Byz Units

[Game Over!!!]

1. I have a question concerning byz infantry. How deep should your ranks be for byz infantry...2 or 3 or more??? Is it the same if your attacking or defending for rank depth? I keep getting my @ss kicked when I use Byz Inf for holding the line against Catholic units. The only time I hold my own against Catholic units is when I buy Mercs. Am I missing something concerning Byz Units?

2. Are Bulgarian Brigands decent units to use for archers or should I just keep using Trebizond Archers?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mercian billman]

Hi, and welcome to the forums Game Over http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Byzantine infantry are modeled after the Roman legions, often times the Romans would set up their line on a slope, and force the enemy to attack. When the enemy began to close they would then charge the enemy.

What type of catholics are you facing Peasents or FMAA, CMMA, or Knights?

Just remember your Byzantine infantry are not Spearmen do not use them to simply hold a fixed line. They should also be supported by archers, Varagnian Guards, and Cavalry. I like to position my VGs directly behind my archers, and use them if I see a opening in the enemy or if a part of my line is on the verge of collapse. Use your Byzantine Cavalry to harass enmey units, and try to flank the enemy with your Prognai Allagion. Save your Kats for reserves(they tire fast) use them to charge the enemies center.

I like to use a combonation of Bulgarian Brigands, and Trebizond Archers.

Hope this helps http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ichi]

Quote[/b] (Game Over @ Nov. 24 2003,20:19)]1. I have a question concerning byz infantry. How deep should your ranks be for byz infantry...2 or 3 or more??? Is it the same if your attacking or defending for rank depth? I keep getting my @ss kicked when I use Byz Inf for holding the line against Catholic units. The only time I hold my own against Catholic units is when I buy Mercs. Am I missing something concerning Byz Units?

2. Are Bulgarian Brigands decent units to use for archers or should I just keep using Trebizond Archers?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Byz Inf, AKA Barneys. One of the most most loved, hated, and misunderstood units in the game.

Byz Inf have very low morale. They need to be V4 to play MP, and in SP they should be built in a province with the most morale/valor upgrades - ribats, mosques, stews, anything to get that morale up. Armor helps, but I think that building the morale bonus buidlings (plus IIRC there is no province that gives a valor bonus for em (like Constantinople for Kataphraktoi).

Once their morale/honour is pumped up to 8 then they can hold against Catholics, but this means V4.

Do not let Barneys get flanked -they need to be used en masse - they can roll like tanks if kept together; get one unit out front or isolated and they'll run off. Even using Naptha is dangerous 'cause of the fear effect - your own guys will rout sometimes.

Keep them 4 deep for best effect, IMHO.

You might get other opinions, but I prefer Trebs. Use em to pepper the enemy then switch to wedge formation and flank the ends of the enemy line.

Hit F1 during a battle to view the unit stats and you will see what I'm saying.

ichi

[Lord_of_tw]

i use them 3 deep as their sword so there really maa, high valour is a good idea BUT never let them get flanked coz they'll break easy BUT unlike other units they rally quick.
i keep byz inf in the centre and van or spear at the flanks (cos spear\van will deal with horse alot better then byz inf)
byz calvary r brillant, and probably the best missle horse unit of all the factions but other byz horse will struggle vs european knights(high\late) so if u play MP i suggest a couple of spear units to back up ur horse units.

[Fragony]

Never got what is so great about bulgarian brigands. The only thing they have going for them is speed, a master bower for that?

[Brutal DLX]

Hm, Trebizon archers are usually better, but you can use Bulgarian Brigands for the flavour, they are good archers, but still weak in melee, weaker than Trebs, in my opinion.

I also use Byz Infantry in 4 rows, it's enough since they are a 100 man unit. You definitely need to secure their flanks, and build them in provinces that give you the most morale bonus due to monasteries/reliquiaries. Focus more on cavalry with missile support, then throw in your infantry when the enemy lines are already weakened.

[Game Over!!!]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Everytime I faced FMAA or CMAA I got spanked. Lost a couple of crucial battles against Catholic factions in SP with low morale Barney's. I had a feeling morale was a big factor for Byz Infantry but now I'm certain...thanks again. I'll remember to use +6 valour generals when battling with Barney's.

I've always played Catholic factions: English was my favorite, those billmen are awesome against cavalry Just can't seem to find real good unit setup against Catholic factions yet using Byz...gotta keep trying, practice sure is fun though.

Using steppe cavalry for flanking and getting behind enemy units that's the only thing thats keeping my armies alive so far. Katanks are great for reinforcing 'the line' but finding good cavalry to go up against those Catholic knights has been interesting.

Thanks again for the replies everyone.

[Gregoshi]

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif Welcome to the Org Game Over. That is a great name you picked. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif