View Full Version : Guide of Bait Tactics
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5904&d=1340425539
Hello,
Frequently I hear people's concern about AI's army. Hopefully this changes everything.
The guide will cover a few actual battles of a campaign, where all the elements of Bait Tactics are explained by text, pictures, and videos.
It should be suitable for everybody's level.
I hope it will be the best guide I have ever made.
Welcome comments and suggestions.
maltz
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5906&d=1340491433
Table of Content
I. Battle of Hyuga
Preface. Riders of Faith (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460244&viewfull=1#post2053460244)
One. Attack, or Defend (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460281&viewfull=1#post2053460281)
Two. Anticipate thy Enemy (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460372&viewfull=1#post2053460372)
Three. A Long, Tree-less Line (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460393&viewfull=1#post2053460393)
Four. Keep Ranged Power Ratio (you/enemy) < 2 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460661&viewfull=1#post2053460661)
Five. Bow Draws Bow (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460749&viewfull=1#post2053460749)
Six. Keep the Right Distance (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460753&viewfull=1#post2053460753)
Seven. Traps for Ranged Prey (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460850&viewfull=1#post2053460850)
Eight. Induce a different formation (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053460993&viewfull=1#post2053460993)
Nine. Cavalry Draws out Melee Ashigaru (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461001&viewfull=1#post2053461001)
Ten. Melee Trap for Melee Prey (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461007&viewfull=1#post2053461007)
Eleven. Long-ranged Bow Draws out Melee Samurai (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461057&viewfull=1#post2053461057)
Twelve. Calvary Draws out Cavalry (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461060&viewfull=1#post2053461060)
Intermission: Running Ronin (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461193&viewfull=1#post2053461193)
Thirteen. A Paranoid General (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461200&viewfull=1#post2053461200)
Fourteen. Bow Ashigaru Draws out Melee Samurai (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461211&viewfull=1#post2053461211)
Fifteen. Refresh the Enemy's Formation (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461276&viewfull=1#post2053461276)
Sixteen. The Last Formation (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461483&viewfull=1#post2053461483)
Seventeen. The Last Prey (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461489&viewfull=1#post2053461489)
Video Episode #01 Battle of Hyuga (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461521&viewfull=1#post2053461521)
Video: Battle of Fukushima (Bait Tactics in end game) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461524&viewfull=1#post2053461524)
II. First Battle of Iyo
Intermission: Agents of Faith Travel East (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461708&viewfull=1#post2053461708)
Eighteen. Where Bait Tactics Fails (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053461734&viewfull=1#post2053461734)
Nineteen. Routines (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462103&viewfull=1#post2053462103)
Twenty. Cavalry draws out Fast Cavalry (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462112&viewfull=1#post2053462112)
III. Second Battle of Iyo
Intermission. The Grandmaster Arrives (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462565&viewfull=1#post2053462565)
Twenty One. Ambush to Attack in the Open (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462816&viewfull=1#post2053462816)
Twenty Two. Flat Terrain is Ideal for Baiting Ranged Units (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462870&viewfull=1#post2053462870)
Twenty Three. Cavalry draws out Taisho (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462889&viewfull=1#post2053462889)
Twenty Four. The Samurai Sacrifice (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053462988&viewfull=1#post2053462988)
Video Episode #02 Battles of Iyo (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053463079&viewfull=1#post2053463079)
IV. Battle of Koriyama
Intermission: Amako the Treacherous (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053463195&viewfull=1#post2053463195)
Twenty Five. A Little Hope of Forest Hill (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053463509&viewfull=1#post2053463509)
Twenty Six. Taisho Draws out Hidden Melee Ashigaru (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053463523&viewfull=1#post2053463523)
Twenty Seven. Last-minute Bait Tactics (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053464039&viewfull=1#post2053464039)
Video Episode #03 Battle of Koriyama (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053464072&viewfull=1#post2053464072)
V. Bingo Sea Battles
Intermission: The Third Memorial (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466350&viewfull=1#post2053466350)
Twenty Eight. Approach from the Side (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466407&viewfull=1#post2053466407)
Twenty Nine. Lazy Trade Ships (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466677&viewfull=1#post2053466677)
Thirty. One Bait, Many Preys (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466679&viewfull=1#post2053466679)
Thirty One. Those who were Idle Remain Idle (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466687&viewfull=1#post2053466687)
Thirty Two. Those Who Tried to Hide will Get Away (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466691&viewfull=1#post2053466691)
Intermission. Repair for the next battle (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053466700&viewfull=1#post2053466700)
Thirty Three. When No Ship is Allowed to Escape (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467389&viewfull=1#post2053467389)
Video Episode #04 Bingo Sea Battles (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467408&viewfull=1#post2053467408)
VI. First Battle of Echizen
Intermission. Japan Divided (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467415&viewfull=1#post2053467415)
Thirty Four. Formation: Misplaced Katana I (Spear Point) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467670&viewfull=1#post2053467670)
Thirty Five. Formation: Misplaced Katana II (Crane's Wing) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467672&viewfull=1#post2053467672)
Thirty Six. Formation: Misplaced Katana III (Cloud Dragon) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467674&viewfull=1#post2053467674)
Thirty Seven. Formation: Bow First I (Flying Geese) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467677&viewfull=1#post2053467677)
Thirty Eight. Formation: Bow First II (Reclining Dragon, Turtle's Shell) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467679&viewfull=1#post2053467679)
Thirty Nine. Formation: Bow First III (Bark of Pine Tree) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467680&viewfull=1#post2053467680)
Forty. Formation: Bow Last (Way of Tiger, Marginalized Bow) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467681&viewfull=1#post2053467681)
Forty One. Formation: Bow Middle (Flying Bird, Hot Dog, Porcupine) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467682&viewfull=1#post2053467682)
Forty Two. May it be the fire arrows (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467698&viewfull=1#post2053467698)
Forty Three. Forty Three. You Move, the Enemey Rotates (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467722&viewfull=1#post2053467722)
VII. Second Battle of Echizen (Battle of Fukui)
Intermission. Double-Double, Lazy Couples (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467950&viewfull=1#post2053467950)
Forty Four. Very Exposed Flank (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053467966&viewfull=1#post2053467966)
Forty Five. Balance the Enemy with Baits on Both Sides (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053468002&viewfull=1#post2053468002)
Forty Six. Pressing the Limit of Bow Units' Response Radius (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053468011&viewfull=1#post2053468011)
Forty Seven. Observe the Enemy's Formation Carefully or Regret (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053468019&viewfull=1#post2053468019)
Video Episode #05 Battles of Echizen (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053468380&viewfull=1#post2053468380)
VIII. Battles of Musashi
Forty Eight. Revenge for 20 years Ago (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053468481&viewfull=1#post2053468481)
Video Episode #06 Battles of Musashi (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141795-Guide-of-Bait-Tactics&p=2053468496&viewfull=1#post2053468496)
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_065.jpg
Preface. Riders of Faith
Searching for man's pure true land,
the faithful travelled west.
On the green hills of Tsukushi,
they passed a rival's test (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141743-TW-S2-Story-Wanderer-of-Faith-(Battle-of-Fukuoka)).
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_081.jpg
Before the purists Shoni bowed;
the loyal army marched south.
Sagara's legion blocked the path,
into a Fort they lockout.
A miracle happened as they prayed,
Faithfuls answered when monk's call was made.
From the country came a revolt of man,
with the most feared cavalry in all Japan.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_083.jpg
Inspired by the riders of faith,
Sagara's garrison crumbled within days.
The faithful army carried on,
Till the next battle gives their fate.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 Suzuki Sadayu (鈴木佐大夫): "Captain of the Naginata Warrior Monks Cavalry?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 Shinji Kagenaka (神慈景中): "Honored to meet you, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... your face looks familiar. :on_sweat: Did you ever fight Takeda in the past... like in a winter?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Strangely, I get that a lot, my lord. My cousin and I look much alike, and he fought Takeda. Unfortunately, he died from a duel on the snow."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Ha! So he is actually realted to you! Here, I've always had a question about your cousin..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Please, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What was his last word? He said something but... :on_blush: there was no caption..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "He said 'Defending in the castle is the worst option... should have used Bait Tactics on the field..." and then he died."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Bait Tactics?... hm... I will have to study The Art of War further. :on_read: Take some rest. We have a long way to go from here."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Certainly, my lord!"
Note: Actually his last word was "My journey ends here. The autumn leaf dyes my gravestone red."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_092.jpg
One. Attack, or Defend
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Did you summon me, my lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes. I have a hard decision to make, so I wish to hear about your opinion."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I am extremely honored. What is the decision to make?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "We have successfully taken two provinces from Shimazu, but as you know, there were hardly any defenders in the castle. Now our ninja reports that Shimazu's army is marching straight at us, led by their Daimyo Shimazu Takahisa."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Shimazu must be very angry that we stole two provinces from them."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Our ninja reported that Shimazu Takahisa really likes to drink tea at night. So he offered to try poisoning him..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I see. So the decision is whether to proceed with poisons. My lord, from a Buddhist's point of view, all creatures are equal and..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Oh that's not the decision. :on_sweat: Shimazu Takahisa has been sent back to Hyuga on a stretcher. We leave him alive so the commander of the army, Shimazu Yoshihisa, remains as the heir of the clan, and does not inspire his men as much as a daimyo does."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_bird: "That... was very thoughtful, my lord."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What we want to decide is how to approach the following battle. Our power is not as strong as Shimazu's army, which consists of mainly Katana Samurai. :on_injured: We will be hurt badly."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "What are our options?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 Option One: we can defend in the Osumi castle. Option Two: We give up Osumi and let the Shimazu take the castle. Then we counterattack and assault the castle, looking for a way to hurt their Katana Samurai with our numerous Bow Ashigaru from outside the walls. Option Three: We meet them on the field of Hyuga."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm... according to my cousin, option One is probably the worst. Option Two sounds good but there is no guarantee that Shimazu will stay inside the castle. Option Three sounds like certain death, but wouldn't meeting them on the field gives us a chance to use Bait Tactics? What is it about?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Actually I could not find it in Sun-Tzu's The Art of War..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Too bad..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "But I accidentally found it in another book! The Art of Gore by Sun-tzu's contemporary Mao-tzu. :on_lalala:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I have never heard of this Mao-tzu..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Neither have I. But here is actually a chapter dedicated to Bait Tactics. Let me quote the second line:"
2. In order to use Bait Tactics, we have to attack on the field.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm... we can do that..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So let's do it!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_yell: "But we are not even sure whether Bait Tactics will work!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Here I quote the first line:"
1. If you have no confidence to win a battle the hard way, why not try the easy way? :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_madputer: "There is a laughing drawing on the book!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_093.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "To battle!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "To my cousin's prophecy!" :on_furious:
Note: Ikko-Ikki will lose the combat if it is automatically resolved.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_095.jpg
Two. Anticipate thy Enemy
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, we arrived at the battlefield earlier than Shimazu. Where should we deploy?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Have you played cards? A good player plays the enemy's cards, not his. A good general deploys according to where the enemy deploys."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "But Shimazu is not here yet." :on_bird:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "That's true. However, here is a quote from The Art of Gore..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5912&d=1340562400
3. Anticipate thy enemy who defend. They like trees. They LOVE hills.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm, there are some hills on Shimazu's side (A). There is also a pretty large hill with trees on our side (B). Which one will Shimazu choose to defend?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm, our hill (B) is certainly more attractive since it has trees grown on it. Does this mean that Shimazu will try to rob our hills? This brings me back to the Battle of Tsukushi (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141743-TW-S2-Story-Wanderer-of-Faith-(Battle-of-Fukuoka))."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "How about we deploy on our hill (B)? If Shimazu comes, we can defend. If they do not come, we decide where to move our army to."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good idea." :on_idea:
Note: If there is no Hill A, the AI is likely to make a run to Hill B even if we are already on the hill! This has been observed in so many other battles (such as my Hattori's campaign's Battle of Kyoto (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141394-Iga-Ninjutsu-is-Good-(Hattori-Legendary-Domination-V5445)&p=2053459307&viewfull=1#post2053459307)). However, since the AI already has some attractive terrain within its deployment zone, it probably will not move. If the AI makes a run to our hill, we can defend the hill and intercept the AI's cavalry followed by infantry, or we can purposely deploy away from their destination to carry on with Bait Tactics.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5913&d=1340562405
Three. A Long, Tree-less Line
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, the enemy is here! And they indeed defend on their hill."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good, just as The Art of Gore predicted!" :on_love:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I thought taking high ground is common sense... Where should we deploy?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... if I were to actively attack Shimazu, I would deploy on the closer, smaller hill A. But for Bait Tactics... let me see if there is a quote..."
4. The distance between the enemy and you should be at least two times the range of bows. The longer the better.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm, so hill A is a little too close. How about our current position, hill B?? Pretty far away... I can hardly see Shimazu from here. :on_sweat:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah we are VERY far away from Shimazu. Let's see..."
5. Between the enemy and you, find a tree-less line for the prey to travel through.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "A tree-less line? Hm... the trees growing in front of us are pretty dense."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "It looks like that we will have to walk down the hill, stay in the open, at C."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Wouldn't the soldiers get tired from heat exhaustion?" :on_swelter:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Luckily this is spring time... On my order, move!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_096.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "STOP! We fight Shimazu here!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Let's do some serious Bait Tactics today!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Faithful warriors! Can you see little shrubs on the hill far away? Those are Shimazu soldiers! Today, we cut them down like shrubs! :on_furious:"
Note: Being on the low ground is a minor negative factor, as the prey will close in slightly faster.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5921&d=1340658987
Four. Keep Ranged Power Ratio (you/enemy) < 2
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, in response to our move to the open, Shimazu rotated their army to face us. But they did not move."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Shimazu is hoping us to attack them on the hill. :on_smoke: They can wait all day, as the sun seems still in the sky. :on_exhausted:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I heard that sometimes the enemy actively attacks us even if they are the defender. It does not happen here."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Really. Oh, here is a related quote:"
6. The enemy actively attacks you if your ranged power is more than twice as powerful as theirs. Do not carry too many ranged units to the battlefield if you want to use Bait Tactics.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "We have 9 ranged units. Shimazu has 5, but some of them are samurai. Obviously, our ranged power is less than twice as powerful as theirs. Is that why they did not come to us?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "At least Mao-tsu wrote so. :on_hypno: Somehow I am compelled to say he is correct. There is another quote:"
7. If your ranged power is less than twice as strong as the enemy's, bait and destroy ranged units until the ratio goes up to almost 2. This makes subsequent baiting easier.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Since Shimazu has bow samurai, maybe we can get away with killing off one of their bow ashigaru units."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Worth a try... OK."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "OK."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "OK."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "OK... er.. but how?" :on_huh:
Note: The exact composition of the ranged units of two armies can be found in a screenshot above. To save you the trouble here it is.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_093.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5926&d=1340678470
Five. Bow Draws Bow
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Maybe The Art of Gore has an answer?" :on_love:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Oh how nice! There is a section exactly labelled How to Draw out Ranged Units. Let's see..."
8. How to Draw Out Ranged Units: First, make sure their ranged units are on the first row. This almost always happen to be the case.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Can you see Shimazu's army? We are a little... far away."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "OK, I will get closer to take a look."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5925&d=1340678191
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Shimazu's formation... it is hard to describe in brief words. There are three rows in total. Indeed, their bows are at the front row. But right in the middle there is a katana unit. After that there is a second row made of spears. Then in the third row comes the bulk of katana units. Shimazu Yoshihisa is in the middle of the third row."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... :on_blush: I do not recognize this formation. But fortunately there is an Appendix about formations at the end of the book! Let's see... OH here it is!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Misplaced Katana? Not a very cool name for a formation, but catches the essence of it."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So I guess that's a gree light to proceed with baiting..."
9. How to Draw Out Ranged Units: Second, march the bait forward. The best bait for enemy's ranged infantry on the first row is your own ranged infantry. They come to you when you get close to their range, or when your unit's range almost touches the target prey.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "OK, let's do just that. Bow Ashigaru unit #1, march!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "It is quite a long walk..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah. Let's take a 5-minute break." :on_sweat:
Note: If the AI does not have Katana, there is simply no Katana in the middle of the first line. So the formation can be simply called "Bow on the First Line", which is AI's default defensive formation.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_098.jpg
Six. Keep the Right Distance
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Finally our bait is there! And... look! There are three units of Shimazu Bow marching at it!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "It worked! Let's draw them back and destroy!" :on_bash:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Turn back and run! Don't let them shoot at you!" :on_furious:
(10 seconds later)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What the... the preys went back to their formation... come back to daddy! :on_beg:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm... maybe The Art of Gore has something to say?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Ops, there is a section called Keep the Right Distance. Should have checked the guide first..." :on_blush:
10. Keep the Right Distance: In order to keep a ranged-unit prey follow your bait, a suitable distance must be kept between them. The ideal distance is slightly longer than prey's range. If the distance is too long, the bait is off the hook. If the distance is too short, the bait is shot. If you use a ranged infantry to bait another ranged infantry and the terrain is relatively flat, simply let your bait walk back. The ideal distance will be maintained just about right. But if you see the prey starts running, your bait should run, too.
Important: Do not lead the prey into any tiny patch of tree as they will be off the hook.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Wow that's a monster paragraph for classic Chinese. So what we just did was to let the prey getting too far behind."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good, so our bait will comfortably walk back with the prey." :on_harhar:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_099.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah! Come back to daddy!" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, I have a question..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Didn't we agree that we should only draw out one unit of Bow Ashigaru? If we defeat all three, wouldn't Shimazu Yoshihisa actively attack us with everything he has left?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_eeek: "What should we do?..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Maybe the book has something?" :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes! Right on the next line!" :on_aww:
11. Keep the Right Distance: If too many ranged-unit preys are on hook and defeating them all would cause the enemy to actively attack, make your bait run a little bit until you shake off the extra preys.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Start jogging until I say walk!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "One prey turned back!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Keep jogging!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Two preys turned back!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Walk now! Nice! Now let's take another 5-minute break... :on_bath:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_100.jpg
Seven. Traps for Ranged Prey
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Good, the Shimazu Bow Ashigaru has followed our bait all the way back. Now what do we do?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Let's see what The Art of Gore says:"
12. Trap for Ranged Prey: There are two kinds of traps for a ranged unit. The safer trap is to duel them out with all of your own ranged units in loose formation. Once the prey is about to shoot at us, run up closer so the prey is covered by all units' range.
Another way is to back charge them with more than one unit of cavalry - only safe when the enemy's morale is low.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm... charge with cavalry, that would be my unit and my lord's..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Why risk our lives? :on_sweat: Let's play safe this time. Bow Ashigaru in loose formation! Go!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5927&d=1340678475
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "They are shooting at us! We are taking casualties!" :on_dead:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Draw arrows... Fire!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_101.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The prey is outmatched! They drop like swatted mosquitos!" :on_lol:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Haha, run, run! Run from daddy! :on_panda: Hm... why don't we kill them off with cavalry?"
13. Trap for Ranged Prey: Why let the routing units exit safely? Prepare your cavalry to run them down.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, please let me do this!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Go go go!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_102.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "You want a fight, little Shimazu Bow Ashigaru? Let's see who draws weapon faster!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_103.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Let me send you to the paradise in the west!" :on_hero:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5935&d=1340748005
Eight. Induce a different formation
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, just a few escaped! We had to pull back from their bow samurai."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good work! Good. Good... what's next?" :on_read:
14. After destroying all ranged units you can without triggering the enemy's attack, we start drawing out the enemy's melee infantry. This can be done easily if the enemy picks a formation where melee infantry becomes the first row.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Makes sense. If the enemy's ranged units are on the first row, we will have to draw them out from the side, which could be difficult to do if the enemy will always rotate to face us."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah. But I wonder how we can order Shimazu to adapt another formation?
15. A change in formation can be induced when a unit of cavalry approaches the side of the enemy. Once a desired formation is adapted, the distraction should remain on the spot so the new formation is "stabilized".
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "OK! I am on this! Bodyguards, come with me!" :on_skip:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5938&d=1340748035
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Ha! it worked! Shimazu has changed its formation to... let me check the Index of the Book. Oh, the "Marginalized Bows" formation."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The Bow units are left at the edges, away from battle. I guess they are moved to the sides to protect the flanks from... you, my lord." :on_sung:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "But that leaves their spears exposed at front!"
16. Drawing out melee ashigaru is very easy. Prioritize on baiting them out if they are on the first line.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "On the front row there are two units of Yari Ashigaru. Something wonderful is about to happent! :on_aww:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The Art of Gore is Good!" :on_adore:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5932&d=1340747975
Nine. Cavalry Draws out Melee Ashigaru
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Let's work on the two Yari Ashigaru units on the first line!"
17. How to draw out melee ashigaru on the first line: Simply march a cavalry unit toward the prey. The prey will start charging the bait when the bait is still quite far away.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Please let me do this, my lord!" :on_please:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Sure! I am stuck here to keep Shimazu's new formation anyway. Remember, your job is to lead the prey back!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Yes, my lord!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_105.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "This is too easy!" :on_lol:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah! Keep walking, don't let them fall too far behind~" :on_panda:
Note: Actually approaching from the side, even back, also draws out melee Ashigaru. They are designed to be cannon fodders, so the AI will always charge them "first", meaning that they start attacking when their enemy is still quite far away.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5933&d=1340747986
Ten. Melee Trap for Melee Prey
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, please be ready! I am leading the prey back!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "OK! Let's... er... :on_read:"
17. How to trap melee ashigaru: There are two ways. One: use multiple melee units to form a pocket. The goal is to rout the bait by quickly charging them on multiple sides, and then massacre the routing soldiers. Two: Use ranged units to severly weaken the bait when it gets close, and rout it before it can engage our men. The latter way is more suitable for advanced ranged units.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah, our Bow Ashigaru are not powerful enough. Loan Sword Ashigaru, let's welcome our guest!" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Almost here!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_106.jpg
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_107.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "The pocket is sealed! All units, charge!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The prey's captain ordered everybody to stand their ground, but only two guys listened!" :on_lol:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_108.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Two ashigaru sneaked out! Get them!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Charge!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5939&d=1340751031
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Take this!" :on_biker:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, we left none standing!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good! There is one more Yari Ashigaru. Let's do it again!" :on_whip:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_110.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "This one routs quickly... but we will get them all! Charge!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_111.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "You are too slow! :on_panda:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_114.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Take a good rest. Be a monk in your next life!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5934&d=1340747997
Eleven. Long-ranged Bow Draws out Melee Samurai
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Got them all, my lord!" :on_hero:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good! Now we have got rid of all Shimazu's Yari Ashigaru.... all melee infantry remaining are samurai. How do we tackle it?" :on_read:
18. Draw out melee samurai: The best way is to use Bow Warrior Monk to shoot them from afar. When they receive a certain damage, they will start charging.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "But... this is year 1549, where do we find Bow Warrior Monks? :on_beg:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Well, there are Naginata Warrior Monk Cavlary... :on_sweat:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_115.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Oh wait, here is another solution..."
19. Draw out melee samurai: Another way is to use your ranged infantry and approach them head-on - not from the side. They start charging at you when you get close - it might require a paranoid general, though.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Hm... well, at least it is worth a try. :on_sweat:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Maybe I can get them close enough to shoot at the samurai, but not close enough to draw out Shimazu's Bow Samurai! Then we can deal some damage to them to make sure they do come out!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Good! I will take over to hold the Shimazu formation in place, so my lord can deliver some encouragement on the Bow Ashigaru!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good idea!" :on_lol:
Note: At the end of the guide I will supply another video showing how to use Bow Warrior Monk to draw out melee samurai.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5936&d=1340748016
Twelve. Calvary Draws out Cavalry
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, I am approaching from the opposite direction, so I am not sure whether this is close enough..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... maybe a little closer."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Yes, my lord."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "A little closer."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Certainly."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Closer still."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "OK... oh no, Shimazu's Bow Samurai is coming at me!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Pull back~" :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Oh no, Shimazu's taisho is coming, too! He is coming at me!"
20. When your cavalry gets sufficiently close to the enemy, their cavalry might start charging you. You may wish to bring spear units nearby just in case. Sometimes, you can draw out the enemy taisho and intercept him with spear units.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Shall I fight, my lord? We are Naginata, and we have twice the men! We can take him out!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Lead him all the way back! Yari Ronin, run to the forest there! Meet your comrades and kill their taisho! We will butcher him like Shoni!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_117.jpg
Peasant Phill
06-27-2012, 11:37
I'll advertise this when it's completly done.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5941&d=1340761917
Intermission: Running Ronin
Under the glaring sun we run,
Our face feeling the breeze of spring.
Into the cherry blossom we rush,
Our ears hearing the sparrows sing.
Faithful riders draw the taisho near,
We shall bring the moment of despair.
Just a little closer to taste our spears,
Suddenly, they stop, shaken by fear.
The enemy taisho turns back, saving his life.
Seeing a perfect trap fails, the commander sighs.
Knowing the world is nothing but an illusion,
The faithfuls relax in the tranquility nearby.
Thirteen. A Paranoid General
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "A perfect plan failed... :on_tantrum:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I am sorry, my lord. My lead was probably too wide, so Shimazu Yoshihisa gave up. Please let me try again!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Sure!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_118.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Shimazu Yoshihisa refuses to chase me this time. He just stares at me at the edge of his army."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "How about insulting his ancestors?" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Buddhists do not swear..." :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_119.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Looks like that was our only chance... forget it then. Let's proceed with our plan! Draw out their Yari Samurai with our Bow Ashigaru!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "And we will take a break under the cherry blossom. Nice!" :on_saturated:
Note: I am not sure why the AI's taisho cannot be drawn out again, as previous experience shows that the AI behavior is always reproducible. Maybe it is because I have moved some other units.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5940&d=1340761912
Fourteen: Bow Ashigaru Draws out Melee Samurai
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... now Shimazu Yoshihisa insists to park at the very edge of his army. I wonder what we should call this formation..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "There is actually a drawing in the Appendix!" :on_yell:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Can't believe Mao-tzu even included the variants of each formation! :on_gwow: But where is the missing Yari Samurai on the first line?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "It has been drawn out by our bait. :on_lol: They started charging when our range almost cover their unit. This is almost as easy as drawing out Yari Ashigaru." :on_whistle:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_120.jpg
Note: I am not sure whether the "paranoid general" is a must for the hyper-alert melee samurai. My experience tells me it is very difficult to draw out melee samurai with bow ashigaru. But I have never attempted it when AI adapts the "Marginalized Bows" formation, which is induced by our cavalry parked at the flank of its army.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_121.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Loan Sword Ashigaru! The Shimazu samurais are here! Do not be afraid - we have surrounded them, and we outnumber them 8 to 1! Charge!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_122.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "No matter which way they turn, we will charge their back! Raise your swords! Let samurai crumble before ashigaru!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_123.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Know fear, for samurai are also men!" :on_sung:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_124.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Ronins, stab them in the back!" :on_panda:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5944&d=1340761933
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Wahaha... Nobody survives the massacre!" :on_panda:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Shimazu's formation remains unchanged. Please carry on and draw out their katana samurai!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes! Bow Ashigaru, bring back some Katana Samurai for us!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_128.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, one of Shimazu's Katana samurai units is now running after our bait!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Katana samurai incoming! Time to show them the mob power of Ikko-ikki!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_125.jpg
Man Skewers
The ronins' spears finally found their victims,
piercing through the surrounded samurai's column.
So bloody, so grusome,
A rear charge makes the best man skewers blossom.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_126.jpg
This man is an island
This man is an island, entire of itself.
The other men form a piece of the yellow continent.
If a clod be washed away by the melee,
Japan does not change, as well as if Mount Fuji was,
as well as if the Setto Inland Sea was:
Any man's death will be forgotten,
because the lost numbers regenerate.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls;
there was only the victors' cheer.
awesome!!! great tips and you stuck to the style of the hattori campaign. loving it, will have to try it eventually xD thanks a bunch!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_127.jpg
The Victors' Cheer
Today is not your turn to die.
Raise your swords high;
Watch the blood sprays into the sky;
Say to each enemy who walks into the trap, goodbye.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_129.jpg
A Loaned Sword
These monks cannot afford swords,
A loaned Katana they now wield.
Sharps blades with not much skills, still,
Carving flesh and bone like silk.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5942&d=1340761922
Fifteen: Refresh the Enemy's Formation
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord! We have completely destroyed Shimazu's second line! Now they only have one line left!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "This is good! But how do we draw out the rest without being shot by Shimazu's Bow Samurai?" :on_read:
21. Refresh the enemy's formation: March your Cavalry toward the side of the enemy's formation until it responds, and then comeback.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Yes, my lord! Let's take a little walk out of the forest!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5943&d=1340761928
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, the Shimazu army has rearranged! There are two more Katana Samurai available!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Bow Ashigaru, let's go!" :on_lol:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_137.jpg
So close, yet they tripped
Running down from the grassy hill,
Chasing the lowly ashigaru across the field;
Shimazu's samurai almost reach their foes,
while one guy steps into a ground hog's hole.
The entire row tumble,
The entire column fall.
They did not catch the enemy,
only to be engulfed by destiny.
Note: I was distracted with something else and forgot to switch the bait to running until it was almost too late. EDIT: From watching the replay, it seems that the Shimazu men started to charge and had a boost in speed, but due to my sudden acceleration, the boost in speed ran out and the men tripped as a result.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_130.jpg
May the Best Man Lives
In the midst of the chaotic battle,
An ashigaru found his destined duel.
Two swords crossed at a sharp angle,
Beginning a life-and-death struggle.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_131.jpg
The samurai wins the contest of might,
But loses the stability of mind.
Fearing all his comrades fleeing behind,
he was distracted for a fraction of a second...
When the enemy's blade severed his spine.
Note: Do not stand so close to a fighting couple! You may be collaterally hurt by sharp objects.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_132.jpg
Blood spills from a wound so massive,
Clashes end from a outcome so decisive.
May the best man lives -
With lifelong regrets from killing, only Buddha forgives.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5958&d=1340853630
Sixteen. The Last Formation
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm, we again destroyed the Katana samurai on the first line. Maybe we can make them rearrange again?" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "On my way, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Let's see what The Art of Gore says here..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5960&d=1340854341
22. If you get the rare opportunity to bait/take out the enemy Taisho, make it the top priority.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_yell: "Kagenaka, wait!~~"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "What did you say, my lord? I cannot hear you from 1 mile away!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Do not move!~ :on_eeek: Wait for our Yari Ronin and Bow Ashigaru! to take out their taisho!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "What?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5961&d=1340854345
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Shimazu army has rearranged again! Their bows returned to the front line... and no matter what I do, Shimazu's formation does not change anymore."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 ":on_tears: "Too late..."
23. When the enemy's army is largely reduced, upon their next rearrangement the bows will return to the first line, and the formation will no longer change.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "So... what do we do next?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "... I guess we will prepare for the final clash. How come you can hear me now?" :on_sweat:
Seventeen. The Last Prey
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The final clash?
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah... it seems that all we can draw out are bow units now. But if we reduce Shimazu's bow units further, they will attack us."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "So we must be ready for it!"
24. To proceed with the Final Clash, draw out as many bow units as possible. Upon their destruction, the enemy will initiate the attack. Destroy them all!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_140.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Drew out two Bow Ashigaru units! :on_lol: Ikko Bow Ashigaru, fire!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_141.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "No one gets away from our naginata!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_142.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Shimazu is coming! Shimazu Yoshihisa will lead the charge!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Victory will be ours! All infantry, charge!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_143.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Watch out! Shimazu Yoshihisa is only a distraction! He now circles to our flank - right into our Bow Ashigaru! Our ashigaru takes heavy casaulty from their Bow Samurai!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "It is now a race of who destroys whom first! :on_furious: Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry, Bodyguards, follow me!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "At once!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_144.jpg
The Banner Bearer
An ashigaru bears the ronin's banner,
No one doubts he could be any braver.
Raise the blood-stained banner one last time,
In the midst of the final clash and stay alive.
Responds to duty's call,
Never let the banner fall.
The land of Hyuga, let the martyrs' blood purify.
The spirit of man, let the bearer's spirit inspire.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_145.jpg
Irresistible
The Taisho's bodyguard raised their Katana,
Merged with monk riders wielding Naginata.
Now they bring the climax of the opera,
In the field surrounded by blooming cherries, Sakura.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_146.jpg
Drawn by the irresistable targets,
Shimazu samurais turned to jackpot ticket.
One volley of arrows made the little dent on the last digit,
The riders are already in their face, like muskets' bullet.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_147.jpg
The Bow Samurai are demolished by the earthquake:
Like tofu crushed by a cup cake,
Like a cup cake smashed by a cup of sake,
Like a cup of sake knocked down by a glass of milkshake,
Like a glass of milkshake shattered by a wagon which fails to break.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_148.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My Lord! The enemy taisho is running from defeat! But his dishonour and our swords will chase him to his grave!" :on_lol:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_sweat: "I have heard this line many times. How about something new?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My Lord! A glorious victory will soon be yours!" :on_panda:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_exhausted:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_149.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Their ally has abandoned them! Now we have them!" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Enough!~" :on_crying:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_150.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "We have completely wiped out Shimazu's army! My lord, Shimazu Yoshihisa has committed Seppuku with shame!" :on_dead:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good! Now send the emissary and proceed with the peace treaty."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, why don't we advance further? We can destroy Shimazu next season!" :on_eeek:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Because we have stretched as thin as we can... again. We need sometime to spread the gospel of pure lands."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Indeed..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Plus Shimazu is willing to more than cover our cost! :on_aww:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_151.jpg
End of the Battle of Hyuga
Video: Guide of Bait Tactics (Battle of Hyuga)
http://youtu.be/PPFU2eFb5iQ
This video (from my Hattori story) shows Bait Tactics at end game. Bow Warrior Monks can easily draw out AI's units with their superior range. It also shows a different kind of trap - destroying the prey with fire arrrows.
http://youtu.be/3frf_Wyhv1g
This concludes the Guide of Bait Tactics Lesson One. Hope you enjoyed it!
But this is not the end yet - there will be at least two more lessons in the future.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_155.jpg
Intermission: Agents of Faith Travel East
The Grandmaster of Ikko, Shimozuma Raishou, has come.
His formidable army beats terrifying battle drum,
Accompanied by the most feared agents of Faith,
Friends or foes, to whom all succumb.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_159.jpg
Kyushu was purified in a blitz,
As the rebellion of faith inevitably hits.
The island became the symbol of a new age,
Where all religions are equal...ly overtaken by Ikko's bids.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_165.jpg
The agents of faith travel east,
Towards Chugoku where large clans feast.
Urakami and Bessho used to have the upper-hand,
until Amako crushed their armies, while religious chaos slowly released.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_171.jpg
More agents of faith crossed the sea,
Towards Shigoku, where Chosokabe had an expansion spree.
Suzuki's army landed in Iyo,
Only seeing two angry Chosokabe stacks disagree.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_173.jpg
Eighteen. Where Bait Tactics Fails
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord! Chosokabe has declared war!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Shinji! Yeah we already anticipated that - sold infinite military access for 3700 koku last season. :on_panda: How have you been over the past two years?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Cannot feel better. Got married and had a baby."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_yell: "But you are a monk!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "This is Japan, my lord. I just had BBQ pork for lunch."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_sweat: "So how are your soldiers?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My follew riders are ready to cause some major damage to Chosokabe... if our cloth-covered body survive their sharp arrows. :on_bibber: What is the war plan?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... Chsokabe has two armies. The stronger army, which consists of a huge number of samurai, is in the forest just south of the border of Iyo and Tosa. The weaker army, which has not reached its full strengh, is on Iyo's open road just ease from us. We can pick one enemy to fight this season, while letting the ninja handle the other."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Which one should we attack first?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "It all depends on the terrain. According to The Art of Gore..." :on_read:
25. Avoid this at all cost - a huge hill full of trees. Ranged units cannot be baited from a deep forest. Melee samurai cannot be drawn if you cannot shoot at them.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I remember that we needed to have a tree-less clear line betwee the enemy and us. The trees will definitely get in the way."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah. And according to our scouts, this is the terrain where Chosokabe's primary force is."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5973&d=1340971104
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "What a huge hill full of trees :on_angry2:!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5974&d=1340971107
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Such a big hill... I guess Chosokabe's army will make a run for it immediately."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Indeed. Only the Legendary Kisho training could intercept their force..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Once they reached the top of the hill, there is no way to draw them out." :on_idle:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5975&d=1340971110
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Exactly. That's where Bait Tactics will fail... We have to leave Chosokabe's main force alone for now."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "But if we use Ninja to sabotage their army, they will simply remain on the same spot..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I guess we will have to bait them out - as an entire army! Hm... maybe we need a second army as the bait."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "But we are literally THE Second army. The Grandmaster leads the First army in Chugoku."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So we will call for help from the First army!" :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_176.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Let's attack Chosokabe's smaller army on the open road, then."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Looks like they have an equal mixture of everything."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yep. Shouldn't be too difficult to crush them... :on_groucho:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_177.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "This battlefield looks much better. :on_lol:."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah... flat and few trees. We can do whatever we want on the enemy. :on_sing:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5977&d=1341067796
Nineteen. Routines
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe adapted an interesting formation. There is a long line of ranged units in the middle. There are a few melee units both in front of it and in the back of it."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... :on_read: The Art of Gore calls this a Supersized Hot Dog."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "I don't get it, my lord. What is a Hot Dog?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Oh here is the explaination. The melee units are under-sized buns. The cavalry are the fingers grabbing the bun."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Huh? Maybe it is an ancient food..." :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I suppose the Hot Dog refers to the long line of ranged unit? Chosokabe has 6. If our experience holds true, we can weaken it to 4. Let's draw them out first, then."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Sounds good. I will prepare my men to mop up the fleeing bowmen." :on_whistle:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_179.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah, come to daddy!" :on_panda:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_180.jpg
Repent
Naginata falls from high,
The faithless regets with sigh.
Repent, under the pale blue sky,
Repent, for the end is nigh.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5978&d=1341067800
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Mission accomplished, my lord. What's next?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... now Chosokabe's formation is reduced to a Regular Hot Dog. If we destroy any more ranged unit, they will attack us. well then, let's proceed with melee ashigaru."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Use cavalry as a bait?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yeah...? Why are you still here?" :on_aww:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Right away!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_181.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Thank you, come again!" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5979&d=1341067805
Twenty. Cavalry draws out Fast Cavalry
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe has no more melee ashigaru left. They still have two units of melee samurai."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good. We can worry about them later. :on_read:"
26. If the enemy has cavalry, you can sometimes draw them out from the side with your own cavalry. Be careful if you are slower than the enemy.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Chosokabe has two units of Light Cavalry. Maybe it is worth a try?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Right. So it is either you or me..." :on_love:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "On my away!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_182.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_yell: "My lord! They are coming! My men are running... my horses are running as fast as they can!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "All melee units, run to rescue! Intercept the Light Cavalry in their face!" :on_punch:
27. A good trap for enemy cavalry is spear infantry - any large number of infantry works. If possible, block off the prey's retreat route on their back. The enemy tends to pull out the cavalry and charge them toward another target.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_183.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "That worked beautifully! One down. One more to go!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "On my way! All I need to do is to approach them from the side. :on_huh: Hm... I forgot whether I shut off the stove when I left home. If I did forget, my house should have turned to ash already, so it is probably not really something I should worry about now..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What is he doing? Call him back! The enemy already started charging!" :on_bash:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_eeek: "Turn back! Run! Run!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_184.jpg
Mistakes
When a soldier makes a mistake,
one man dies.
When a captain makes a mistake,
a dozen men die.
When a commander makes a mistake,
a thousand men die.
When a daimyo makes a mistake,
well, there is a game save for retry.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_185.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_beg: "I am sorry my lord, my negligence costs my unit 6 men."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Luckily our spears ran up to save the day... :on_sweat: Pay more attention to my command from now on!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Of course, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5980&d=1341067811
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, now there are no more Light Cavalry. I tried to draw out their general, but nothing happens."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "It is OK. I think we have weakended Chosokabe enough. Let's proceed with the last stage - drawing out some more ranged units?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Then prepare for the last clash? Certainly!"
Note: Melee infantry is also good for drawing out bow infantry.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_186.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe is throwing everything at us!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "This is the moment we all have been waiting for! Attack! :on_furious:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5984&d=1341067834
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "The best way to dodge Chosokabe's arrows is to charge into them! Come with me! :on_furious:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Charge!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_187.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Run, Chosokabe taisho! :on_panda:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "my lord, he is actually exiting the battlefield..." :on_exhausted:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_188.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What? How did they manage to get away?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Look at the bright side, my lord, you can beat them again!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_panda:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_189.jpg
Intermission. The Grandmaster Arrives
The Grandmaster arrives,
While Faithful Buddhists admire.
Chosokabe's force divides,
While going down in patterns alike.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_191.jpg
The Grandmaster waited in the forest,
Patiently for his prey of interest.
None of Chosokabe's men ever noticed,
Now they are ambushed by the strongest!
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6010&d=1341285272
Twenty One. Ambush to Attack in the Open
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord! Captain Shinji Kagenaka reporting - General Suzuki Sadayu sent me to coordinate the Second Army's action with the First Army. The Second army has followed the plan to attack Sanuki and Awa."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 (Shimozuma Raishou, 下間賴照) "Good! Let the First Army handle Chosokabe's force."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, please be careful. Chosokabe's army is almost exclusively samurai."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Indeed. That's why we ambush them. We pick the battlefield. There is no mountain forest for them to hide!" :on_sung:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "So what is my lord's plan? Do we attack them from both sides?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "That could work if the enemy is nothing but ashigaru. We have no chance if we engage their entire samurai army at once. We need to break them up. All units, on my order! March to southeast! We will use Bait Tactics! :on_panda:"
28. When an enemy army stays on a difficult terrain, set up an ambush beside the open road in order to attack on the open.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord has heard about Bait Tactics, too?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Of course! Who can forget the Delightful Castle Assault chapter in The Art of Gore?" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Er... actually I have never read the book, my lord. :on_blush:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Well, you are a Naginata Warrior Monk Rider, you have nothing to do with castle assault anyway. It is a very thick chapter, much thicker than Bait Tactics." :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6011&d=1341285276
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe has 7 units of terribly powerful Bow Samurai, protected by melee units front and back."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Looks like Chosokabe Kunichika really cherishes his Hot Dog. :on_sweat: I mean his Bow Samurai. Let's reduce their numbers first!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "By how much, my Lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "We have 7 units of Bow Ashigaru. We can reduce Chosokabe's Bow Samurai to 3 units. Release the bait!" :on_glaugh:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_194.jpg
Twenty Two. Flat Terrain is Ideal for Baiting Ranged Units
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 :on_panda: "Yeah, come to us! let Ikko-Ikki deliver you to paradise!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Hm... this open terrain is not so flat. Our bait will have problem leading the prey back. Is there a relatively flat strip of land nearby?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Let me scout around, my lord!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_196.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, there is a flat strip of land in the west, not far away."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "OK! Let the Bow Ashigaru set up their trap there! Saves a lot of trouble. :on_bath:"
29. It is quite tedious to maintain a suitable lead on a ranged prey over rough terrain, as we have to adjust the speed of the bait constantly. Flat terrain is much preferred for the ease of mind.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6012&d=1341285278
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, after losing one unit of Bow Samurai, Chosokabe has adapted a new formation!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "The Misplaced Katana? Nothing new here. :on_picknose: Keep working on their Bow Samurai!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_197.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, we have reduced Chosokabe's Bow units to 3. What's next?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "The next stage is melee ashigaru. Chosokabe only has two, and they are hiding in the back of the bows. It will be nice if we can induce a change in their formation."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Does that mean our Cavalry will approach from the side of their formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Not bad! Now I name you the acting captain of the Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry. Go and lead the unit, then!" :on_lol:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Right away!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_198.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, while I get close, there is a re-shuffling in Chosokabe's formation. One unit of Yari Ashigaru got close and is on the hook!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "They are lost in the woods! Get closer and lead them back!" :on_furious:
Note: The stuck unit appeared to be cheering, which usually happens when a unit has wiped out their enemy. But it has not defeated anything.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_199.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The prey is in the trap!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Let's give them a warm welcome! Charge!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6013&d=1341285282
Twenty Three. Cavalry draws out Taisho
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe has adapted a new formation! It is very compact, with Bow units first, followed by three lines of melee. Their taisho stays in the back."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Hm... this is a very troublesome formation called "Turtle's Shell". The bow units are very active - it is hard to draw out melee without getting shot at."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "What should I do?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Circle around and appraoch their formation from the back. Keep away from the bows until you approach the prey."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "OK... :on_yell: My lord! Chosokabe Kunichika is coming at me!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Keep a short distance and lead him back!" :on_furious:
30. When our cavalry bait gets very close to the enemy taisho, there is a chance to draw him out. This is the king of preys! Maintain a short distance to keep him on the hook!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_201.jpg
The King of Preys
The daimyo chases the bait,
Not knowing he is the prey.
Beyond the tall grass far away,
Grave danger awaits.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_202.jpg
The Lowly Trappers
Here come the faithful lesser farmers,
Who loyally follow their leader's orders.
Carry weapons longer and pointier,
They shall prevail like scissors against paper.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_203.jpg
Prey in the Trap
The preys fall in the trap,
Like chicken nuggets in a wrap.
The daimyo earns a full-face slap,
Turning his elite to battle scrap.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_204.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord! Chosokabe Kunichika is tough! We just can't take him down!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 :on_bash: "Don't take him down! Take his horse down!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_205.jpg
Thrust of Fortune
They surrounded the enemy's taisho,
But it was difficult to bring down a clan's daimyo.
Suddenly, a nobody is made into a hero,
As his spear penetrates the steed's torso.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_206.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe Kunichika has fallen - off his horse! A cutting blow - is delivered to his neck!" :on_vred:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Good!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_208.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, I am sorry. I cannot draw out the last ashigaru unit. The Chosokabe's Bow Samurai are really aggressive."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Let me show you!" :on_whip:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord took the prey and made a large circle around the enemy... taking Bait Tactics to a new level!" :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_209.jpg
Twenty Four. The Samurai Sacrifice
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, Chosokabe has nothing but samurai left!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Too bad I can't make them adapt a new formation. Hm... let the Bow Ashigaru try!" :on_idea:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Chosokabe sent some Katana Samurai forward - like a volunteer to take the arrows. A sacrifice. :on_tears:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Here is a good spot to safely shoot at the Katana Samurai and avoid drawing out Bow Samurai." :on_groucho:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Good!"
31. Sometimes a few samurai unit breaks free from the formation to face our cavalry. Find a safe spot to shoot at them. Lure them back with the bow infantry, but not the cavalry - the prey will turn back if a cavalry leads it.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_210.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Bow Ashigaru, don't run that fast!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, the prey turned back..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "That's right. They won't follow me all the way back. Only an infantry bait works on them."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "How about trying it again, my lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Argh... it is too tedious to draw out samurai with bow ashigaru this way. Victory is already certain. Let's proceed to the final clash!"
Note: I rushed to the final stage because my play time was running out. :on_sleep:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_211.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, here come two out of the three remaining Bow Samurai units!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Are you ready to run them down once they start to flee?" :on_hmm:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Always!" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6014&d=1341285283
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "The Samurai starts charging in formation!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Wow. This is the Legendary Arrow Head, a bow unit leads the charge!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Looks very powerful..." :on_bibber:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_213.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Worry not! We are now twice as many as them! And we have secret weapons!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "Secret weapons?"
(chantings heard in the background :on_attention:)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "It is the legendary Naginata Warrior Monks. :on_tears: Wait, that's us, too. But we can't do War Cry like them for some reason. :on_exhausted:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Indeed. Their war cry is able to turn the tide of battles!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "To battle!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "To Pure Land!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_214.jpg
Holy Chanters
Sword ashigaru charged from the right,
Throwing themselves into the fiercest fight.
The holy chanters followed up,
Shaking the enemy with a deafening war cry.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_215.jpg
Uneven Distribution
Seeing the central spear wall stopping the enemy's motion,
The left flank ashigaru now charge into action.
By pure chance there is an uneven distribution,
One ashigaru has to face two samurai and hold their position.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_216.jpg
The Last Straw
The holy chanters routed their foes,
Yet the ashigaru are not enough on their own.
One last straw will collapse the enemy's morale,
Now, the faithful riders go!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_217.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5909&d=1340503360 "My lord, the Choksabe samurai line has collapsed!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1340503360 "Let's raise our swords and chase them to their graves! :on_furious:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_218.jpg
The Pure Land Expands
Another memorial is erected,
Another island is conquered.
Wherever the faithfuls landed,
The pure land expanded.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_219.jpg
The First army assaulted the Tosa castle, the Paradise of Invaders,
The lucky ashigaru who slained the daimyo was promoted a leader.
The ikko-ikki roster swells,
As the clan of faith excels.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_220.jpg
The Second Army went on and took Awa,
Where Shinji Kagenaka was reliefed from captain of Naginata.
He is a now clan general, adapted by the noble family of Suzuki,
His new name is Suzuki Mitsuaki (鈴木光昭).
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_221.jpg
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_222.jpg
Chosokabe sold their pants for peace treaty,
Only to be wiped out by Hatakeyama in Awaji.
Shigoku is now controlled by Ikki-Ikki,
But their campaign is far from over -
as anybody who does not believe
will eventually become their enemy.
End of Battles of Iyo
Video: Guide of Bait Tactics II (Battles of Iyo)
http://youtu.be/eRdSY7yV76w
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_225.jpg
Intermission: Amako the Treacherous
Was is declared by Amako the treacherous,
Who with Ikko had no previous business.
Chugoku is falling under the dangerous,
Unless the pure land expel the faithless.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_230.jpg
Yet half of Ikko's army has to stay behind,
As people in Shigoku have not changed their mind.
Luckily, while the First Army reaches the border of Aki,
There is a powerful rebellion bearing the banner of Ikko-Ikki.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_234.jpg
While Amako's army was lost in the winter woods,
Their commander was poisoned by mercury seafood.
The First Army merged with the faithful rebels,
Fighting Amako on a forest hill -
where Bait Tactics may not completely fail.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6076&d=1341460988
Twenty Five. A Little Hope of Forest Hill
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "Shinji! Oh, you are now a Suzuki. Is that real mostache?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Yes, my lord. It is real." :on_groucho:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "Amazing that you managed to grow it in a year. Mine is just a fake glued to the mask."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 :on_sweat: "What's the battle plan, my lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "You are now an official general. Why don't you make a plan?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Yes, my lord! The terrain of the battlefield is primarily forest. I think Amako's army is going to pick a large hill and hide in there. This hill in the center is large enough to hide all enemy soldiers."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "My map does not show a large hill here... but yes, it is a large hill."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "So we cannot use Bait Tactics... we will have to attack it the hard way. We can surround the hill with units and attack together."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "Why can't we use Bait tactics?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Because when the enemy hides in deep forest, there is no way to draw them out."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "Really?" :on_hmm:
32. When the enemy hides in deep forest, it is extremely difficult to draw them out. But there is one exception : melee ashigaru.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341461175 "The Amako army is 70% Yari Ashigaru. There is a good chance that many units are exposed. Why don't you take a look at the formation of the Amako army before they go into hiding?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Yes, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6083&d=1341490651
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord, Amako's army is divided into three rows. The first row is 4 units of Bow Ashigaru. The next two rows are all yari units - 14 units of Yari Ashigaru and 1 unit of Yari Samurai. The second row is much longer than the third row."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "That Yari Samurai is their acting commander. Are there exposed Yari Ashigaru on the second row?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Yes, my lord."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "So let's draw them out!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "With what, my lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "We need something so valuable that they cannot resist. :on_swoon:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Please be careful, my lord..."
Note: It is rarely possible to draw out AI's ranged units from deep forest, unless they are located at the edge of the forest.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6077&d=1341460995
Twenty Six. Taisho Draws out Hidden Melee Ashigaru
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Hidden units, my lord! Treacherously trying to ambush us!" :on_yell:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Thanks for the warning. I had to get really close to draw them out. Get the trap ready!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Yes, my lord!"
33. When drawing out melee ashigaru hiding in the forest, approach the most exposed unit from the side of the formation to avoid activation of bow units. The ashigaru will charge out. Maintain a short distance to lead them back to the trap.
Note: It is possible to use other cavalry to draw out hidden melee ashigaru. But I get an impression that they get off hook very easily if the bait is not valuable enough.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6079&d=1341461007
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "We are ready, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "OK! Here we come!"
(1000 arrows flying)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Stop firing! I am in the range!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Sorry my lord, I forgot to tell them to hold fire. :on_sweat:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6081&d=1341461018
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Please leave their captain to me, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Go, mustache!" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6078&d=1341461002
Out of the Forest
The trees provides much shelter,
Now the bait has to get much closer.
Yet the ashigaru does not become any wiser,
As they rush into trap like their predecessor.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6080&d=1341461013
The Holy Koriyama (Holy Mt. Kori)
The holy mountain never sees,
The holy mountain never weeps.
Blood spilled nurishes its trees,
Remnants of battle add to its stories.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_049.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 ":on_panda: Don't let them escape!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord, we have six units of cavalry, like a huge school of piranha. Nothing is left on the bone. :on_bibber:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_050.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Hm? There seems to be some rearrangement in Amako's army."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord, Amako's first line is now spear units. Their bow units have backed off to the second line, protected by spear units on the flanks. There is no more third line."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Oh. This is the famous Porcupine formation. Anything that has melee units up front is a blessing for Bait Tactics. :on_sing:"
Note: Amako starts the battle with 15 spear units and 4 bow units. The formation shift happens when there are about 8 untis of spear and 4 units of bow. Apparently, AI chooses its formation based on their current army composition.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_051.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "It seems that Amako Yari Samurai tends to follow my lord. When my lord approaches from the left, the samurai goes to the left. When my lord approaches from the right, the samurai goes to the right."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "It is fine. When I approach them, there will be a shuffle in their formation. Some Yari Ashigaru is coming after me. :on_panda:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_052.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "The trap is ready!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Unleash the Ikko-Ikki horde! :on_furious:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_053.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "It looks like that I can no longer draw out units from the side. But when I go to the front, Amako moves their Bow Units to the front. :on_hmm:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord, please let me hold their formation on the side!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Good idea!" :on_idea:
34. When your unit approaches the enemy from the side and see the AI adapting a favorable formation, you can "lock in" that formation by parking the unit on the same spot. Then use another unit as the bait.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_054.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Run away! Watch out for the arrows!" :on_injured:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Are you all right, my lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "I am fine... but strangely time flows extra fast around me, like 4 times speed. :on_sweat: I didn't have enough time to issue my commands to run away from danger..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "It looks like Amako's remaining spear units are unwilling to come out anymore. And their Bow units have become very sensitive."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Indeed. Amako's remaining spear units can no longer cover their bow units in the Procupine formation. Maybe this is as much we can do now. Get ready for the final assault! Surround the hill!" :on_furious:
35. When the enemies hides in deep forest hill, there is no way to draw their ranged units out and activate their attack mode. When we have destroyed all units that can be drawn out, there is no option left but to actively attack. The only exception is when the bow units are very close to the edge of the forest.
Note: I got lazy and used 4 times speed to play. Not a very good idea when there is a chance of being shot.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_055.jpg
Twenty Seven. Last-minute Bait Tactics
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord! We have surrounded the hill! We start the assault on your order!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Hold on! Let's see if we can draw out just one or two more units... :on_idea: Bow Ashigaru, march forward!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_056.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord! The enemy captain, the Yari Samurai is charging downhill!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Bow Ashigaru back off! Hold them up with Yari Ashigaru! Bodyguards, gett off your horses! We charge on foot!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Charge!" :on_biker:
Note: Generals have got off their horses much earlier as the last stage of the fight happens exclusively in the forest.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/bait_057.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord, the enemy captain fled! We have also baited out another unit of Yari Ashigaru."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Watch out! Here comes their super bow ashigaru! We need some distractions - Bow Ashigaru, loose formation, in the forest! Tell the units on the other side start charging uphill!" :on_furious:
36. Consider Bait Tactics whenever the enemy starts charging at us. We can avoid a lot of casualty this way.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_235.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "My lord! A glorious victory! We baited 14 out of 19 units from a forest hill! :on_lol:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "Yeah. Luckily the Amako army is full of Yari Ashigaru. :on_sweat: It won't be this easy in other cases."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Oh right, we just received reports from Buzen, the first batch of Ikko Bow Warrior Monks are arriving on the sea."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015d=1341461175 "No prey can resist Bow Warrior Monks... :on_tears: unless they hide in the forest."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_237.jpg
A Temporary Ceasefire
Ikko and Amako signed a temporary peace treaty,
while one preaches compaission but the other spreads treachery.
More fierce battles of Sengoku lies ahead,
But no one doubts the power of the faithful... baitful army.
End of Battle of Koriyama
Video: Guide of Bait Tactics III (Battles of Koriyama)
http://youtu.be/QmMvyP6rJEM
Currently I have no more content planned for the guide. I might add other battles as examples later, but only if I have something new to share.
I hope you have enjoyed the guide! :on_please:
HopAlongBunny
07-08-2012, 10:53
Thou hast saved the best for last :bow:
Thanks! Actually I now have another chapter planned to cover Bait Tactics on the water. :bow:
Peasant Phill
07-11-2012, 11:17
this has become an encredibly comprehensive guide. Truly amazing work.
HopAlongBunny
07-11-2012, 13:07
Ok, second last :p
I underestimated the Maltz Test of Complteness :)
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_250.jpg
(reprise: London Bridge is falling down)
Intermission: The Third Memorial
Amako has declared war,
can't ignore, must report,
Amako's army is in Bingo,
Let's go crush it.
:on_whip:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_271.jpg
Amako is falling down, facing down, upside down,
Amako is crushed to ground,
By Sadayu Suzuki.
:on_panda:
Note: The battle of Mihara is presented separatedly here (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?141937-TW-S2-Story-Legion-of-Faith-(Battle-of-Mihara)).
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_309.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 (Suzuki Mitsuaki) "Argh... why am I assigned to fight these boring Wako? I want to fight Amako, not Wako! Those Wako never stops spawning!" :on_crazymad:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, Wako is actually our best friend! Don't you know it?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 "Hm? Who are you? Oh... you are the new retainer. People call you a Pearl Fisherman? So... do you farm pearl or catch fish, or both?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, I am a certified strategist specialized in ancient Chinese naval warfare. Pearl Fisherman is my given and family name! Please just call me Pearl."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 :on_exhausted: "OK Pearl... please enlighten me, why is Wako our best friend?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Wako teaches us all the basics of naval warfare. They are so weak that all they do is to give us experiences, levels, and free trade ships."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 "Hm... they are indeed push-overs. But I want to fight some real enemies! Like General Suzuki! The original one, not me."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Good news, my lord. This just comes in: an order to fight Amako's navy!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 "Great! :on_lol: What's our intelligence on Amako's naval power?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Amako has about 16 ships, ranging from Sengoku Bune to Trade Ships."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 :on_bibber: "But we only have 6 Medium Bune."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "That's enough to win. Let's go!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 :on_angry: "That's enough?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Didn't my lord like to talk about stories of Bait Tactics? Let's use it on the water."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082&d=1341461175 :on_yell: "Bait tactics on the water?!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_277.jpg
Twenty Eight. Approach from the Side
(Port of Iyo, Winter 1555)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "We are ready to fight! Where is the enemy fleet?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "There is a large Amako fleet right outside the Port of Bingo."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "How many ships?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "10!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "What's our chance?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "With Bait Tactics? 100%. :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 :on_sweat: "This sounds familiar..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_279.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Hm, the terrain on the water is all flat. I guess this is good for Bait Tactics?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Indeed, my lord. Any terrain is good terrain when they are under the water. :on_bath: The little islands are good but not necessary."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Amako's fleet has a mixture of everything. Where do we start?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, we have to worry about be boarded by larger ships. All our ships are Medium Bune. We don't want to be boarded by Sengoku Bune. So our primary objetive is to destroy the only thing that can destroy us. Then the rest is easy."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Amako has three Sengoku Bune..." :on_bibber:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "So we have to draw them out separately. One by one, ideally. And kill most of their sailors with arrows before they get a chance to board us."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Makes sense. How do we draw them out? Using baits?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Exactly. Each ship is essentially a ranged unit. So their response radius is roughly the same as their range."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Hm... the Amako's formation is a thin, long line. If we approach them from the front, we might activate too many ships at once."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Indeed. We have to apporach from the side."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Which side?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The side with the wind carrying our arrows to the enemy."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 :on_sing:
37. When defending on water, the enemy loves the "long, thin line" formation. Approach from the side with the wind blowing from us to the enemy.
Note: Actually I never noticed any difference of wind changing the range or accuracy of arrows. However, they do make a critical difference in the speed of sail-boats.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6271&d=1342131958
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Good, we are now on the side of the enemy's formation! Let's do some bait tactics! What's our bait? Our prey? Our trap?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, how about I just pass you The Art of Gore so you can read it yourself..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 :on_read:
38. Bait for naval battle: The Bait should be fast enough to return with relatively light damage.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Hm... all we have is Medium Bune." :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Medium Bune is not a bad bait, my lord. They are durable enough to lead the preys back."
39. Prey for naval battle: The first ship in contact will NOT be drawn out. Instead, it is the ships in the back that will respond to the bait. Usually there are multiple preys at once.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "I'll keep an eye on the ships in the back and pull back the bait as quickly as possible."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Ships cannot row backward, usually we have to move forward even further before strating to turn back. Please be careful."
40. Trap for naval battle: Use powerful ranged attack to weaken the enemy before boarding a weak-ranged ship like a Sengoku Bune.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Sengoku Bune has all their sailors on the deck. Ranged attack can quickly kill them."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Yes, please focus on them!"
41. Trapping distance for naval battle: Preys usually have different speed. The longer the trapping distance, the more strectched out the enemy is.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "No problem. There is not too much room due to some strange red line confining the water space, but enough for us to setup a good trap! Baits, ahead!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_280.jpg
Twenty Nine. Lazy Trade Ships
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "The first enemy ship is in the bait's range - It is a trade ship!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, trade ship usually does not elicit a response in the back. Please simply shoot them up with multiple ships."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "How come?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Maybe they want to use them to deplete our arrows?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "But we have unlimited arrows..." :on_sweat:
42. The enemy often treat their Trade Ships as "expendable". No prey will be drawn out if the trade ship is attacked. Use superior ranged power to shoot them up.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_281.jpg
Thirty. One Bait, Many Preys
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "The trade ship has surrendered... I hope every ship is this easy. :on_sweat:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "That's why if the Wako has nothing but trade ships, they simply remain on the spot to be shot to pieces one by one."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Let's see what's the next ship... a Bow Kobaya! Baits, go ahead!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Please be careful. The preys will come to us this time."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "It is fine ~ no worries... :on_yell: WHAT'S THAT?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The preys started moving! Lot's of them! Two Sengoku Bune! Medium Bune! Bow Kobaya! Half of the enemy fleet is moving!":on_bibber:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "All ships, prepare to battle!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_282.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "The enemy flagship is heading into our trap! Yeah! Come to daddy!" :on_panda:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The second Sengoku Bune is still some distance away! We have one precious minute!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "The enemy also has a few other ships, two Bow Kobaya, one Medium Bune. How about them?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "One Medium Bune can easily board and take out one Bow Kobaya. Amako's Medium Bune is strangely sailing away... :on_sweat: that leaves us 4 Medium Bune against their Sengoku Bune! We can beat it!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Shoot them up!" :on_furious:
43. Sometimes, smaller enemy ships decide to sail away only to be stuck at the "strange red line". We will leave them to the last.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_283.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Got them! War Cry! :on_gmegap:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "You can't run away! Surrender! :on_sung:"
44. When the prey enters the trap, use War Cry to slow them down. Use ships to block their advance.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_284.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "One Sengoku Bune surrendered! Two to go!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The second Sengoku Bune is coming, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Block their advance! Keep firing!" :on_furious:
Note: That was a head-on collision! But strangely none of the sailors fell into water. :on_wet:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_285.jpg
Thirty One. Those who were Idle Remain Idle
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Second Sengoku Bune down! One last to go!" :on_panda:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The third Sengoku Bune did not move since the beginning. Two Bow Kobaya are with it."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Can we lure it out by shooting at the Bow Kobaya?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Hm... if it did not come out in the first chance, why bother now? :on_sweat:"
45. Ships that did not respond to the bait in the first place will quietly remain on the same spot, waiting to be destroyed.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_286.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Bow Kobaya routed! Third Sengoku Bune surrounded, my lord!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Board the ship! Release the ropes!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_287.jpg
Thirty Two. Those Who Tried to Hide will Get Away
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, we have captured all of Amako's Sengoku Bune!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Good! Report the victory to the Grandmaster! Let's go have beer!" :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, the battle is not over..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Huh? We have wiped all all enemy ships..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "There is one Medium Bune stuck on the far side. Remember the Medium Bune that abandoned the other preys at the beginning?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Oh yeah... I thought they fled."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "They won't flee as long as their morale is not broken."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Then let's break it now! :on_panda:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_288.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, the Amako ship is about to rout!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Release the rope!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The enemy got away as half of the ship is already out of the battle zone..." :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "What a joke... :on_bash:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "At least our arrows killed a lot of them... watch that body dangling outside the ship like a castle gargoyle..." :on_exhausted:
Note: Actually there is one way to prevent the enemy ship from routing once they are stuck at the red line. Simply reduce our ranged attack and wait for the ship to turn. As long as the ship is not facing the exit, it does not instantly get away.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_289.jpg
Intermission. Repair for the next battle
(Reprise: We wish you a Merry Christams 1555, Part I)
We crushed Amako's first fleet,
But we know they have more ships,
We must get the repair ready...
More battles next year!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_291.jpg
(Part II)
More Amako ships have shown up,
More Amako ships for us to shoot up,
In Bait Tactics we trust,
Foes break down with tears!
:on_beg:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_292.jpg
Thirty Three. When No Ship is Allowed to Escape
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Pearl, we let two Kobaya run away in the last battle. Our victory was not complete. Is there a way to allow no ship escape?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Hm... Kobaya is routed easily while it moves toward our trap. The will trun to their side when they get close. Which way they turn is hard to tell, and therefore it is hard to intercept them."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "So there is no way to catch those pesky Kobaya?" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "After they start routing, difficult. Before they start routing, there is hope. We significantly shorten the trapping distance. Before they start routing, they move toward us. We can board them as quickly as possible."
46. When we have superior melee ships (better ships, higher experience, equal or more ships), shortening the trapping distance and boarding every ship as quickly as possible is a good way to capture every enemy ship.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 :on_sweat: "This will incur more loss, though."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "When ships are repaired, sailors are always filled up to the top. As long as our ship survives, the number of sailors remain matters little."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "True. How about let's try that in this battle? We board Amako's ships quickly as they come to the trap."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 :on_yell: "Amako's ships have a few Medium Bune! There is one level-5 Medium Bune! This is quite risky..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "We have superior ships. There is nothing to worry~ :on_lie:
Note: Capturing every ship is very important when trying to wipe out an army-carrying fleet. Even if one ship survives, the army will magically all squeeze onto the single batterred Kobaya.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_293.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "The AI's captain ship is coming first!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Fire! Wait until it get closer and prepare for boarding!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_294.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "More ships are coming, my lord! Some are attempting to sail through the gaps between our trap!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Perfectly aligned to us! Perfect chance for boarding! :on_panda:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_295.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, thanks to War Cry and local superiority, the level-5 Amako Medium Bune surrendered! :on_bath: The Bow Kobaya beside it is about to give up, too."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Good! Keep the pressure up! Board every ship as quickly as possible!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_296.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, we are now boarding the two ships that did not respond to baiting!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "And the last prey is in the net. Let's fight! :on_furious:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_297.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, a fierce battle happens on the last ship! Heads are flying into the sea!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "You are surrounded! Surrender to the compassion of Buddha! :on_gmegap:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_298.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "Victory, my lord! No ship escaped this time!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Good! Amako's navy has taken a huge hit from the last two battles."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "But those ships that escaped from the first battle still has to be handled..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_299.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Here you are! Gotcha!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "We have to reduce our attack to just 2 ships so they do not run away... :on_sweat:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Two ships is enough to get rid of these broken ships! :on_lie:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_300.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "Board them as quickly as possible!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6266&d=1342115992 "My lord, we have again captured them all!" :on_aww:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6082d=1341461175 "6 vs. 16 becomes 6 vs. 0 in three seasons! :on_lol: Let's report the victory to the grandmaster!"
Bait Tactics Episode #04: Bait Tactics on Water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W28u8RRmSPQ
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_322.jpg
VI. First Battle of Echizen
Intermission. Japan Divided
It was spring of 1560,
The Ashikaga Shogunate could tolerate no longer,
After half of Japan turned Ikko's believer.
here comes the Realm Divide,
But two great clans stood with their ally.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_323.jpg
A new order was born,
When the Ashikaga Shogunate was defeated in Kyoto.
A new world awaits Ikko,
But there was still a long way to go.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_328.jpg
While Ikko and Oda are still allies,
Tension arise, when the monks started to encourage peasants to defy.
By autumn, both Ikko and Oda gathered armies of five.
Great clashes of the superpower will decide the winner,
the monks, or the samurai.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_333.jpg
Next spring we see the eruption of fall-scale war.
More than ten thousand in Echizen prepared for battle.
Oda's army was led by their daimyo,
Ikko's army was led by their two best generals.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_334.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, Oda has declared war and joined the enemies. You are in charge of the first battle of Echizen. Are you ready to face them?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, I am ready as ever. The Legion of Faith is with us. The faithless Oda shall be shattered by the chant of pure land Buddhists! :on_tears:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Er... there is no one else around, so let's drop the propaganda. :on_sweat: What's your plan of tackling the upcoming battle?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes, my lord. Actually I have been studying The Art of Gore heavily! :on_read: I know what to do!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Oh? Let me test you a few enemy formations..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Please!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 (Clapping hands) "Gather the soldiers this afternoon to train on formations~"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_misplaced_katana_01.jpg
Thirty Four - Formation: Misplaced Katana I (Spear Point)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "OK, Suzuki, tea break is over. Take a look at this formation."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, you must be kidding me. This is the Spear Point formation. This is the first formation that every one learns in school."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 ":on_shrug: You only see the surface... Spear Point is nothing but a fancy name. Name means nothing. See through the surface! :on_furious: How do you break this formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I see! There is a Misplaced Katana in the middle of the first row! I will draw that out with Bow Warrior Monks!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "That's better. What if there is no Katana but a lot of Yari?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Then the Yari must form a very long second row. I will draw them out from their exposed sides!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Very good! Now let me show you another formation..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_misplaced_katana_02.jpg
Thirty Five - Formation: Misplaced Katana II (Crane's Wing)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "How about this formation, Suzuki?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, you cannot fool me. :on_lie: This is Crane's Wing."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "I am not asking you its name! :on_bash:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 :on_sweat: "It is very simlar to the previous formation - with the Katana in the middle of the first row."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 ":on_whistle: That's better. So how do you break this formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Draw out the misplaced Katana with Bow Warrior Monks!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "That's better. What if there is a Naginata in the middle?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I also draw it out with Bow Warrior Monks!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What if the Katana is stuck behind and forget to refill the first-row spot?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I use Cavalry to approach from the side to encourage the enemy to reform!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 ":on_lol:Very good! And don't forget that this formation has more exposed cavalry. It is possible to draw them out. OK, take a five-minite break. I will show you another formation..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_misplaced_katana_03.jpg
Thirty Six - Formation: Misplaced Katana III (Cloud Dragon)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, how about this formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, are you teasing me? It is the same as the last two formation. Katana in the middle of the first row."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yeah... I don't know who invented those formations... :on_exhausted: But it is actually a different formation."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Oh yes, I see it now. This is Cloud Dragon formation. It seems that Spear Point and Crane's Wing are more popular."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Indeed. Well, now you know what to do with it, right?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Draw out the misplaced Katana with Bow Warrior Monks!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What if there is a lot of yari samurai?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Approach from the side to draw out exposed yari!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What if there is a lot of cavalry?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Wouldn't the enemy actively attack us? There is no need for bait tactics." :on_sweat:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yeah... I meant that as a trick question. OK ~ enough of the Misplaced Katana. Let's look at the other formations..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_bow_first_01.jpg
Thirty Seven - Formation: Bow First I (Flying Geese)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, take a look at this."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... I have never seen Cavalry at the very flank before. Usually only a human does that. :on_sweat:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yeah the enemies usually hide Cavalry in the back. This formation is rare. Well, this is Flying Geese formation."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, why don't you tell me more about the surface?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 ":on_panda: Actually in this formation you should first pay attention to the surface - the first line. What do you see?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "All bows."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What does Bow-First mean?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "That it is impossible to draw out melee infantry when approach from the front."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Exactly. So what would you do?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Draw out infantry from the sides!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Good! And those cavalry on the flank look very irritable as well. Don't forget to give it a try... if you ever see this formation. :on_sweat:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_bow_first_02.jpg
Thirty Eight - Formation: Bow First II (Reclining Dragon, Turtle's Shell)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, how about this?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Oh I have seen this quite a lot. This is the famous Turtle's Shell formation. It is the bane of Bait Tactics!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Indeed. The formal name of this formation is Reclining Dragon. It is very hard to draw out enemy units if they are all well protected by first-line bow units. It takes a lot of skills and courage to draw out the units from the BACK of the enemy formation."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, I know you did this to the Chosokabe in the second battle of Iyo."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 ":on_blush: Yes that's why I said that."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Ok... Wouldn't the Cavalry respond, though? They are in the back."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yes. We have to be careful that this will draw out the Cavalry. Get the yari infantry ready!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_bow_first_03.jpg
Thirty Nine - Formation: Bow First III (Pine's Bark)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, let me show you another variation of Bow First. You should recognize this."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yari on the second line, katana third line. This is quite common... Pine Bark formation, right?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Indeed. Many clans like to use a lot of Yari units, like Oda. So you see this formation quite a lot, with a very enlogated second line."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So I will draw out their exposed unit of the second line."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Exactly. And since the Cavalries are also very exposed, you should be ready to draw out Cavalry as well."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "No problem!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "OK, that's all of Bow-First formation. Now let's move onto the freebies. :on_lol:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_bow_last.jpg
Forty - Formation: Bow Last (Way of Tiger, Marginalized Bow)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, do you remember this?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes! So many years ago I fought Shimazu. They used this! This is Marginalized Bow!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Good memory! The official name of this formation is Way of Tiger. This is the most friendly formation to Bait Tactics. If you see the enemy use this formation, you should laugh off the horse."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Indeed. All I needed to do was to use Bow Ashigaru to approach from the front." :on_sing:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "OK. I have the last formation to show you... You must remember this as well."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/formation/bait_bow_middle.jpg
Forty One - Formation: Bow Middle (Flying Bird, Hot Dog, Porcupine)
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, how about this?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes! I have seen Chosokabe use it in Iyo! Their Big Hot Dog! :on_aww:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "I thought they were all wearing pants, not skirts. :on_sweat: This one has a formal name called Flying Bird. Or you can call it Bow Middle to be consistent with Bow First and Bow last. In this formation the enemy tries to protect their birds... I mean bows."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So I just use Bow Infantry to approach from the front to draw out the yari, right?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yep. The Yari is truly protective of the bows in this formation. I think the Porcupine formation, where yari units are attached to the ends of the line of bows, also belong to this formation - when the enemy has extra yari units to spare."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Got it. Thank you, my lord. I have learned so much from the review."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Really. So tell me what you have learned. If you do not have Bow Warrior Monks but only Bow Ashigaru, what do you look for?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I look for Bow Middle or Bow Last. Or some kind of exposed second row!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Very good. If you have Bow Warrior Monks, what do you look for?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Besides Bow Middle or Bow Last, I look for three kinds of Misplaced Katana! Draw them out from the middle!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What if you get one of the three kinds of Bow First formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I move cavalry to the side of their army to see if they are willing to adapt another formation!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What if they refuse to change?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Then I hope there is an exposed flank!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "What do you do after their exposed flank is destroyed?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I draw out their cavalry with fast cavalry! Then I circle to their back and shoot!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "That's a refreshing thought - maybe we will try that one day. OK~ enough for the review! Let's fight Oda! :on_furious:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_335.jpg
Forty Two. May It Be the Fire Arrows
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "OK Suzuki. Where would you deploy the army?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "There is a forest hill on our side. Just in case Oda rushes to take our hill, I will deploy right in front of the hill."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Good!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_336.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "My lord, it seems that Oda is happy with their own hill. There are a few trees. Probably good enough for them."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Also good enough for us! What is this formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Oda has no Katana, but this is either Bow Last or Bow Middle! Easy! :on_sing:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Indeed! I will leave this to you, then. The First Army will join you in the next battle. Don't disappoint me!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yes, my lord! Let's give Oda some sweet Bait Tactics! :on_furious:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_337.jpg
(May it Be)
May it be - a hot fire arrow, shines light - upon you...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_344.jpg
May it be - some free fireworks, your body - it goes through...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_345.jpg
You run, a lonely road. Oh how far, you are from home...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_342.jpg
Oh darn, you're trapped; Oh darn, you are doomed...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_349.jpg
Believe, and you will go to western paradise...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_347.jpg
Oh darn, you're surrounded, Oh darn, by the angry monks...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_351.jpg
A promise leaves... and you are hopeless now.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_339.jpg
May it be, the Buddha's call... to follow the bait...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_354.jpg
May it be, my journey stops... as this is my last day...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_343.jpg
When you think, you have escaped... you'll see, the monks's large blade...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_348.jpg
Oh darn, you are alone... Oh darn, you are owned...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_360.jpg
Believe, and you'll walk into a burning grave...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_356.jpg
Oh darn, you're shot... oh darn, yon run away...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_357.jpg
A promise leaves... and you are pouring blood now...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_353.jpg
When Suzuki comes, you will die, die, die, now.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_358.jpg
Forty Three. You Move, the Enemey Rotates
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... there is no more yari left! We have to turn the army so that the bows can travel down a path with no trees at all. Not a problem. :on_panda:"
48. When our army moves, the enemy rotates to face us. This could be very useful to reveal a prey and find a tree-less path for bow units to be drawn out. We can also purposely use trees to reduce the number of bow units drawn.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_361.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "From 20 units down to 4. That's the power of Bait Tactics! Come!" :on_panda:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_363.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Swarm them, the horde of Ikko-Ikki!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_364.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What is he doing?! Is he using circus tricks to insult us? :on_furious: Shoot him down!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_366.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Buhaha! You can't run away! Report the victory to the Grandmaster! :on_groucho:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_367.jpg
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_368.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Master, we had a great victory in Echizen. Only 66 men were lost." :on_sung:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "That's your personal third landmark! Congratulations!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Please come, my lord. We shall crush Oda together!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yes. We will be there in a week! I wonder how the other armies are doing..." :on_huh:
End of the First Battle of Echizen
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_370.jpg
Intermission. Double-Double, Lazy Couples
In the meantime...
Two Oda armies marched to Tamba,
where they were sabotaged by Ikko's Ninja.
Yet the two waiting Ikko armies were a lazy couple.
They doubled up to face Oda's double - in two quick battles.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_371.jpg
There is no need for Bait Tactics,
When battles can be resolved like picnics.
There is no critics about ethics,
When the result table hides all graphics.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_372.jpg
One army is down, one army remains.
This one will fall, sharing the same fate.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_373.jpg
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_374.jpg
It is time for the last struggle,
As the best four armies in Japan to clash in battle.
When the armies are large and commands slow,
We return to numbers and stregnth - the principles of the simple.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_375.jpg
VII. Second Battle of Echizen (Battle of Fukui)
Forty Four. Very Exposed Flank
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, I shall enter the castle of Kaga, so we face Oda's army together."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Good! This is the moment we have all been waiting for - fighting a decisive grand battle! We don't want to be lazy like those guys in Tamba. :on_lol:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "It is an honor to serve under you, my lord! :on_tears:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_376.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, what do you think about this battlefield?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "There are many small hills. It seems that Oda will not actively come to us."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Are you thinking what I am thinking?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "That our chance of winning is 100%? :on_sing:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 :on_sing:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_378.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Suzuki, what is Oda's formation?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "The first row is Bow units, so it is one of the three Bow-First formations. The yari units make a very long second line."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Hm... I see a Naginata unit right in the middle of the first row, but they are now blocked by trees."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So we can either move our formation to expose that Naginata, and draw it out with Bow Warrior Monks from the middle; or we draw out the exposed yari units."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Let's start with the easier, the bows, then move on to the even more exposed sides!" :on_panda:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_380.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Buhaha, taste the trap of hell fire!" :on_panda:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, Oda has 10 units of Bow. We have 14. When do we draw the line?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Oda's has a mixed of samurai and ashigaru, we have a mix of monks and ashigaru. Let's play safe and stop at 8, shall we?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Of course!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_381.jpg
Regrets
Most regret to die; most die with regrets.
How insignificant, how short, how fragile is our lives,
When the messenger of afterlife arrives.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_382.jpg
Forty Five. Balance the Enemy with Baits on Both Sides
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, we are now ready to draw out Oda's exposed yari units from the side!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Good. There is less tree on the right. Let's approach from the right."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Hm... Oda's formation turns as our bait approaches... it is difficult for our out-run their faster Yari Samurai."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Let's balance the scale, shall we? Send up a Bow Warrior Monk on the other side! And move up the trap to the middle!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Yes, my lord!"
49. Use bow infantry on both sides to balance the enemy army's orientation, should it turns too much to make our bait's work difficult.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_383.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, it works! Oda's army has turned back!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Watch out, the prey is coming into the trap! Come to daddy! :on_panda:"
Note: Please compare the radar maps of the above two pictures to see the difference.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_384.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, Oda has sent out a Yari Samurai unit to face our balancing bait on the left!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "It would be impolite to not accept their gift. Tell the trap to turn 45 degrees counter-clockwise! :on_lol:"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_385.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, I have always had a question about the Loan Sword Ashigaru..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yes?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "There are three varieties of them. Some are low-level monks. Some are typical ashigaru with their pointy hats. But what about the third kind? They look like samurai, with good helmet and armor."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Helmet and armor? Who told you to separate ashigaru and samurai with their helmet and armor?" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Sorry, my lord, I know I should look at their hearts and skills. But..."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "NO! The difference is one their feet! Ashigaru wears sandals or nothing, samurai wears shoes! How can you not have noticed that for all these years?" :on_furious:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 ":on_lightning: Now I finally get it..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_388.jpg
Forty Six. Pressing the Limit of Bow Units' Response Radius
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, we have trimmed away almost all of the exposed Yari Samurai units."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Not good enough. Move the Bow Warrior Monks closer. We can get the last one of them."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Even if their range covers the enemy's bow?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yes. A partial cover is fine. Just don't cover their entire unit or they will respond."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Good!"
50. When we have superior range, it is OK to partially cover an enemy's ranged units with our bait's superior range without drawing out the partially covered ranged unit.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_389.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, that's it for the exposed sides. We can't draw out anymore units."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "That's very good work, Suzuki."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "So shall we work on the central Naginata next?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Hm... Suzuki, I have been thinking about one thing..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_390.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "What's on your mind, my lord?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "If we survive all battles, one day we will retire. When you retire, what do you want to keep as the best memory?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, I think it would be to fight a huge, glorious battle that decides the fate of Japan, such as this very battle."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Yes. Why don't we just let Oda come to us now? We will not use Bait Tactics to the exreme, but we will live on with the memory that this battle was not a one-sided slaughter. For a good 20 seconds, nobody knows which side routs first... (then, of course we they rout first :on_sweat:)"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_391.jpg
Forty Seven. Observe the Enemy's Formation Carefully or Regret
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "I understand. They say the best generals crave to meet a good opponent, because they are tired of winning."
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Actually I am not tired of winning. But still, it will be a nice thing to say that we won our victory the hard way. Isn't it?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Let's do it then. :on_tears: (with the cost of hundreds of extra Ikko soldiers). Draw out the Bow units next, we prepare for the final clash!"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "Let's do this one for Japan! :on_furious:"
Note: Actually the real reason for not drawing out the middle of Naginata is that I COMPLETELY MISSED IT. What an embarrassment. :on_blush: And when I realized it was there BEFORE it is too late, I got lazy, thinking this wouldn't make a big difference.
Why not a big difference? If this middle Naginata was drawn out, Oda would not replace it with a Yari unit, though. The "Misplaced Katana" role is fulfilled only by a Katana or a Naginata. So Oda would turn into a "Bow First" formation. But at least I would be able to work on their side to draw out one more Yari unit. So 2 units is not a big difference out of 25. Yeah maybe I could work on their Yari Cavalry. I admit I really got lazy.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_392.jpg
(reprise, May it be)
Yes it is - a sea of fire, pour down - upon you...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_395.jpg
Yes it is - six thousands men, waging lives on your value...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_393.jpg
You hide, way in the back... OH how far, you are from gore...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_396.jpg
Oh come, charge now! Oh come, duke it out...
Believe, and enbrace the war cry that's deafening loud ~
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_398.jpg
Oh come, do your best! Oh come, t'is the test...
Believe, we deliver you to the bliss of the west...
You run, we still deliver you to the bliss of the west...
:on_moon:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_399.jpg
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "My lord, a glorious victory! We lost more than 1000 of our best men. :on_tears:"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6015&d=1341286155 "They are mostly injured. We did not lose any unit. We will regain our strength by next year. Oda has no army left. Let's take over Kinki in a blitz, shall we?"
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=5910&d=1340503360 "Let's do it!"
End of the Second Battle of Echizen
Bait Tactics Video Episode #05: Battles of Echizen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiAtWdTdbN0&feature=youtu.be
One last battle remains!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_403.jpg
Intermission. The Last Great Opponent
In spring, Oda's five armies were reduced to dust.
By autumn, Ikko covered Kinki in a powerful gust.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_409.jpg
Yet march to war again we must,
As Takeda has betrayed our trust.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_418.jpg
VIII. Battles of Musashi
Forty Eight. Revenge for 20 years Ago
Takeda gathered all its strength, ready for a decisive battle.
Suzuki Sadayu defended the bridge, inviting the enemy to walk in the bottle.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_419.jpg
Yet Takeda avoided the bottleneck of the bridge,
And marched into a greater trap - right in the middle three Ikko armies.
If one decisive grand battle is what they seek,
Three decisive battles we shall give.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_424.jpg
Aiming to make this painless and fast,
Two ninja promptly sabotaged Takeda's best.
The Battles of Musashi opens,
with Ikko's first facing Takeda's worst.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_427.jpg
Under the Wings of Crane the first army fell,
As the Misplaced Katana never exceled.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_428.jpg
Before the seventh landmark of Ikko,
It was a familiar match-up of double and double.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_430.jpg
Even relaxed Bait Tactics could be a trouble,
Compared to the quick and numb auto-resolve.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_431.jpg
Takeda daimyo hopelessly looked into the river,
Wondering why he fell for tricks that were never subtle.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_436.jpg
By Autumn, Takeda was reduced to their last province.
The Sengoku Jidai would soon end with its fall.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/ikko/ikko_437.jpg
Long live the Bait Tactics,
For every thing complex is made of rules of simple.
THE END
Video Episode #6: Battle of Musashi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VIUUHVFqbQ
Thanks for reading and watching. :bow:
mycroft0405
06-30-2014, 00:20
This is amazing storytelling with jokes and punts. I came here to learn bait tactic for shogun2, but instead i found myself reading a great novel. Great job and bravo.
Harleyquin12
07-01-2014, 11:14
I'm not sure if the latest patch and the AI tweaks still allow for bait tactics. On Very hard with the Hattori, it is almost impossible to win without being cheesy and running off to Kyuushu since battles against the Oda and Ikko who outnumber player forces cannot be won using bait tactics. If I could attach my auto-save battle replay, I could better illustrate what I mean.
Red Spot
03-19-2015, 16:10
I'm not sure if the latest patch and the AI tweaks still allow for bait tactics. On Very hard with the Hattori, it is almost impossible to win without being cheesy and running off to Kyuushu since battles against the Oda and Ikko who outnumber player forces cannot be won using bait tactics. If I could attach my auto-save battle replay, I could better illustrate what I mean.
Mildly late reply ...
Yep.. Patches have changed the game so a number of tactics that Maltz used in this guide or in his playthroughs will no longer work. Among others the AI does not allow itself to be baited that easilly any more nor does it run to the highest hill eventhough you already have a presence there. I.o.w: They patched some of the exploits.
I.m.o. a very good thing. It is sooooo darn easy to 'beat' the game on very hard using the exploits that are still available, not to mention how easy it was before.
In my book, using the existing exploits, a campaign as the Hattori is much easier than a campaign as the Chosokabe, eventhough the game likes you to believe it is the other way around.
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