Hi,

I reckon the infantry vs infantry combat in EB is pretty well modelled. If anything, casualties could be lessened and combined with a lowering of morale to prevent the 'high end' units sticking around when outnumbered and surrounded. The need to expediate the route with repeated cavalry charges to the rear is at times a little 'repetative'.

The one aspect that I have difficulty getting my head around is cavalry vs infantry. Let me explain. Because we look at the little figures on the screen charge in and fight we model their behaviour on this, and generally this only. It's hard not to when that's what the little men on the screen are doing.

But would real cavalry do this? Or would they charge, see the enemy didn't break, wheel away and hurl some spears/javelins/insults, before reforming and trying again. Perhaps a few of the braver individuals would remain close-by to try and tempt some of the infantry to advance and break their line sufficiently for other cavalry to exploit the gap.

It became a battle of wills rather than brawn, with few actual formation vs formation combats. If the infantry were confident they may advance in formation and force the cavalry to retreat. If the infantry lacked confidence they would huddle together and be assailed by the cavalry (as described above).

Eventually the actions of one (combined with surrounding events) would cause one side or the other to retire/route/flee.

But we can't model that in the game, can we? As a miniatures wargamer I 'learnt' to 'conceptualise' that just because 2 miniatures bases were in contact didn't necessarily mean they were exchanging blows. They could very well be, but perhaps they are just occupying each others 'attention'.

So despite the fact we see the men involved in a swirling melee (about all the engine can cope with) perhaps we can 'conceptualise' they are engaged in this battle of wills by-

1. Lowering charge values. Cavalry would rarely charge into contact against a formation as the game portrays. Gaps yes, but formations.....no.
2. Giving cavalry the 'frighten infantry' attribute.
3. Increasing cavalry defence values so they stay around longer. Part of that 'conceptualising' they are occupying the infantry's attention but wise enough to stay away from their spears.

This would mean that cavalry could 'flank' but it's their presence and boosted fear value vs infantry that may cause the enemy to route (with the lowered morale values I mentioned above) rather than charge, retreat, charge etc etc(which requires micro-management the AI is not capable of).

Anyways, need to take a breath. Just wanted to 'throw this out there' for comment.

Cheers,

Quilts