Ten Basic Concepts to consider

[ichi]

Some of this is very basic stuff, but it helps me to think through these concepts, and I still see players who do not seem to have adopted them. This will be second nature to many veteran fighters. I'm still working on some of these ideas.

Quote[/b] ]Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

1. Bring a good army: 16 units, cavalry general, 3-4 missiles, 4-6 cav, melee units with morale 8 or better (Catholic 10K, some variation for Muslim/desert/snow/specialty army or variations in florins), army appropriate for terrain/conditions/plan/style of play; know the qualities and capabilities of the units

Quote[/b] ]That the impact of your army may be like a grindstone dashed against an egg - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

2. Communicate: get to know teammates, have a plan, let teammates know what is happening, short to point comm; timing is important; use constructive language - ask don't tell (compare "hey jerk, can you pull your head outta your @$$ long enough to send me some cav" with "being flanked need cav help please")

Quote[/b] ]We can form a single united body, while the enemy must split up into fractions. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole, which means that we shall be many to the enemy's few - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

3. Stay Flexible: do not get locked into a set course or style, take advantage of opportunity but be prepared to back off if the situation isn't favorable

Quote[/b] ]According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans. . . If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are . . . Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances - Sun Tzu, The Art of War - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

4. Aid Allies: Be ready to provide support to teammate, flank his enemy or send a missile unit, protect his missiles, provide info; stay close enough to be able to provide support

Quote[/b] ]The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

5. Destroy Morale: understand morale and how it works, manage to keep units morale high while destroying enemy unit morale; engage a unit, add missile fire, and then flank; flank and protect against being flanked

Quote[/b] ]Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. . . Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

6. Anticipate: watch the whole field, don't focus too long on one spot, think ahead, look for opportunities to exploit - and look at own team situation to see what openings enemy will exploit

Quote[/b] ]Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

7. Use the Terrain: height, height, height

Quote[/b] ]In dry, level country, take up an easily accessible position with rising ground to your right and on your rear, so that the danger may be in front, and safety lie behind . . . be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

8. Be Patient: walk, don't run men whenever possible; go around when going straight up isn't smart; fight smart don't get suckered in; be thorough when setting up and let others have the time it takes to set up properly; be patient with teammates

Quote[/b] ]So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

9. Stay Organized: keep units together, missiles protected from enemy cav and inf, melee units protected from enemy missiles; don't chase too long or let units wander off

Quote[/b] ]Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

10. Fight with Honor: don't taunt or gloat; be polite and respectful; be gracious in victory and take responsibility in loss; don't point fingers of blame, but share ideas about the loss is a constructive way when appropriate

Quote[/b] ]Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

I am sure there is a lot more to add.

ichi

[KyodaiSteeleye]

Nicely thought out post, Ichi - although i could disagree with your definition of a good army - i would just leave it at saying have a balanced army - between missiles/infantry and cavalry.

[HighFistRW]

hi ihci
excellent post well thought out and presented

any chance u could do my office paperwork ?

have fun all

[Sulla]

And of a bit more practical. If you run out of cav early on: Your doomed if the enemy still has his, no matter how strong your infantry. Keep cav healthy and strong, and keep the general and 1 additional (light)cavalry unit in reserve. ALLWAYS, no exceptions.




Sulla

[tgi01]

Quote[/b] ]7. #Use the Terrain: height, height, height

Always camp on the hill now thats g8 advice .... #couldnt agree more #


TGI

[Tomisama]

Excellent stuff Ichi-Tzu

I printed it out for future referance. #

Thank You, Great Work #


Reminded me of another list.

The 10 “always” Basics for Multiplayer.

(revised from the original version for presentation here)

There are exceptions to every rule. Discuss the exceptions in deployment, but other than these temporary agreements, consider the rules as always being understood.

As much as possible:

1. Always stick together.
Move to link up, then move together as one coordinated killing machine.

2. Always take the high ground first.
The “number one” objective is to provide this base of operations. If there is a highest hill, you must have it, victory will follow.

3. Always protect our generals.
Keep them out of the action. The loss of your armys leader lowers your whole army’s morale for the rest of the battle. Keep him safe.

4. Always look to double team a single, or triple a double.
The old hammer and anvil. One or two armys fix the enemies attention, while the others out flank and smash them.

5. Always leave the isolated enemy army until last.
This is pure logic, go after the most of them with the most of your own. The straggling enemy army presents a juicy target but don’t be fooled. The battle is where the majority of the enemy is.

6. Always remember that you may have to become the rear guard for the group.
Moving to link up always leaves a part of the front empty. The army on the most exposed flank will be at risk of being out flanked. If that should happen, it could mean disaster for the whole team. Be ready to fulfill the rear guard roll should it fall to you. Consider it in your deployment, and stand ready to move to face the flanking enemy as the others move forward.

7. Always regroup before entering another phase of the battle.
Don’t get carried away with small victories. Whatever kills might be earned in chasing are offset by the fatigue it cost you. If you get a moment to breath, take it and regroup.

8. Always keep some units ready to help a team mate if needed.
Be ready and looking for the need long before it happens. It will take you time to get there.

9. Always consider that the battle will be long and difficult.
Keep an eye on your energy bars, and always consider fatigue a major factor in you plans. And never underestimate your enemy, no matter who they are. Consider all who oppose you, heavily armed, and extremely dangerous.

10. Always trust that your team mates have done the best that could be done, according to the battle as they saw it. Each of us comes with different experience, and each has a unique point of view of the battle. Each has different skills and different weaknesses. It is in team “work” that these things get welded together to the advantage of all.

[Sulla]

O the wisdom that spread from your minds

Sulla