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Thread: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

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  1. #1

    Angry I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    [RANT INITIATED]
    I've noticed playing online that many users will have at least six mortar units in their armies. They practice 24/7 on a mountainous map, always use landscape obstacles and height advantages.

    I don't know all the maps that well, and when the enemy knows all of it, your already at disadvantage.

    I'm the more traditional kind of commander relying more on cavalry and infantry. I usually just have 2 mortar teams in my armies. When I have to face this every time, it can be quite difficult to win, and I still get pretty darn close winning some times.

    Even more seemingly old fashioned, I almost kinda feel it dishonorable. I mean 6 mortars raining down on your infantry, and by the the time you get in range half of your troop gets decimated. If half of your army is already killed, then it almost feels like your men don't have a chance. Staring at mortars with wooden stakes in front, light infantry shooting down your men as they walk up hill while still out of range... and there's still that elite guard up there... It can be a VERY demoralizing sight indeed.

    Why make a big fuss? Why not just play a quick land battle?
    Well most land battles are played with the smallest unit sizes, and it's a turn off for me.
    [END OF RANT]

    Any tips?
    Here's what I already do when I join a game. I just pray the enemy doesn't have a huge mortar battery waiting for me at the top of a hill...

    1 General,3-4 Heavy/Lancer Cavalry (Sometimes some light cavalry elements), 2 mortars, 6-8 of the most elite infantry.

    Now, I'm starting to incorporate light infantry to my late army because of their range, but for now I'm still developing tactics on how to use 'em.

    If I AM against someone with a huge arty squad:
    1.March as QUICKLY as possible without tiring the troops
    2.Arty targets right flank of the enemy
    3.Once I get in range, I use my usual gameplan:
    4. Infantry engages
    5. My column of cavalry all on right flank, gets in position to flank and target either:
    1. Other Cavalry 2. Light Infantry 3. Regular Line Infantry 4. Arty
    6. My first line is about 5-6 infantry and a second line as reserve with remaining infantry. (usually elite) Reserve either fends off flanking cavalry on the left flank, or help with main engagement
    7. If flanks are clear charge the enemy, and general joins in to help out any struggling regiment
    8. If the cavalry removes all threats on the flanks then, they help mop up the main engagement

    The strategy is to overwhelm the right flank whilst holding the left from any flanking maneuvers. The right flank folds, and each unit on the right rout one by one or altogether eventually leading up to the left flank. If the cavalry is not successful enough, then the chance of defeat increases, depending on the situation.

    Of course if one step is already competed and/or not necessary, then I skip steps.

    So again any tips, thanks in advance.

  2. #2

    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    Host a game called, no mortars

    "Hi any rules?"
    "Yes no mortars plz"
    "Awesome!"
    "gl hf"

    Works for me...
    All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope - Sir Winston Churchill

  3. #3

    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    Quote Originally Posted by BzzY of RTK View Post
    Host a game called, no mortars

    "Hi any rules?"
    "Yes no mortars plz"
    "Awesome!"
    "gl hf"

    Works for me...
    Yes, yes I'll be doing that some time =P

    Probably "2 mortars max" should do it.

    In the mean time however... when I'M the patron of a game...
    Last edited by The Spartan (Returns); 03-13-2009 at 02:09.

  4. #4
    Member Member Paolai's Avatar
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    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    Quote Originally Posted by BzzY of RTK View Post
    Host a game called, no mortars

    "Hi any rules?"
    "Yes no mortars plz"
    "Awesome!"
    "gl hf"

    Works for me...
    LOL

    well not always works btw

  5. #5

    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    ive yet to be betrayed by the lovely total war community :D but yes ure right, risk with a pinch of salt..
    All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope - Sir Winston Churchill

  6. #6
    Auspicious Interceptor Member YellowMelon's Avatar
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    Ontario, Canada.
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    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    Um, yes you were. And people always break rules on me.

  7. #7

    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    80 games, 1 where it happened and u jinxed it >.<
    All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope - Sir Winston Churchill

  8. #8
    Clan Kenchikuka Member tgi01's Avatar
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    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    Quote Originally Posted by Paolai View Post
    LOL

    well not always works btw

    Well actually it works surprisingly well .. sure it happens sometimes that some1 misses it .. but
    generally speaking hosting a game called NO MORTARS and reminding ppl of it be4 the game starts works.

    Also quite a few ppl are looking for the no mortars games to begin with.

    Main problem with the mortars is not their range but thei accuracy .. they also very easily take out regular horse arty even when its moving ... which is both annoying and unrealistic ...

    And its soo easy to fix by a) just raising their price to 1000-1200 , b) lower their accuracy ( rockets are also long range they just cant hit anything ) , C) ammo limmit on arty ffs ...

    TGI

    PS: and if you enter some1 s game and ask for rules and receive the answer none then usually be ready for mortars ....
    Last edited by tgi01; 03-14-2009 at 09:25.

  9. #9

    Default Re: I'm sick of massed mortar batteries...

    i do this only to facilitate the wiping out of annoying hill-camping batteries...

    1. string all your men out into a single rank and ensure each 'line' of rifles or muskets is spaced with some distance to each other... ( i've noticed the loss rate as you cover even elevated terrain can be reduced by 70% easily)
    2. just as you know the battery is about to let rip and the first mortars fire run your men or cavalry and the majority of the barrage can overshoot.
    3. COLD_STEEL+RIFLES_RULES...if they have even 2 arty emplacements or mobile cannon that's two less inf units to gut... riflemen, ferguson's are cool...

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