Traits!

[Sir Beane]

It just (re)occurred to me, something I wish Total War games would do is to have the traits influence the commanding officers tactics, and that we abolish the command stars.

Instead, we have a rank system, based on the said factions historic ranks, that would determine combat effectiveness of the troops, first and foremost. Second, traits such as "ambusher", "guerrilla", "cavalry commander", "artillery mastermind", "melee specialist" etc, influenced the commanders tactics and which troops the AI decided to give him.

What results is that we know have to face a general with troops he knows how to use in a battle to his favor, with a competent AI. This will force players to think more about how they are committing their forces and with whom.

This is an excellent idea! I have often wished that A.I generals had a little bit of character to them and this would certainly help. I don't think we have to abandon stars completely though, they still serve as a useful indicator of effectiveness. Stars could effect the abilities of a general in any situation, not just one in which he has related traits. They could also tie in directly to morale.

I wish stars had an effect on the campaign map as well. Better, higher star generals should be able to travel further and have a larger area of control due to superior logistical ability. They should also be able to train troops with higher morale or experience if stationed in an area with training facilities. This would represent the effect of having a military genius take a hand in deciding what to teach the men.

[ULC]

This is an excellent idea! I have often wished that A.I generals had a little bit of character to them and this would certainly help. I don't think we have to abandon stars completely though, they still serve as a useful indicator of effectiveness. Stars could effect the abilities of a general in any situation, not just one in which he has related traits. They could also tie in directly to morale.

I wish stars had an effect on the campaign map as well. Better, higher star generals should be able to travel further and have a larger area of control due to superior logistical ability. They should also be able to train troops with higher morale or experience if stationed in an area with training facilities. This would represent the effect of having a military genius take a hand in deciding what to teach the men.

Well, instead of command which seems to be a blanket term for military ability, why not have governors and military personnel separate? It might be a bit ahistorical, but we might end up with -

Officers would have -

Logistics, which would influence area of control, movement speed, and troop morale and possibly upkeep.
Tactics, which would influence the units under his commands ability to be effective. No, not just plain stat bonuses, that doesn't make much sense. I am talking about how much more effective, say, a unit is ambushing, or how much better they are at using terrain.
Authority, which increases the speed at which units respond to orders, increases the experience level at which units are trained, and does such things as having more cohesive unit formations etc.

Governors would have -

Management, to effect overall income, as well as determining the price of units and buildings.
Reputation, mostly a replacement for chivalry and dread
Authority, a stat which would influence public order as well as other things that the other aren't covering (man, I should never be put in charge of a city )

[Sir Beane]

Officers would have -

Logistics, which would influence area of control, movement speed, and troop morale and possibly upkeep.
Tactics, which would influence the units under his commands ability to be effective. No, not just plain stat bonuses, that doesn't make much sense. I am talking about how much more effective, say, a unit is ambushing, or how much better they are at using terrain.
Authority, which increases the speed at which units respond to orders, increases the experience level at which units are trained, and does such things as having more cohesive unit formations etc.

Governors would have -

Management, to effect overall income, as well as determining the price of units and buildings.
Reputation, mostly a replacement for chivalry and dread
Authority, a stat which would influence public order as well as other things that the other aren't covering (man, I should never be put in charge of a city )

This is a truly excellent idea. What's even better is that seperating generals and governors is something CA are almostly certainly doing. They have mentioned in several interviews that we will see elected ministers in your home cities and governors for new world colonies, so your idea could very well be implemented.

[Polemists]

Good ideas but the screens I have seen already have the stars.....so I think your stuck.