How do you behave after the enemy routs?

**Norxis** · 08-24-2005, 04:05

Yeah I usually kill them all (or try to), which is why I have a couple of light cavalry with every army. Equites are great for this, and they can usually chase down the enemy generals heavy cavalry unit which is good too. But after seeing some of this post information about what the computer does, maybe I'll stop slaughtering too (unless I need/want an heroic victory)

**SMZ** · 08-24-2005, 04:36

Well, historically... (since that seems to be the rage - lol)

... spearing the enemy in the back when they turned to run was the fun part, and until the age of chivalry, such an opportunity was rarely passed up... even then, it was pretty standard procedure... very few commanders would allow an enemy to run off to trouble them another day. Rarely indeed would a general be suitably impressed by the others fortitude, honor, etc to allow them to quit the field in safety. Occasionally, to avoid over-extension, this might be done - but by and large, the loss of the battle by one side marked the begginings of a "great slaughter"...

If you're concerned about fairness to the computer, there's a simple solution. After a loss, disband any troops which you feel would not have been able to escape. That's easily figured out. If they had light cavalry - get rid of most or all of your infantry. If some of your heavy cavalry were close to that light cavalry - get rid of them too, etc, etc. If they were a bunch of plodding phalanxes... keep your men.

**nameless** · 08-24-2005, 05:30

... spearing the enemy in the back when they turned to run was the fun part, and until the age of chivalry, such an opportunity was rarely passed up... even then, it was pretty standard procedure... very few commanders would allow an enemy to run off to trouble them another day. Rarely indeed would a general be suitably impressed by the others fortitude, honor, etc to allow them to quit the field in safety. Occasionally, to avoid over-extension, this might be done - but by and large, the loss of the battle by one side marked the begginings of a "great slaughter"...

If I remember correctly there was something that said that Romans tend to allow an opening for the enemy to run as an enemy that is willing to fight to the death will cause casualties on your side.

Though most of the texts I've read usually point out that the armies that lose usually get wiped out though there are still survivors such as Scipio taking with him survivors of the massacre of Cannae to fight Hannibal and so forth. Then there are captured foes but those are for ransoming, especially if they were wealthy people.

Though for Chivarley it wasn't as big as it was then but was still around. Caesar allowing a Gaulic tribe which betrayed him to go in peace in respect of their former alliance and the Parthian Troops who massacred several cohorts which opened their ranks when the remaining 20 legionaries charged them in a suicide run out of respect for their bravery.

**SMZ** · 08-24-2005, 06:19

oh yes, don't surround the enemy and force them to fight! Even in game a unit will fight to the death in that situation (try it sometime - box a unit on four sides and attack, they'll fight to the death just like on city walls) But once the foe starts running away thru that convenient gap you've left, casting away weapons and armor so they can run faster, etc... that's the time to quench your weapons thirst... and the Romans did it just as avidly as anybody else...

I agree however, certain generals would let the enemy go on certain occasions due to their personal values... by and large however, worries about one's own casualites or concerns about getting spread out in extremely hostile territory would be the only prevention. Another possible case is that some generals permit a beaten foe to leave because that defeated mentality can infect other armies which the survivors join. But once again - those are exceptions.

You bring up a good point with ransom - I really wish that aspect was in the game... that and looting dead soldiers...

**womble** · 08-24-2005, 10:03

I rather wish there was a "general pursuit" command for when the enemy breaks. Yes, most of the time I will pursue to the map limits. Less often with brigands (or if they're not going to reform because I've taken them past the limit of no return, or they're out of moves) because they tend to melt away once defeated.

I so rarely lose to the AI on the tactical map that the advantage I gain over an AI which can't pursue my army is miniscule. Though lately it's taken to accepting the first battle then dong a runner when I start maneuvering to get to grips... That's *really* annoying. Especially when I don't bother pursuing and the encounter is declared a "Draw" (only happened the once, I assure you :-).

**PseRamesses** · 08-24-2005, 10:14

In STW I beheaded everyone to spare them the shame of defeat.
In MTW (due to chivalry) I never pursued.
In RTR I cut them down to the last man.

**King Henry V** · 08-24-2005, 13:56

When I'm really bloodthirsty is when a garrison sallies out to attack my troops. I don't like sieges, They're costly and long.

**Celt Centurion** · 08-24-2005, 20:47

Equites are great for this, and they can usually chase down the enemy generals heavy cavalry unit which is good too.

Good point there, but later on in the game, equites get fewer and fewer. I have not yet figured out how to merge 13 from one squadron, and 14 from another, and yet 27 from a third to make one full strength squadron of 54. When they get down below 50% strength, I have tended to discharge them. I really do not like using three unit cards to carry what would fit into one unit that cannot be retrained.

I used to try to use the "obsolete" Roman Units to hunt down Rebels, but have not played as a Roman in a while. What I am considering doing, is to retrain them by upgrading their armour, and putting them back on that detail.

Strength and Honor.

Celt Centurion