England Faction Guide for Medieval II: Total War

Introduction

• Presenter: Luca Toric
• Channel History: Did a similar guide for Rome Total War
• Format: Discusses campaign strategy, buildings, and units for each faction in Medieval II: Total War
• Focus: Starting with the England faction

England's Starting Position

• Regions: 2 settlements in British Isles, 1 in France
• Strengths: Superb infantry, strong lumbermen
• Weaknesses: Cavalry
• Campaign Goals: Control 45 regions, including Jerusalem
• Religion: Catholic (important for strategy)

Units

Early Units

• Peasants: Attack 4, Defense 3, Poor morale, Cannon fodder
• Town Militia: Attack 5, Defense 7, Combat bonus in woods and snow, Better than peasants
• Levy Spearmen: Attack 5, Defense 7, Bonus against cavalry, Can do shield wall formation
• Spear Militia: Attack 5, Defense 7, Similar to Levy Spearmen
• Bill Militia: Attack 13, Defense 1, Heavy infantry, Vulnerable to missiles
• Dismounted Feudal Knights: Attack 13, Defense 21, Early period, Good morale, Well-armored

Advanced Units

• Armored Sergeants: Attack 7, Defense 14, Good morale, All-around strong
• Heavy Billmen: Attack 15, Defense 10, Vulnerable to missiles, Shock troops
• Dismounted English Knights: Attack 21, Defense 13, High morale
• Armored Swordsmen: High morale, Attack 13, Defense 21
• Longbowmen: Late game, Competent in melee, Attack 7, Defense 4
• Yeoman Archers: High period, Attack 9, Defense 5, Long-range
• Retinue Longbowmen: Late period, Attack 10, Defense 14, Excellent all-round unit
• Knights Hospitaller: Late game, Attack 13, Defense 16, Elite heavy cavalry
• Knights Templar: Elite, Powerful charge, Good morale

Siege Equipment

• Ballista: Good defense, Long-range
• Catapult: Less accurate but effective against walls
• Trebuchet: Very long range, Good against buildings, Can launch rotting cows
• Mortar: High building damage
• Bombard & Culverin: Late period, High damage against buildings

Mercenary/Regional Units

• Welsh Spearmen: Can do shield wall, Numerous, Good for defense
• Irish Kearns: Javelin throwers, Decent melee

Campaign Strategy

1. Initial Focus: Consolidate British Isles
   • Target rebel settlements: York, Caernarfon
   • Eliminate Scotland early (Edinburgh)
2. Expansion Options:
   • Once British Isles are secure, consider moving to mainland Europe
   • Avoid early engagements with Catholic factions to prevent Pope's intervention
   • Use Crusades to gain favor and expand influence in the Holy Land
3. Watch Out For:
   • Possible invasions from Portugal or other surprise factions
   • Maintaining a strong navy to defend the British Isles

Buildings

City Buildings

• Walls: Improvements with each level from village to large city
• Trade Buildings: Grain Exchange to Merchant Quarter
• Religious Buildings: Churches to Grand Cathedrals
• Guilds: Various types, e.g., Assassins, Masons, Theologians

Castle Buildings

• Defensive Structures: Fortifications up to Citadel
• Limited Trade Buildings: More focused on defense
• Guilds: Limited compared to cities

Conclusion

• England has a strong starting position
• Strategy emphasizes consolidation before expansion
• Many viable ways to play, depending on player choice and style