I'm looking to start a campaign as Karelia and could use some tips on how to get started. I've played very little with released vassal starts so I don't know the whole routine for "optimized" starts that let you start out strong with a weakened overlord. I have no intent of doing any culture switching or religion flipping shenanigans, just staying Karelian Orthodox. I'd expect to get support independence from Muscovy and hopefully maintain their alliance long enough to build up a powerbase in Scandinavia before they turn hostile and I'd be wedged between Sweden/Kalmar Union and a growing Muscovy.
Theoretically forming Scandinavia is on the table but I don't expect to play till admin tech 20. Karelian being switched to Nordic culture group has unfortunately removed the Russian minor missions or governments so it's just default missions with an option to pick Oligarchy, Noble Republic or Plutocracy, where Plutocracy seems like the best option to me. The Cossacks estate can be acquired down the line (after setting up in Scandinavia and then punching through Muscovy). I intend to use Quantity and Maritime ideas because they synergize with Karelian NIs.
Theoretically forming Scandinavia is on the table but I don't expect to play till admin tech 20. Karelian being switched to Nordic culture group has unfortunately removed the Russian minor missions or governments so it's just default missions with an option to pick Oligarchy, Noble Republic or Plutocracy, where Plutocracy seems like the best option to me. The Cossacks estate can be acquired down the line (after setting up in Scandinavia and then punching through Muscovy). I intend to use Quantity and Maritime ideas because they synergize with Karelian NIs.
