Army-Wide Formation Techniques

[Kraxis]

My HRE armies have a tendency to look like this is I expect to have time on my hands.



---------(XX)AAACCCCCCCAAA(XX)
---(HHH)SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS(HHH)
---------HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
------KKKK----------GG----------KKKK


'A' for archers, 'C' for crossbows, 'X' for artillery, 'S' for spears, 'H' for heavy infantry, 'K' for knights and heavy cavalry and of course 'G' for general.

The brackets indicate that these positions are dependant on availability and total numbers. If I have few troops, the heavies go next to the spear, if I have a lot then they get their own line. And artillery don't really serve in my field armies that often (though ballistas are good indeed).

The point with teh army is simple enough.
Archers and crossbows are meant to take out enough enemies to make it hurt. At the same time they need protection. Protection heavy infantry is a bit troubled giving at times. Instead a cheap and effective spearline will take the enemies if they are hasty. Then the heavies will join in when the spears have worn out the enemy (at which point the spears are pulled back), meanwhile the heavy cavalry does what it is supposed to, smash the enemy heavy cavalry, archers and flank.
If the enemy either wins the ranged duel or soaks up the arrows/bolts, then I let the heavy infantry deal with the enemy first, while the spears break off to protect their flanks and hold any other infantry the enemy might have. Meanwhile the heavy cavalry hags back and awaits the enemy's next move. If there is no move they do the usual, otherwise they react, but always they wait a bit to see how things develop.

This is a very cautious formation, and one that relies on reaction and superior timing. Meanwhile it is very adaptable and generous to your heavy eaxpensive troops in that it is the cheaper units that takes the brunt of the losses (ranged losses and charges).