land should be a priority to secure a position in the middle east. A wise King shall also seek to expand the empire southward into Iberia, there are many riches to be had and France would do well to weigh into the Iberian conflict.