Denmark (Medieval II: Total War)

For factions in other games, see Denmark.

Denmark (Medieval II: Total War)
Leader	Knud
Religion	Catholic
Appears in	Grand Campaign
Culture	Northern European
Starting regions	Arhus Region

Denmark is a faction in Medieval II: Total War, unlockable after completing the campaign as one of the starting factions.

Description

Denmark is a relatively new kingdom in the world of Christendom, emerging from centuries of paganism under Viking rule. Exactly one hundred years ago, Harold Bluetooth, the Viking King of the Danes, embraced Christianity, not just personally, but also on behalf of his people. Though the Vikings' fierce conviction in battle was a true asset, forsaking those pagan ways and embracing Catholicism is what has actually elevated Denmark into a true northern power. With the Reich and other Catholic Kingdoms offering support against stubborn Viking pagans, the Kings of Denmark now enjoy an absolute authority that has never been seen in the region before.

The Danes have no illusions that maintaining such authority abroad is an easy feat, having lost control of England within the last half century. In fact, forging agreements of co-operative leadership with the Norwegian royal court almost saw an end to Danish rule over the Kingdom of Denmark itself. So it would seem that both diplomatic and militaristic expansion are something the Danish Kings are yet to master.

Arguably the most expedient move that the present King Knut II could now make would be to try to take the Scandinavian lands to the north rather than continue to negotiate with them. No mortal army could possibly dream of approaching Norway or Sweden's northern reaches, making the region an ideal set of easily defendable homelands. Crossing the Baltic Sea is also an obvious option that offers the Danes several access points into Eastern Europe without having to deal with the Imperial forces in Saxony. It is more than a little ironic that the Catholic powers of Europe that have secured Denmark's future are now the main obstacles to seeing that future improve.

Strengths

Has a good all-round mix of units, with the infantry preferring to wield swords or axes instead of spears.

Weaknesses

Lacks good heavy cavalry.

Overview

• Religion - Catholic
• Long Campaign win conditions - Hold 45 regions, including: Jerusalem Region
• Short Campaign win conditions - Hold 20 regions. Eliminate Factions: The Holy Roman Empire
• Financial Start - Starting Purse 10,000 Florins
• Kings Purse - 2,000 Florins

Settlements

• Arhus (Large Town, Capital) - Town Watch, Town Hall, Grain Exchange, Dirt Roads, Port

Initial units

• 2 General Bodyguard's
• 6 Spear Militia
• 2 Norse Archers
• 4 Peasant Archers
• 1 Peasants
• 1 Longboat

Ruling Family

• King Knud (Age 40; Faction Leader) - Command 4, Dread/Chivalry 0, Authority 2, Piety 4
• Prince Charles (Age 19; Faction Heir) - Command 4, Dread/Chivalry 0, Loyalty 5, Piety 5
• Cecile (Age 2; Junior Family Member; Female)

Initial Agents

• Kolbein of Holmr (Age 20; Spy) 2 Subterfuge
• Toke (Age 30; Merchant) - 3 finance
• Halstan the Warmonger (Age 40; Cardinal) 5 piety
• Ingrid (Age 18; Princess) 3 charm

Admirals

• Admiral Jon (24) - 0 command - 1 Longboat fleet

Advice for Beginners

When starting a game as Denmark, it may be wise to delay the introduction's suggested invasion of Scandinavia and expand southward instead, at least long enough to gain control of Hamburg. This is because Denmark starts in rather close proximity to the Holy Roman Empire, and conflicts with Imperial forces are inevitable; especially if you are attempting a short campaign, in which case you will have to eliminate the Empire. As such, it would be wise to impede Imperial expansion as much as possible. Denmark begins with a fairly formidable force stationed near its southern border to compensate for its small land area. The very first move anyone playing as Denmark should make is to besiege Hamburg; at the very least, you will want to prevent the Empire from gaining direct access to your capital.

After you've captured Hamburg you may either continue expanding southward, or simply garrison and fortify the castle, and prepare to commence the suggested invasion of Northern Scandinavia. Denmark is the only faction with immediate access to either of its territories. All other factions must either go through Denmark to reach them, or invade the regions from the seas. Danish forces should have fairly little trouble claiming Stockholm and Oslo, so long as they are adequately prepared for the settlements' sizable garrisons. After that, there is no longer a clear-cut "best" plan for conquest, and it will be up to you how to continue.

Trivia

• The symbol of Denmark is based on the Raven banner that was used as banner and symbol by the Vikings and Scandinavians in general.