Retraining Troops ??

[sapi]

I'd like to jump in here with just this - I have never retrained my troops in m2tw.

Okay, maybe i have once, but that's just when a city has nothing else to do or when i'm training up some particular units for the rp value.

I still haven't been able to replicate my 2 general + 2 elite unit + 17 merc army that i used in rtr, but that's another story

[Arcturion]

For that reason, I like to use a balance of vets and replacement units. Say I bring along 3 vets, after battle I merge them into 2 full units + 1 weak unit. The weak one I send back for retraining, the 2 vets I reinforce with a green unit. That way you will gradually build up your army's experience across the board while keeping your momentum.

Besides, having short pauses in your campaign while you retrain is by no means a bad thing - it allows the enemy a chance to regroup and to build up more cannon fodder for you to kill. More experience and chances to train your troops and general. Not to mention being more fun and challenging to play.

[econ21]

Given that armour upgrades often provide more than the +1 armour that is reported, retraining to take advantage of armouries etc could be worth it.

From RTR/EB, I've got into the habit of using a "no retraining" houserule[1] and also never exterminating cities. It makes for a slower, more deliberate form of play and logistics start to play a large role in your campaigns.




[1]I would still retrain a full strength unit to take advantage of an armour upgrade though.

[icanus]

I tend to rotate whole armies through active service. Not the most efficient, since it means I'm paying upkeep for an army that's not fighting for 3-4 turns at a time, but it does mean I've always got a reserve stack between the front line and my production cities in case things go pear shaped.

At the moment in my english campaign (2tpy, turn 120ish) the king is in eastern france with an almost full stack, while my other (replenished) army is waiting for ships at dover, having fought a few battles in france, been relieved by the king and taken a trip back to blighty to be spread between London and Nottingham to stock up on recruits/the latest armour.