Skirmisher Style Armies

[DaciaJC]

Also I know that trees are meant to be to the advantage of skirmishers but I find them the opposite, missile fire does very little in amongst the trees (except javelins to the back!) and it is difficult to see what is happening and give orders (I initially played from the generals point of view, zoomed right in but changed quickly as it just wasn't workable).

If you're having trouble with huge trees, see this thread.

At Hard/Very Hard battle difficulty, the AI gets boni in morale and defense, if not more. At Hard/Very Hard campaign difficulty, the AI will get increasingly stubborn and usually concentrate its forces solely on wiping the human player out.

And yes, trust your infantry to fight. They do a marvelous job (and I finished conquering the whole of the Iberian Peninsula about two weeks ago).

[Moros]

You know I envy you scutarii, I can't remember when I had my last real challenge playing a battle, when not overly outnumbered.

[Julius Augustus]

I had a fun challenging battle yesterday. I had odds of over 12 to 1 against me in a siege battle and almost won. Those are the kinds of battles you treasure.

[Cambyses]

Lusos fight more or less like the Romans, but with spears and decent cavalry. Multiple lines of well armoured javelin throwing infantry can take on anyone head to head. You really shouldnt need to use skirmisher stacks to weaken the enemy. If you get into trouble then try and fight a couple of battles in the woods. Their advantage is 1) ability to hide and 2) much higher morale. That advantage does not directly effect attack capacity - especially with missiles. Just get the enemy to run then hunt them down.

[Scutarii]

I always have a cavalry deficit.

What do I need to build cavalry? I can recruit mercenary cavalry, but they are expensive.

I'll try some battles and get back to you...