Macro-strategy

hi all,

Now that some of us have seen the campaign map a bit, I wondered if anyone has thought out or played with campaign-level strategies for army movement/city development?

The fact that you can move armies ANYWHERE (besides mountain ranges) brings a entirely new dimension to the play. That coupled with ambushes, the amazing diplomatic engine, and agressive enemies makes for some great potential strategies on the campaign level.

For example, you can pull off a Caesar-like takeover of the Gaul town north of Segestum right at the start of the game:

Take over Segestum as the Senate commands, then send diplomats to secure trading rights with the Gauls. Use the income to build three armies to decent (8-unit) size, ignoring any other senate requests. Then move two armies up into Gaul territory north of Segestum and have them wait as ambushers in the valleys. Use spies to find the largest army in the area.

Then send the third army through the mountains to attack the largest army, or the Gaul settlement north of Segestum (your ultimate target). Maybe inflict a bit of damage, then withdraw back down to Segestum. The Gauls will often pursue, but with your ambushers in the valleys, they're more than likely destroyed. Move north with all three of your armies, occupy the settlement, and build forts in the valleys between Segestum and your new possession.

The possibilities are truly endless!