Sillius:

Some simple things that I have found that really help.

There is of course the Unit Compare tool and the Army Builder, both valuable.

But for a basic start, go into Custom Battle and build some armies there. I set up custom 4v4 with 40000 florins then experiment.

Remember when you are in a battle (or in pre-battle setup) you can look at unit stats using the F1 key.

I don't use spears in 10K MP (sometimes in Viking era, or very high florin games maybe). In order to get morale up they cost too much, and they kill too slow IMHO.

My philosophy is to get the highest quality troops with minimal upgrades, rather than cheaper units with lots of upgrades. I vary this somewhat for desert and snow.

Bring 6 swords, I try to use 4 V3 FMAA and 2 V3 CMAA. Whatever you do make sure that your inf is morale 8 minimum.

Bring 4 missiles. Currently I use 2 Xbows/arbs and 2 pav xbow/arbs, but vary depending on how much florins I have. Remember that pav arbs = 300 florin, arbs = 275, pav xbows 225 and xbows 200. Arty isnt a good deal, but rarely I substitute 1 catapult (at 225 florins) for one xbow, usually on defense on the Steppe. 4 missiles cost less than 1200 florins, and this saves florins for melee units. Some folks also use Arqs, but thats a whole 'nother topic.

Do not think that fewer missiles = better melee, cause if you swap a sword for a missile (EG you only bring 3 missiles) you must settle for lower quality melee troops.

Use a cav for gen. Currently I use either a V0 Feudal Knight or a Mounted Sarg to save florins. I want mobility but try not to fight with my gen unless necessary (altho I frequently fail in this goal which leads to my rapid exit)

V1 Feudals slightly more expensive and slightly better than V0 Chivs. I use 4 V0 Chivs and that usually leaves me enuff for another Feudal Knight at V0 or V1.

IMHO Byz are pretty weak at 10K. At 15K in Early and high the Byz are quite powerful. If used properly, the Byz can rock at 10k, but generally their morale is too low at that price.

Since you also mentioned the English, I'll add that Bills are OK at 10K but again, they cost a lot if you get their valor up high enuff to fight. If you use the English, sub a LB or two for a missile and sword.

Finally, next time you in a game with some pros steal their army. Especially when in a game with unlimited camera movement, get a pen and write down the units and valor of the other armies and then save the replay and watch how they are used and how they perform. Or just ask guys for advice about their army.

In summary: 6 cav, 4 missile, 6 inf, with cav and inf at morale 8 or higher. Works well as a start for standard Catholic Army (some changes in desert or snow).

ichi