Community call to arms: artillery guide

[Peasant Phill]

Naval bombardment should be used just like the old MTW royal bodyguard: as a precision strike to tip the scales in your favour.

Don't use the bombardement to early, you have to wait for the perfect time. Wait until the lines meet and units start to waver. At the moment that a decision is iminent but it could go either way then it's time to call for the bombardement. Pick a good spot (units that are wavering but not quite ready to rout and hopefully not to many of your units around) and order the bombardement. If you picked the right time and the right spot, you can cause a mass rout.

I don't know about single player but in multiplayer I have found cannons incredibly useful. The enemy is almost certain to bring cannons with them as they are incredibly powerful on the attack in sieges. It is essential that you destroy your enemies cannons or force them away from targeting your troops and walls. The only way you can actually reach them is with cannons (cavalry might be possible if the enemy isn't very alert or cautious).

How do you use cannons in a siege? Position them outside of the walls with a some protection?
This seems like a waste of resources. (You can always correct me)

I do agree with the power of cannons. In a battle last night, my single unit of parrot guns were responsible for 881 of the 3000+ kills.