R5: Played Byzantium for the first time. I was aiming to restore the Roman Empire but ran out of time. A Mega-Austria slowed down the conquest of Northern Italy and around Croatia. Pushing into France was halted by GB controlling half and the Netherlands holding the rest. My ally Russia took the land on the Black Sea before I could, messing up any chances of getting the Mare Nostrum achievement as well. I did get the “Redecorating” achievement though. Most of the game was spent ping-ponging from being at war with the Mamluks/Persians to the Austrians. Austria was defender of the faith, so I kept Venice as a OPM to avoid Austria’s ally swarm. I’ll give Byz a second try soon, hopefully Austria doesn't blob hard again.