Hayasdan Advice

[Marcus Ulpius]

Getting tired of full stack vs full stack heavy infantry battles which I have now with my Romani, I've tried to start a side campaign and decided to try Hayasdan. I've lasted for 5 turns. May be it's the record of a shortest campaign ever.

I've assembled an army out of initial 2x generals, some Caucasian Spearmen, some archers and one unit of light cav. I could attack one of 2 cities - Meshket or Kotais. I've chosen Kotais as it would probably be better for trade as it has a port. I've laid siege on the town, which was defended by some spearmen, slingers and 2-3 units of Georgian Swordsmen and skirmishers. On the next turn I was attacked also by an eleutheroi army that popped out of nowhere and an army of Kotais sallied forth. I dispatched that smaller army (not without losses unfortunately) and another army returned to Kotais.

The next turn the rebels sallied forth again. Against my already somewhat diminished 1x light cav, 4x Caucasian Spearmen, 2x Archers, 2x generals and one unit of skirmishers they brought - 2 units of swordsmen, 2 units of skirmishers, 3 units of Caucasian Spearmen, one light cav general, 1x slingers, 1x archers and one unit of Pantodapoi (sp).

The swordsmen tuned out to be absolute killers and eventually everyone engulfed my poor spearmen who of course routed after losing 70% of men.

So, I'm in debt with no army and every rebel garrison is stronger than what I have. Actually from the start, rebel garrisons are stronger than my whole army and in 3-4 turns I'm in debt. Is it even possible to play as Hai? The description says "nigh-impossible", may be it's time to drop that "nigh" part.

Anyway, any advise is welcome...

P.S. the title should be "Hayasdan advise needed" of course. Too bad can't edit that.