Your favorite army

[lugh]

Well, in my Spanish campaign, I've been having the most fun I've had in the game in a very long time and it's all down to a single army. I started using the config in the mid high era and upgraded the units as tech improved but this is what I ended up with.

2 Lancers, 1 RK general, 2 Chivalric FK, 3 Pikemen, 2 Pav Arbs, 3 Arquebusiers, 3 Culverin.

Now I was using Halbs instead of Pike previously but to be honest the Pike, I don't find to be much of an improvement. Replace the culvs with lesser artillery in earlier times etc etc.

Anyway, long story short, for nearly 2 centuries, I've maintained just 5 armies, all on this config and stripped garrisons to 20-40 man knight units in citadels. My RK generals were all 3-5* heirs, hero's etc and with these armies are nigh on unbeatable. All are 9* by now.

So I'm curious, does anyone else have a combo that they just find perfect for thier style of play? I'm going to start an Italian campaign, Venetian I think, and see if GKs compare to Lancers.

[antisocialmunky]

The funnest campaign armies to watch IMHO are 6 Lbowmen, 4 CS, 2 Billmen, 2 CMAA, 2 Chivaric Knights

[Ciaran]

I like using an army center of four spear units, chivalric or gothic sergeants, or light italian infantry, a unit of Swiss halberdiers on both of the spears´ flanks, two swords behind that, two archers, one or two arbalester units, and four units cavalry as a mobile shock force, preferably Chivalric Knights, but mounted sergeants work too in the case of defense armies.

[ajaxfetish]

My favorite army as the HRE in late was 1 royal knight general, 5 SAP's, 2 chivalric MaA, 4 Swiss halbs, and 4 Chiv knights. It wasn't too impressive for holding a defensive position (what with having no ranged units and all), but whether I was attacking or defending I'd just line 'em all up and march forward like an inexorable steamroller of doom. I'd never played with Swiss Armoured Pikemen before, and I decided I really like those guys. Wish I saw the Swiss do a little more with themselves sometimes when they emerge. It'd be nice to face an empire founded on the pike.

Ajax

[Graphic]

I love basically equal parts Saracen Infantry, Desert Archers, Ghazis and Ghulam Cav as the Muslims.

Replace Ghulams with Armenians if I'm Turkish though.

[Vladimir]

Just remember that it's not always important what you have in your army but how it's formed. For example: My Italian "dream" army is 2 CKs, 2 MAAs, 2 ILI, 3 MX-bow, 2 PA, 2 arbalesters, 2 RKs, and 1 General (hopefully a RK). The army is arranged so that it is balanced on both sides but the trick is the formation. The arbalesters and ILI are on loose formation so the PAs can easily run through the ILI if threatened while protecting all from missiles and recognizing the flatter trajectory. The RKs are used because they're usually one lever higher cavalry and in wedge formation can fit between the gap created between the ILI and the MAAs when I go to close formation. The AI doesn't respond well if you stay at maximum range and usually just stands there and dies. Cannons are great but I usually prefer them on the defense as to eliminate the general. On the X-bow men are named "king killers" because they are almost exclusively used in the same capacity.

[cutepuppy]

when on defense (as catholic faction):
4 units pav. arbs
4 units chiv serg
3 units heavy infantry (cmaa, halbs)
3 units heavy cavalry
2 catapults

[mfberg]

I usually play Early, so my armies are 4 HA/MtdCrossbow/Jinette, 4 archers, 4 spears (Saracens, Fyrdmen, Heavy Spears, or Feudal Sgts), 2 catapults or ballista, and 2 heavy cav of whichever sort I can afford (usually 2 RK). If I have more they are exclusively HA/MtdCrossbow/Jinette.
As English I put in Holibars as my reinfocements until I can get Steppe Heavies, and include Highlanders in place of some of the initial HA.

Once I get to High I put in the all the upgraded units.

mfberg

[_Aetius_]

For my Byzantine armies I have,

4 Byzantine Infantry 4 VG 2 Kats 2 PA cavalry units and 4 Trebs.

4 BI units in the centre with 2 VG units on either side but slightly further back, 2 Treb archer units on the extreme of each flank with 1 Kataphraktoi and 1 PA unit on each flank.

When battle commenced the Trebs would fall behind into the gap behind the Byz infantry with VG on either side of them, my Byz infantry would pin the opposing infantry in place in the centre (the 100 man units making for a much wider central front than other standard heavy infantry units) and my Varangians would cut through the enemy flanks and my cavalry would sweep around and attack the rear as the Trebs peppered the centre of the enemy army as they fought.

This would often ensure maximum enemy casualties as they had no escape route, depending on the enemy the Byz infantry may suffer heavy casualties however they are easily replaced.

[Marquis de Said]

My favourite high/late era army is a Turkish defensive army:
6 Futuwwas, 2 Janissary Infantry, 4 Janissary Heavy Infantry, 2 Ghazi Infantry and 2 Cavalry (Armenian Heavy Cavalry, Ghulam Cavalry/Bodyguards or Khwarazmian Cavalry).

Basically, I line them up into two lines. The six Futuwwa units form the first line of defense, and because of their tight formation, they all fit in a line and can decimate the enemy with arrows. Behind them stand the four JHI's flanked by the JI. Cavalry stand at the back or flanks, depending on the terrain, and the Ghazis are deployed in a forest or on a hill nearby where they can launch a suicide mission against the enemy's flanks.

The way this whole thing works is the enemy sees the sky blackened with arrows from 8 units as it climbs up the hill towards my front line. When they come close I charge all six units of Futuwwas at them. JI and Ghazis and cavalry begin to flank. If this manhandling isn't enough the JHI march down like Saruman's army against Helms Deep and finish the job. "Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys!"

[Roark]

My favourite Turkish assault army (Late):

4 Sipahis of the Porte
2 Ghulam bodyguards
2 Turcoman Horse
2 Janissary Heavy Infantry
6 Futuwwas

Lots of arrows. Very mobile. Very compact. I've used this combo to defeat armies much bigger than mine.

[Graphic]

My favourite high/late era army is a Turkish defensive army:
6 Futuwwas, 2 Janissary Infantry, 4 Janissary Heavy Infantry, 2 Ghazi Infantry and 2 Cavalry (Armenian Heavy Cavalry, Ghulam Cavalry/Bodyguards or Khwarazmian Cavalry).

Basically, I line them up into two lines. The six Futuwwa units form the first line of defense, and because of their tight formation, they all fit in a line and can decimate the enemy with arrows. Behind them stand the four JHI's flanked by the JI. Cavalry stand at the back or flanks, depending on the terrain, and the Ghazis are deployed in a forest or on a hill nearby where they can launch a suicide mission against the enemy's flanks.

The way this whole thing works is the enemy sees the sky blackened with arrows from 8 units as it climbs up the hill towards my front line. When they come close I charge all six units of Futuwwas at them. JI and Ghazis and cavalry begin to flank. If this manhandling isn't enough the JHI march down like Saruman's army against Helms Deep and finish the job. "Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys!"

Futuwwas sound really fun, I need to try them sometime. Last time I looked at their stats I got the impression that they're basically Ghazis w/o AP and with bows.

[tigger_on_vrb]

I love early, love the rest of the game too but get a bit fed up of pole-arms and arbalesters.
Anyway heres my favourite early army for my favourite early faction the Turkish:
3 saracen inf
2 ghazi inf
4 futtuwas
4 turcomon horse
1 ghulam bodyguard general
2 Armenian heavy cavalry (or camels for desert)

You might say that its a bit light on infantry, but saracens are very solid and outlast most early infantry and the futtuwas step in after shooting all their arrows - anyway their army is going to be fairly disrupted by the time it gets to my lines after harassment on each flank by a pair of turcomon horses.

The tactics I use is to set up my infantry in a good defensive position with ghazis on the flanks. Futtuwas in two lines, one infront and one just behind the infantry. Cavalry behind ready to flank, except the turcomons which are as far ahead of my position as possible in two pairs on the enemy flanks using classic horse archer tactics. I harass the enemy until they approach my lines. If I have managed to create enough destruction with my horse archers and forward fuuttuwas (particularly targetting individual units to try and induce a rout) then I go for a quick kill with a ghazi/front futtuwwa/cavalry charge, if I judge they are not broken enough then they retreat behind my lines and fill the sky with arrows and lure the enemy into attacking my position against my solid saracens. These tactics also work in high and late, but mostly in the desert or against an enemy without many arbs.

Anyone have alternative early turkish tactics?

[Vladimir]

My early Turk tactics can usually be summed up by three letters: THA. When I'm able to build bigger and better cavalry I go with the usual HA, light, medium, heavy pairing. The game usually get's boring after the initial success against the Egyptians and Byzantines so I've never used any Janissary troops. I hate fighting in the steppes because it's a more balanced cav slug-fest and I don't have that normal superiority.

[Roark]

Try playing the Turks on Expert and High period. Lots of replayability in that combo. Janissaries are a MUST.

[m52nickerson]

3 Pavise arbalesters
4 Halberdiers
4 Chivalric men at arms
2 Chivalric knights
2 Steppe heavy cavalry
1 General unit.

Works well for both attack and defence, at least in the campaign.

[Knight Templar]

My favourite early Novgorod army:

4 Boyars (1 general)
3 archers
4 Feudal FK (60 men)
3 Rus Speermen
2 Steppe cav

It's great, although Boyars are too expensive so I use Druzhina cav (if I have no money) instead.

[The Darkhorn]

As Byz:

1 Katank General
1 Byz Cavalry (missile)
1 Steppe Heavy Cavalry (missile)
1 Byz Lancer
1 Pro All
1 Steppe Cavalry (for chasing Horseys with arrow firing fiends riding them)
2 Byz Infantry
2 Varangian Guard
1 Spearmen (I should note that these are all teched up, but especially these)
2 Bulgarian Brigands
2 Pavise Arbs
1 Arb

[The Darkhorn]

As Poles:

ANTI MONGOL ARMY - Put one of these in Kiev, Ryazan, Chernigov and Muscovy (all with bridges between them any Mongol start provinces) and the Horde can batter them all game with no success. I don't care if they bring 15,000 per attack. You will beat them. Even in open battle, this army beats 10K+ Mongols 4 out of 5 times...EVEN on the attack!!

Divide into three stacks.

INFANTRY:
4 Halberds
2 Huscarles

MISSILE:

5 Arbs
1 Brigand
1 Catapult

CAVALRY:

2 RK
2 Avar Nobles (teched up....it's the best Heavy Cavalry for 200 years)
2 Steppe Heavies
2 Steppies
2 Mounted Crossbows

KICKS THEIR......KNEES!!!!!!

[Saracen_Warrior]

Not my favorite but very fun to use against weaker armies. 15 Chivalric knights and the best dang general I have. Its very fun jsut to tell them all to charge. Don't do it anymore, I now prefer a balanced army, but 16 units of knights on the largest unit setting attacking ona nice flat battlefield is jsut cool to me. I used to like to pause right before the clash and then set my camera up at a nice vantage point and sit back and enjoy. Only enjoyable though if its very winnable. I wouldn't charge a bunch of billmen, its not fun to send my men to die.

[m52nickerson]

As Poles:

ANTI MONGOL ARMY - Put one of these in Kiev, Ryazan, Chernigov and Muscovy (all with bridges between them any Mongol start provinces) and the Horde can batter them all game with no success. I don't care if they bring 15,000 per attack. You will beat them. Even in open battle, this army beats 10K+ Mongols 4 out of 5 times...EVEN on the attack!!

Divide into three stacks.

INFANTRY:
4 Halberds
2 Huscarles

MISSILE:

5 Arbs
1 Brigand
1 Catapult

CAVALRY:

2 RK
2 Avar Nobles (teched up....it's the best Heavy Cavalry for 200 years)
2 Steppe Heavies
2 Steppies
2 Mounted Crossbows

KICKS THEIR......KNEES!!!!!!

Your are a man after my own heart

[Weebeast]

Can the Poles get huscarles though?

Well my favorite attacking army is made up of cavalry, lots of em; horse archers, byz cavarly, royal knights, feudalsgt or turcopoles, etc. They're just easier to use when attacking than the foot ones. If it's a river then it's a different story. I never bring artilery when attacking because it takes space when I can just put another unit of spear, sword, or archer.

My defending army would consist of cavalry too I guess although most of the time I garrison my citadels with balanced armies. I love horses.

[The Darkhorn]

Can the Poles get huscarles though?

Yes, but you have to take Prussia within a turn or two of starting the early period and tech straight to ships for invading Sweden forthwith if you want to have 10 or so Huscarles with +2 armor and +1 weapon by 1205 when you can no longer build them. The trick is to build them as soon as available then start upgrading them about 1094 or so when you finally have the max number of upgrades in place that are feasable (SP?). There is actually time have 2-3 with +2 armor and +2 weapon or +3 armor and +1 weapon, but you really must invade Prussia on turn 1 and Sweden asap, etc. Must have no hitches or screwups...OR LACK OF CASH...along the way.

But the real glory of defending a bridge against the Mongols is the Catapult! The Mongols bunch up to cross the bridge and also to shoot at me. It's great for my men's morale to hear the musical...CRASH...Crash.......crash. Turn the camera toward the unfortunate ground on the Golden side of the bridge and watch the Chinese Fire Drill....er....Mongol Fire Drill.......complete chaos!! I may consider a couple more, but that would mean little cavalry for exploiting with quick little hit and run raids accross one of the bridges...at least until the Brigands run out of ammo and can be withdrawn and exchanged for a reserve Steppie.

[The Darkhorn]

Not my favorite but very fun to use against weaker armies. 15 Chivalric knights and the best dang general I have. Its very fun jsut to tell them all to charge. Don't do it anymore, I now prefer a balanced army, but 16 units of knights on the largest unit setting attacking ona nice flat battlefield is jsut cool to me. I used to like to pause right before the clash and then set my camera up at a nice vantage point and sit back and enjoy. Only enjoyable though if its very winnable. I wouldn't charge a bunch of billmen, its not fun to send my men to die.

I haven't tried the all Cavalry army yet. This could be due to (A) lack the guts to chance it or (B) I just love all the variety of units and generally try to find at least one use for each type I am capable of building if only one unit for one duty. I have by necessity on defense had armies made up of three quarters horseys 'cause that's all there was!

[The Darkhorn]

Your are a man after my own heart

Then what a stout and noble heart it must be!

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition, but truly....I mean really....NO ONE expects the Polish Inquisition...right!!?