Trait: Dislikes Gunpowder

[AussieGiant]

To me this period is one of the most unique in history when it comes to armed conflict.

It really was a transition period between ancient and modern based forms of warfare.

Cavalry was still relevant and a key component of any army. They were certainly not the dominant force of the past but in the right circumstances still devastating. Infantry in loose order or simply not deployed in a "square formation" are vulnerable to cavalry.

Light Cav had a massive role in scouting and screening movement while heavy cav and lancer regiments would still wreck havoc on infantry that were unprepared.

In fact the period was one of them most clear paper, rock, scissors equations ever.

Infantry were vulnerable to cavalry unless in cover or in square formation.

In square formation, infantry were immobile and extremely vulnerable to cannon and musket fire.

Cannon's without cavalry or infantry support were vulnerable to fast moving counter cavalry.

etc etc

In addition gunpowder, while effective, had not reduced all engagements to purely ranged combat. The need for sword skills and the ability to fight effectively in hand to hand combat was still an essential and common part of warfare.

I've read so many accounts of commanders having to make very tough decisions in order to survive and win in a variety of situations. It really is excellent.

The combined arms of cavalry, infantry and cannon gave any commander the best chance of success.

That is not to say this was an absolute but if one side had all units at it's disposal it would have an excellent advantage.

I'm greatly looking forward to the game and really excited about how this time period will translate in the Total War series.