ulfn
09-10-2004, 23:47
I have collected some useful tips you can use at quick battles on the open fields. This works very well for me. Other strategies are surely as good too (or maybe better :) ).
1. If the morale is not at the top, camp. But don't wait to break up after the enemy has crossed the middle of the map.
2. Wait to see the enemy column moving at you. Check the type of troops in the lead and arrange your own troops accordingly, close to the position you start at.
3. Place your troops in wide formation in a semi-circle (with the centre-point on a thought line on which the main part of the enemy troops are moving on), and large enough so it can "envelope" the front of the enemy.
4. Melee troops should naturally be placed before the range troops. Your general strategy for your Marshall should be to always have him at a safe distance from the enemy. It is tempting to use him sometimes, and you can use quick hit-and-run tactics if you feel it is safe (for example, against lonely peasant groups).
5. The front should mostly be composed by 4 sections: Elite melee troops first, then peasants (if any), then range troops, and at the back the Marshall and his guards. It can be necessary to move him out from this position if the enemy comes too close, and can't be fended off easily. Place fast units on the flanks (mostly cavalry, armoured troops first).
6. When the first troops arrive, generally charge and attack (so the enemy has less time to form his troops).
7. Narrow the formations when attacking.
8. Try to use all your troops all the time! Independent of troop type if you (locally) outnumber the enemy he may rout. But don't be tempted to follow the routing troops so your forces are spread out. It is important to have the troops together (partly because of morale issues).
9. Try to move on a direct line up to the enemy Marshall (It is often possible to out-flank him early on and attack him in the back with your Marshall and his guard, and at least an assisting Knight group. This is risky, but you can win the battle very fast).
10. If some of your troops are routing, send them back as soon as they are ready for fight again.
11. When your troops are reasonably close to the enemy Marshall. Attack him with all your forces!
Troops versus troops.
Swordsmen -> Spear/Pike/Axe. Line formation. Generally, avoid cavalry. Highlanders are good as charged flankers in wedge formation.
Archers/Bowmen -> All troops, but preferably un-armed, and stationary or slowly moving troops. Line formation.
Peasants -> Use as buffer for the range troops, but behind the better melee troops.
Spear/Pike/Axe -> Armoured troops, eg. Heavy Cavalry. Generally, avoid swordsmen. Square formation for Axe. The others in line formation.
Knights -> Archers/Bowmen and Swordsmen. Charge in wedge formation when possible, and use wide formation when attacking range troops. Generally, avoid Spear/Pike/Axe.
There are other troop types, but this is a good start (Look in the manual for the rest).
:cheers:
1. If the morale is not at the top, camp. But don't wait to break up after the enemy has crossed the middle of the map.
2. Wait to see the enemy column moving at you. Check the type of troops in the lead and arrange your own troops accordingly, close to the position you start at.
3. Place your troops in wide formation in a semi-circle (with the centre-point on a thought line on which the main part of the enemy troops are moving on), and large enough so it can "envelope" the front of the enemy.
4. Melee troops should naturally be placed before the range troops. Your general strategy for your Marshall should be to always have him at a safe distance from the enemy. It is tempting to use him sometimes, and you can use quick hit-and-run tactics if you feel it is safe (for example, against lonely peasant groups).
5. The front should mostly be composed by 4 sections: Elite melee troops first, then peasants (if any), then range troops, and at the back the Marshall and his guards. It can be necessary to move him out from this position if the enemy comes too close, and can't be fended off easily. Place fast units on the flanks (mostly cavalry, armoured troops first).
6. When the first troops arrive, generally charge and attack (so the enemy has less time to form his troops).
7. Narrow the formations when attacking.
8. Try to use all your troops all the time! Independent of troop type if you (locally) outnumber the enemy he may rout. But don't be tempted to follow the routing troops so your forces are spread out. It is important to have the troops together (partly because of morale issues).
9. Try to move on a direct line up to the enemy Marshall (It is often possible to out-flank him early on and attack him in the back with your Marshall and his guard, and at least an assisting Knight group. This is risky, but you can win the battle very fast).
10. If some of your troops are routing, send them back as soon as they are ready for fight again.
11. When your troops are reasonably close to the enemy Marshall. Attack him with all your forces!
Troops versus troops.
Swordsmen -> Spear/Pike/Axe. Line formation. Generally, avoid cavalry. Highlanders are good as charged flankers in wedge formation.
Archers/Bowmen -> All troops, but preferably un-armed, and stationary or slowly moving troops. Line formation.
Peasants -> Use as buffer for the range troops, but behind the better melee troops.
Spear/Pike/Axe -> Armoured troops, eg. Heavy Cavalry. Generally, avoid swordsmen. Square formation for Axe. The others in line formation.
Knights -> Archers/Bowmen and Swordsmen. Charge in wedge formation when possible, and use wide formation when attacking range troops. Generally, avoid Spear/Pike/Axe.
There are other troop types, but this is a good start (Look in the manual for the rest).
:cheers: