Body Guards

**Foot** · 08-25-2008, 19:33

He is likely to be either a recruitable general or client ruler. As he is in messana it is likely that he is one of those as i believe recruitable or client generals there have that unit.

Foot

**fenix3279** · 08-25-2008, 19:44

I haven't played as the KH yet but I was thinking of trying it out. However, I was wondering about the effectiveness of the KH bodyguards. Every other faction I've played has mounted FM so this is a new thing for me. My question was, because the KH FM are on foot, would that make them easier prey upon being flanked? Usually if that happens with my mounted FMs, I can just steamroll my general through enemy ground units and on toward safety but that seems impossible with these guys. Would you say the risk of losing a FM at any time is much higher when playing as the KH?

**Ezephkiel** · 08-25-2008, 19:52

Originally Posted by Foot

He is likely to be either a recruitable general or client ruler. As he is in messana it is likely that he is one of those as i believe recruitable or client generals there have that unit.

Foot

Indeed he was, alas i accidently harpooned him with one of my 4 span arrow projectors i've been pissing about with so he is no more.

As for the KH bodyguards, i think they are quite good, i've not lost many throughout my campaign (possibly only 1 or 2) and that was through accidents.

I usually deploy them on the right of my hoplite line in guard formation and they fight hard and get good experience as they regenerate themselves. I don't think they're much more vulnurable, just keep them formed up and facing the enemy. They are very good in sieges, much better than cavalry generals.

You just need to keep them together with other supporting units. Also KH get to train the merc generals who are good mounted heavy cavalry.

**fenix3279** · 08-25-2008, 20:03

OK, based on what you have said, the KH bodyguards seem like they can easily hold their own in a fight and can actually protect my FMs so I won't have to worry about losing them everytime I fight an outnumbered battle. Thanx 4 the reply

**Celtic_Punk** · 08-26-2008, 07:32

I caution you about placing your general on the left flank, I lost my King to a thunderous head-on charge from the macedonian general in at the point of impact. so if you want your left flank covered by a family member hold him back a bit in an echelon instead of part of the battle line.

**SwissBarbar** · 08-27-2008, 09:36

KH Bodyguards are better because they have no disadvantage against spear-units. They have some of the best Infantery-Units by their side and can face a unit of mounted enemy bodyguards and stand their ground.

The obvious advantage (the shock-effect charge) of the mounted bodyguards the have of course not. But I've sent FM in almost every battle, some died, but not many. Most of them even could turn a difficult battle and save victory.

**Maion Maroneios** · 08-27-2008, 17:06

In my oppinion, mounted FM's are better. Not only due to their good-quality bodyguards, but also because of their great charge (lance-wielding ones, that is) and speed. When an enemy army is led by a mounted general (KH), I know that I'm going to kill him. There is almost 100% chance he's going to get killed by your hand (providing you have some cavalry), though against the AI it's different. Even against the AI you have a greater chance to get killed than having a mounted general.

Surely foot bodyguards are good, especially against cavalry (KH) and most other infantry. But they lack mobility. You see, when your precious Spartiatai are being encircled by cavalry while pinned by some other infantry, you can't just turn and face the threat, as you'll end up with many unwanted casualties. You also can't make a quick run for it, in contrary with mounted generals. Then again, I guess it's a matter of taste and personal preference. My oppinion, I have made clear, anyway.

Maion

**Ezephkiel** · 08-27-2008, 17:42

Thats true, but true for everything, thats more of a factor of battle than a fault on their part (although its true they are less mobile), anything can get surrounded and cut off (even though the AI isn't usually that bright)

As a unit though its pretty tough, i usually have quite high experience ones aswell because of the amount of line grinding they do. That said i still do prefer mounted generals also, i like the KH merc generals for this.