The Tip of Alexander

[Divinus Arma]

If you liked this book you will also like "The Virtues of War" by Steven Pressfield (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...12912-6623853).

This is a novel on the campaign of Alexander written from the first person perspective of Alexander. Because of that perspective, it is fictional. Despite this, it is a very engaging book. The author details some interesting info from a tactical perspective, such as the use of the "dragon's teeth formation", a line of cavalry units each formed in a wedge.

Because of this book, I have changed my tactics in RTW completely. I always take two generals to a battle, and three if I have enough. I have my center line of five or so basic infantry (legionaries, sarissa pikeman, armoured hoplites, etc.) who are supported by a secondary general. I place two units of elite units on the left of this main body, and two on the right.
Behind each of these two units is another general, with my Commanding General on the right. If I play as the romans, I have two units of Cavalry on each flank. These are a heavy cavalry and a light cavalry on each wing. Behind them is an archer or so and maybe a catapult to cover my approach.

If I play as a greek faction, I need no additional infantry, instead using additional cavalry in the "dragon's teeth" formation.

Thus:

Romans:

^ ^ ## ***** ## ^^
$ $ $

(^=cavalry, #=elite infantry, * = regular infantry, $ = general) Note there are four empty slots. These are augmented dependant on the objective and enemy whom I face.


Greeks:

^^^^ ****** ^^^^
$ $ $

Not the three empty slots. Again, this is the basic formation that may be augmented for flexibility.

The Roman formation allows me to use the (I think it is called this...) "maniple" advance. The greek formation is very clearly "hold and shock" or "hammer and anvil" as you called it.

I noticed that adding Generals has significantly decreased my losses. I win either way, but this makes it less costly. Even in the Roman formation, almost half (7) is cavalry!

Great in campaign mode, but I wonder how I would fare in multiplayer?

Regards

Divinus Arma

P.S. had to edit, the generals should be centered on their respective squad of command. For some reason, I am unable to correct the appearance.