Quote Originally Posted by Adrian II
Did you consider that Halberdiers lose their rank bonus in woods, and are thus less effective against Woodsmen and the like?
Good commentary otherwise, Adrian, but the quoted section bears re-examination. All axe-equipped troops lack any rank bonuses - they get a bonus against higher levels of armor, and the polearm subset of axe troops gets a bonus against cavalry, but it isn't dependent on ranks. Those guys fight just as well in two ranks as in five ranks - the only time they benefit from more ranks is when receiving a charge, and that applies to all other non-spear/pike infantry as well.

So putting them in the woods behind the Arbalesters to intercept incoming cavalry is a great deployment. Not only do the Halberdiers get a bonus against the cavalry, but the enemy cavalry attack/defense is drastically lowered in the woods.