Scotland (M2TW Faction)

Scotland (M2TW Faction)
Name:	Kingdom of Scotland
From Game:	Medieval II: Total War
Religion:	Catholic
Culture:	Northern European
Playable:

Overview

Scotland is a faction located in the north of Great Britain. Despite its position however, it has always been oppressed by England to the south and it is up to the player to make England submit to Scottish rule. Playing as Scotland will yield an interesting campaign with the goal of uniting Britain and capturing the holy city of Jerusalem, Scotland is sure to endure much bloodshed and conquest on the road to glory.

In order for Scotland to win the normal campaign, it must take Jerusalem and 45 other provinces. On the shorter campaign the Scots need to hold 15 regions and eliminate England.

Religion

Scotland is a Catholic faction, meaning that it will receive missions from the Pope. The main down side to this is that Scotland will generally have a hard time participating in Crusades, as its position is far away from likely Crusade targets.

Military

Scotland's military strength comes primarily from infantry with light armour (low defense) and high attack capabilities. Scotland's cavalry and missile units are mediocre, as is their navy. In terms of gunpowder, Scotland is unable to train firearm-equipped soldiers, but has access to decent cannons for taking down castle walls.

Infantry

Scotland's military will generally be infantry-based. Scotland's offensive infantry are generally lightly armoured, but have a high attack value, as well as the ability to pierce armour, thanks to their tendency to wield axes. In terms of defense, Scotland has a wide variety of spear and pike units to choose from. Along with the standard spear men available to most other factions, Scotland has access to three types of pike infantry, two of which start off wearing plate armour. This variety of spear/pike soldiers gives Scotland a great advantage over English cavalry. To match the English armoured swordsmen, Scotland can also train Noble swordsmen, which have the same stats as their English counterparts. The main down side to Scotland's reliance on infantry is that its armies will be less mobile.

Missiles

Scotland's missile capability is at best mediocre, having access only to foot archers which are nowhere near as capable as England's longbows. The only real area where these archers shine is in melee, where they can generally hold their own. If there is a need for better missile infantry, Scotland can recruit mercenary crossbowmen for armour piercing capability.

Cavalry

In terms of cavalry, Scotland has much to be desired. Scottish light cavalry can be useful for running down routers and supporting other infantry. The heavy cavalry are nothing special, being the standard feudal and mailed knights.

Gunpowder

Scotland's gunpowder capabilities are average. Unlike most other factions, Scotland is unable to train firearm wielding foot soldiers. This is made up for by having decent cannon artillery, which easily gets the job done. Otherwise, in terms of artillery, Scotland has the same standard lineup as most other factions.

Strategies

The following are a few commonly used strategies for Scotland:

Expansion

At the beginning of the campaign, Scotland only has one settlement, its capital, Edinburgh. The surrounding areas are rebel settlements waiting to be taken. To the south is York, which you will have to race against the English to capture if you want it. To the north lies Iverness, and Ireland to the west (which can be brought under your control by taking Dublin). Most players quickly go for taking the two southern rebel settlements, Caernarvon castle and the village of York. Because the British AI likes to have these settlements under their control, they will attack them if they are poorly defended. If you are able to secure these settlements, you can start building up your forces to take the rest of the British isles, and, later on in the game, start your conquest of the English territories in France.

Due to Scotland's tendency to be short on florins (money) and resources, Crusades are generally not a good idea, as it involves sending a large force (which could be used to defend Scotland's territories from attack from the British or Danish, or used to take more settlements) over a very long distance. If holding the city of Jerusalem is required, it is recommended that you invest on its conquest later in the game.

Defense

Scotland's main rival is England. The best defense against the English is to take the two southern rebel settlements, thus depriving the English from the benefits they provide. After the two southern rebel settlements are taken and secured, Scotland can decide on what to do next. Take the rest of the England? Or stop there and hold the prizes they've already won? What must also be counted for is England who will probably build up a force with the very intention of taking these lands away from you.

At the initiation of the game, England is Scotland's main adversary. The best defense is offense for the Scottish. The majority of players make this a reality by using a blitz tactic to capture all of the rebel settlements to south of them. After all of the rebel settlements are taken, a defensive garrison can be setup in York and Caernarvon. The key to this defense however, is to know when to turn it into an offensive action. Scotland needs to capture all of the rebel settlements to the south and keep them garrisoned while claiming the highlands and Ireland. The player may choose a different strategy, however. The most important thing is to know when to strike and not to let England build up it's forces.

During all of this military and economic build up, it may be wise to establish an alliance with England's other rival, France. By doing so, it is possible for the player to force the English into a two-front war.

Another thing Scotland may need to look out for in the beginning of the game, is the chance of a possible naval invasion, most likely from Denmark. The chance of this happening is extremely small, but still possible.

Diplomacy

It may be wise to recreate the 'Auld Alliance' with France. It would benefit Scotland greatly, as this alliance will force the English to fight on two fronts. Keeping England busy is an important goal for the Scottish people. When you find yourself crossing the channel into Normandy the French may prove a worthy ally.

Another vital component to your diplomatic negotiations would be the procurement of trade rights with as many factions as possible. Send a diplomat, via navy, to do so. The more trade partners Scotland can get, the more income it's going to have. This income is vital to expansion and defense.

Economy

At the start of the campaign, the Scottish Kingdom does not have a great economy, so it may be wise to capture Dublin, upgrade it to large town and build silver mines. The British Isles do not have as many economic resources in comparison to other parts of the campaign map. Getting trade rights with as many factions as possible will help immensely. Later on, seizing the holy lands around Jerusalem may introduce much needed Florins into your coffers. Beyond trade rights and mining, it's all about upgrade settlements and expanding.

Medieval 2: Total War | Factions:
Aztecs | Byzantine Empire | Denmark | Egypt | England | France | Holy Roman Empire | Hungary | Milan | Mongols | Moors | Papal States | Poland | Portugal | Russia | Scotland | Sicily | Spain | Timurids | Turks | Venice | Rebels