Question - attack value vs. lethality

**Kasrkin519** · 08-01-2008, 08:40

Hey

First post here at Europa Barbarorum. I've been playing RTW since release and several mods since like RTR and Roma Surrectum. I've recently gotten into EB and I like it very much. I do have a question though.

I generally play Hellenic factions with the pretty standard phalanx in the center, flanked by heavy/elite infantry the wings with heavy cavalry on the extreme ends. As the phalanx pins the enemy, the wings of heavy/elite infantry and cavalry swing around and hit the enemy from the rear.

Now, in regards to those heavy/elite infantry, what kind of troops make the best shock troops?

This was easy before when all I had to worry about was attack values but now, with Eb, I see a lethality value as well.

So, what is more important in the melee, lethality or attack value?

For instance, if i play the Ptolemaics, should my flankers be:

Galatian swordsmen
Atk: 11
Lethality: .225

or

Basilikon Agema
Atk: 12/17
Lethality: .1/.125

With units like sacred band, thrakian rhompaia users, selucid super thorakitai, all competing for these flanking roles, I'm curious to know which of these two is more deadly.

Thanks in advance. Also, if this has been answered somewhere else please give me the link or if this is in the wrong section, go ahead and move it.

**Legosoldier** · 08-01-2008, 09:07

your answer is probably this post:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...86&postcount=2

and welcome to the forums

**bovi** · 08-01-2008, 11:20

It depends on which troops they are matched against. A low attack value with high lethality is good against those who have weak defense, as they will overcome the defense often despite the low attack. A higher attack value is better against troops with high defense, as you won't get to use the lethality at all if no hit lands.

**Fondor_Yards** · 08-01-2008, 19:52

If your fighting mostly units with lots of heavy armour, the Basilikon Agema are your boys *they use an ap Kopis sword.* Otherwise, the Galatian with their celtic longswords and javelins take the cake.