Quote Originally Posted by hlawrenc
Maybe overkill, but if possible, especially in early, I put two archers out front, backed up by two spear units, then a unit of Javs AND a unit of Mounted Cross Bows immediately behind the Javs. The Mtd X-bows actually fire over the heads of the spear and Javs reducing friendly fire. Once the archers are pulled back and the other side gets engaged with the spears the combination of Javs and Mtd X-bow provide good results for me. Then let the archers come back on line or use to come in on flank (s) to melee

From there sword, axe or cav can sweep the far flank. One reason I like to play BKB mod is the wide variety of javs to pick from. Like a kid in a candystore, can't decide which to use.
nothing wrong with overkill if it wins you battles! that's a very good formation and i shall see if i can field it. in general though i do favour cavalry armies and enjoy skirmishing a lot since picking up many of the darker arts of 'fire and flee' on this very forum...