Quote Originally Posted by Wishazu View Post
I apologise if this has already been covered or if I`m just misunderstanding a feature of the game but I came across something today that frustrated the hell out of me.

Ok, so I`m playing as Great Britain and I`ve been having a few problems with pirates in the Carribean. I decided to build a huge fleet in England and transport an army to their bases in this part of the world. Anyways, I land my army just outside Antigua and wait a turn before attacking the town. 1 turn later and my army attacks, I`m given the usual options to demand surrender or lay siege etc. after seeing that there are 7 large units of pirate mobs and I only have a fairly basic army I go for what I hope will be the safer option and lay siege rather than attack. Another turn later and my army comes under attack from the pirate garrison in the town, this attack is beaten back with about 90% casualties suffered by the enemy. When I transfer back to the campaign map I find that the siege is ended, I order my army to attack the town again and find that it is now once again defended by 7 full strength units of pirate mobs.

Are sieges supposed to go on like this?
This ALWAYS happens to me in my games when I siege (doh moment there) and I choose to wait rather than assault. If I keep waiting I keep having to fend off multiple waves of defenders (likely 3) then the city is taken. As a result I always attack on the first turn, unless I want to exp up some units. In which case I just fight the battles to gain exp.

Tips on pirates as GB:
Wait till you can have 3rd or 2nd rates. Although this is definitely NOT a requirement since I have captured at least 15-20 pirate galleons as the Dutch using 4-5 5th rates. It does make it a lot easier if you have at least one decent navy which you can use till the end of the game. You can again exp up those ships on pirate fleets.

I'd recommend:

Staggered (Double) Battle Line
2 * 2nd Rate: 1 Admiral
4 * 3rd Rate

Single Line Screen (takes damage and draws fire away from battle line)
4 * 5th Rate

Line Abreast (disrupts enemy battle line)
4 * 6th Rate (better with carronades)

The 6th Rates are picket ships. You park your fleet near the two pirate ports, and send 1 picket ship to each corner of your main fleet's zone of control, thus extending it's zone of intercept. if one of the picket ships is attacked your fleet will join the battle. If it is not attacked it increase your line of sight anyway and you can attack any targets you see.

For the towns themselves, one of them has a decent garrison and I'd recommend going with a full army, including 12 lbers with canister shot.