Pirates

Keep your party pleased or happy by finding a hidden treasure. (Pleased/happy pirates do not desert.) Once you've found a treasure, go to a nearby town and sign up some more men to join your happy band.

Using a large ship such as a Frigate or Galleon to fight another Frigate or Galleon is a wise idea, but don't use a large ship to fight a Sloop or a Pinnace.

If you attack on land, hide your armies in the woods. Use one of your groups as a decoy to get the enemy to approach.

When the old pirate offers you a treasure map, buy it! It's well worth the 500 gold.

Don't attack a nation that your home country is allied with, as the practice will anger both nations.

Do not wed until you've received all your promotions. They higher your rank, the better your marriage opportunities. But don't forget to make pleasant conversation with all Governor's Daughters; if they like you, they might gather important information at the Governor's Mansion.

When driving a three-lap race, you can sometimes avoid taking a pitstop, thereby finishing with a better time. Just be careful not to ram your tires against the side of the road or against other cars, and keep a steady speed.

Try to get 400-500 men and attack a town by marching to it and selecting Attack. Usually, the fort's garrison is afraid to go out to fight you, so you'll be whisked to the sword battle with the commander. Try to wipe him out quickly and reduce his garrison by hitting him, even though he has surrendered. If your forces are at least three times larger than the fort's garrison, there's a very good chance that you will be able to convert the town. I've converted almost half the Spanish towns in this way. Try to hold ranks with two countries. England and France are my favorites.

AA59

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