Dragoon use

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

I read the German review and it mentioned that the AI doesn't use dragoons but it doesn't matter because line infantry is better.

In the demo, the unit of dragoons you have actually has slightly better stats than the units of hussars (I'm pretty sure, though it's minor like +1 hand to hand). I once used them dismounted but they got shot up (I didn't use them well, que sera sera). I only once used them as cav, and they did well, though they were facing breaking units anyway.

Now, the interesting attribute - "special ability" or whatever - is the thing about the campaign map, where it's difficult to locate them. If someone could CP the text of that, I'd be grateful, but it sounds very interesting.

Anyway, does anyone have any idea what dragoons use is in a mixed army (one with infantry, cav, and arty)? I can see the use in an all-dragoon army, moving quickly and stealthily on the campaign map and setting up ambushes. But they are too small to fight off line infantry (and may even have shorter range) and they're more expensive than cavalry.

[DisruptorX]

This is just speculation, but I suppose you could send them quickly to fortifications and cover, dismount, and then have them defend points on the map.

I don't know how useful this would be in your average battle, or whether its ever worth using them as infantry. I suppose in a siege, you'd generally want them on foot, too.

[Sir Beane]

DisruptorX is right. Dragoons will probably be used to quickly take and hold key areas. We don't see this in the demo because no key areas need to be held and we get very few of them.

I can imagine using them to set up suprise ambushes or to circle round an enemy and cut off his escape routes. As well as taking strategic buildings or hills and other battlefield landmarks. They can also be used like cavalry archers, which is handy.

I think the reviewers just weren't imaginative enough when they said there is no reason to use them. A units usefulness isn't just about how high its stats are.

[Megas Methuselah]

Too bad they can't shoot from horseback. I guess that would make them OP'd.

[Sir Beane]

Too bad they can't shoot from horseback. I guess that would make them OP'd.

They can I think. I'm sure I recall them doing that...

[Belgolas]

They can shoot from horse back but they have to be standing still.

[The_Doctor]

Now, the interesting attribute - "special ability" or whatever - is the thing about the campaign map, where it's difficult to locate them. If someone could CP the text of that, I'd be grateful, but it sounds very interesting.

Actually it was the Hussars that had the "Paths less trodden" ability.

The Dragoons had an ability that reduced the chances of a revolt.

EDIT:

This is what it says on the game:

Hussars- Paths Seldom trod: These men use every fold of the land to conceal the route of thier march, and are harder to spot of the campaign map.

Dragoons- Garrison policing bonus: The draconian techniques employed by these men when garrison duty are highly effective at maintaining public order.