Your army Compositions and tactics.

[Ignopotens]

Currently I'm playing as the Getai. Normally I use something like this.

________PP________
_HA__DrSkSkDr__HA_
__DR___SlSl___Dr___
________G_________

or

__________PP___________
HAHA___SkSlSlSk____HAHA
____DrDr_________DrDr____
___________G____________


P = Getai Phalanx (or Hoplites or Celtic spearmen)
HA = Horse Archers
Dr = Drapanai (or Galatian Swordsmen)
Sk = Getai Skirmishers
Sl = Slingers or Archers
G = General

This is usually when the battle is almost joined. Early on I'd have the slingers out front harassing them, and the Horse Archers riding around them shooting arrows into their backs. The Drapanai I have to try to keep back until I need them due to their vulnerability to ranged weapons. The Getai skirmishers I use probably more in melee combat than ranged, because they have only 2 volleys worth of javelins, and they're quite good at melee anyway. I also don't use many phalanx or spear units normally because I prefer to be offensive in nature, and the phalanxes are too slow and generally too expensive (comparatively).

[Tiberius of the Drake]

N.B This army is very costly and takes very long to recruit between building up Bocchoris and actually recruiting.

This is an army that Ive developed for my .81v2 campaign.Evrything was recurited on the island of Bocchoris exccept the cavalry.

1x general
4x Baleric slingers
4x Baleric light infantry
4x liby-phonecian infantry(spearmen)
2x Heavy liby-phonecian infantry
2xiberes equites castrati
2x carthaginian citizen cavalry
1x Sacred band cavalry

Ive foun that this army works well against the lusotannons(bad spelling), the gallic tribes and it is able to go toe to toe with the romans. The only group that I havent tried this army out against is the sucessors/greeks and the eastern kingdoms such as armenia and saka.

I usually use the formation as such

--------------BS----------BL-----------BS------------BL-------------------
---------IE------BS-----------BL------------BS------------BL----------IE---------


----------CCC-----LP------LP---------LP----------LP--------------CCC---------
---------------HLP-----------------------------------HLP----------------------
----------------------------------G------------------------SBC

BS=baleric slinger
BL=Baleric light infantry
LP-Liby-phonecian infantry
HLP=Heavy Liby Phonecian
IE=Iberes equites castrati
CCC= Carthaginian citizen cavalry
SBC= Sacred Bnad cavalry


Ive found this army and formation to be very effective for a mid to late game carthaginian army when youll actually have the funds for it.

[Olaf The Great]

Ahem...

MASS....CALVARY.....ARCHERS

[billy bob]

A basic battle plan that is enormously effective against AI armies. Not too good against a patient human. I used it to defeat an army of 700-800 Eastern Infantry with around 100 hoplites, 60 archers, and 40 cavalry. They lost around 600 men and I lost around 40. Basically



xxxx____________________
xxx/*^^^^^^^^^^^^^*\
xx/^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^\
x/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\
x<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
x<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>


The straight lines are pike men, the asterisks are heavy skirmisher infantry , the ^s are missile units, and the <s & >s are cavalry to sweep around and flank. The x's are placeholders.

Essentially you let the enemy charge into your main front and sweep around with the cavalry and side guards to flank the enemy. Then when they run you simply go out of phalanx and chase them down.

[Caesar89]

[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]My first campaign on EB as Romans, only had to alter the formations and tactics of my legions twice; Standard (Anti-Babarian) Legion and Layered (Anti-Phalanx) Legion.

STANDARD LEGION
[/IMG]
All units on fire at will. Hastati first to make contact followed later by the Principles when H. become too pressured. Trarii and Elites stop any flankin manouvers by enemy infantry then move to box in opposing force in preparation of cavalry charge from the rear. General Supports whichever flank is under the most pressure.

Layered Legion

Each different type of unit a little bit behind the one in front to allow for easier surrounding manouvers and isolating phalanx units. once all units are engaged slingers rush behind enemy and pepper them before cavalry return to start a full scale rout.

[Owen the Mighty]

For the Romans, I use this site to base my full stacks, or legions, around:

http://www.roman-empire.net/army/army.html

If I have the resources, my legions usually follow these guidelines:

Camillian Legion

-4 Hastati
-4 Principes
-4 Leves
-1 Triarii
-1 Rorarii
-1 Accensi
-1 General
-2 Cavalry (possibly mercenary, depending on location)
-2 Mercenary/Italic Isles troops (depending on location)

Polybian Legion

-4 Hastati
-4 Principes
-4 Velites
-3 Triarii
-1 General
-2 Cavalry (possibly mercenary, depending on location)
-2 Mercenary/Italic Isles troops (depending on location)

Marian Legion

-9 Legionary Cohorts
-1 Veteran Cohort (representing the First Cohort, since I don't have that mod)
-1 General
-5 Mercenary troops (from where the legion fights the most)
-4 Cavalry (possibly mercenary, depending on location)

Augustan Legion

-10 Legionary Cohorts (one representing the First Cohort)
-1 Praetorian Guard
-1 General
-4 Cavalry (possibly mercenary, depending on location)
-4 Mercenary troops (from where the legion fights the most)

[helenos aiakides]

What is the best way to destroy/route a phalanx

[Ignopotens]

use some spearmen/pikemen of your own to pin it down, then hit it in the rear with assault troops or cavalry charges

or alternating cav charges from the exposed side

[Pius Curus]

Hi all, here I my formations for playing as SPQR - Polybian reforms. I use more battle groups (Roman numbers) , than are my field manoeuvres more flexible.

[innocex]

This is a modified version of that V-shaped formation that was posted earlier. It works quite well on the battlefield.

its a good formation for protecting the flanks, but if any heavy cavalry/assualt inf. can quickly pierce your central line, you will be divided in 2 before you can try to surround the attackers.

[innocex]

A basic battle plan that is enormously effective against AI armies. Not too good against a patient human. I used it to defeat an army of 700-800 Eastern Infantry with around 100 hoplites, 60 archers, and 40 cavalry. They lost around 600 men and I lost around 40. Basically



xxxx____________________
xxx/*^^^^^^^^^^^^^*\
xx/^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^\
x/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\
x<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
x<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>


The straight lines are pike men, the asterisks are heavy skirmisher infantry , the ^s are missile units, and the <s & >s are cavalry to sweep around and flank. The x's are placeholders.

Essentially you let the enemy charge into your main front and sweep around with the cavalry and side guards to flank the enemy. Then when they run you simply go out of phalanx and chase them down.

this is a really good plan for not only hellinistic armies, but also eastern armies. if you can get a decent spearman front with the pick of the eastern litter, imagine if you have cataphrats patroling the sides of such a formation. they would beat any cav. and while everyone is bogged down in the middle of the battle with the phalanx/spears , they could charge in the enemies flank.
i basically do this same formation, but with a few more archers to weaken the advancing army and some swordsmen to react to emergencies in the spear wall.
it can also work against some patient humans who dont rush in, if you know enough of the hotkeys to advance the army in formation. the spearman on the left and right sides face front during the forward march, but if you can focus on getting them ready for flank attacks quickly, you will be fine.

[Long lost Caesar]

since i can only train my assault armies (italian troops trained in italy) in italy and then have to campaign across the globe with them i always go for 20 units for maximum numbers. this way if units are badly hit i can send then back for refitting whilst fighting on with the main army. ANYWAY.

Current armies (polybian reform)

3 velites
4 equites
1 general
5 principes
5triarii
2 spare units of random choice (usually pedites extrodinarii)

layout and battleplan

all infantry into one group and form two lines, spearmen at front, infantry at back with fire at will on to allow time to throw missiles. velites stand behind the first line with skirmish off, so they can continue to pummel the enemy with javelins even when the fighting starts (provided the line holds...always does)
cavalry are placed behind the lines on either flank (2 on each) and are used to rout and chase down the enemy attacking the spearmen. once the main wave of enemy attack breaks my entire army surges forward, the fresh swordsmen pushing ahead of the triarii, running down the cowards and smashing any resistance in their way (supported, of course, by the cavalry) if deployed as far back as possible, this tactic allows me to completely destroy enemy armies, once killed an army of 4,000 fresh aedui troops with my one of my much weaker, war torn legions. not one of the aedui lived to tell the tale.

[Thaatu]

The following illustration explains my default Aedui tactics:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

The following illustration explains my default Aedui tactics:

A sophisticated plan of a great mind. Only the best of the elite of the warchiefs of Great Gaul can think of such ingenious masterpieces of strategy.

[Spoofa]

rofl

[KuKulzA]

The following illustration explains my default Aedui tactics:

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

this strategy =
scared Romans vs. Charging Gauls
vs.

[Basileus Seleukeia]

That green blob of skull-smashing savages and their tactic somehow remind me of the warhammer orks.... Looks like they have a lot of things in common

[Rundownloser]

That green blob of skull-smashing savages and their tactic somehow remind me of the warhammer orks.... Looks like they have a lot of things in common

With the unfortunate and distinct lack of Night Gobbo Fanatics. They'd fit in perfect with the Celts!

[Wolfman]

No wonder Vercingetorix surrendered

[Aut Nihil]

Currently playing with the Getai and as i've only encountered greek opponents so far this setup is completely based fighting phalanxes and similar units.


Dr__Dr__Dr__Dr__Dr__HH__HH__HH__HH__Dr__Dr__Dr__Dr__Dr__Dr

________Kom_________________________________Kom________

________KS___________________________________KS________

__________________________GR___________________________

Dr = Drapanai
HH = Hoplitai Haplo
Kom = Komatai
KS = Komatai Sphendonetai
GR = General

The idea after this setup is quite simple, till thus far the enemy units have gone straight to my center so I decided to put some cheap, easily trained units there to take hold the line. Afterwards I try to outflank the enemy and go from a straight line into a circle formation, thus trapping the enemy units inside and slaughter them. Phalanxes are good when they're attacked face on, but when theyre being hacked at by all sides their numbers drop dramatically in a VERY short time .

I have been on a rampage since the start of the campaign with the goal of removing three of the best factions from the game before they grow and become unstoppable.

The first to be removed from Greece were the Macedonians who are reduced to 1 city in Asia Minor now "Pergamon". Secondly i turned on the Epeirots, they have 1 city left in Italy "Taras?" and finally I decimated Koinon helenon by capturing the south of Greece and when I conquered "Chalkis" I killed their last general and familymember so they were erased from time

Now I have the north completely to my own with all rebel provinces, I have sauromatea to the east, still in their starting position. I also have Pontos in Byzantium, trying to get a foothold in Europe and the Romans to the west slowly conquering Italy and Gaul. The biggest surprise for me is that Seleucia has broken the back of the Ptolemai and are knocking on Alexandrie's walls.

[Thaatu]

No wonder Vercingetorix surrendered

Infact I only use that "tactic" with my current faction leader, who happens to be a berserker, a champion and a complete loon. When attacking he has command 10 and gives a morale bonus of +12. That, plus the men under him are greatly more experienced then whoever the enemy might be. Thus I can safely say that the horde attack works. I have other generals who make more use of ambush and reserve tactics.

[Pius Curus]

One of Consular Army (after Polybian reform) tactics

Now I play SPQR on H/H for more fun and longer time battles, primary I use easy tactics without special idea, which was standardly used by SPQR. It is tactics for exhaustion of the centre of enemy line. First line hastati, second line principes, 3 line triarii, equites on the flanks. In history only smartie as Scipio Africanus, etc. used "genial" tactics maneuvers by using triarii as flankes, etc.

I would like to show you one of my tactics which looks fine one the paper, looks fine on the battle map but I sweat like a pig to do it right because it needs meny commands in right time.

1. Phase
- all army move forvard right
- I. group (left flank) is united with the centre battle group II. into battle grou II.
- III. group (right flank)
- IV. group (reserves)
- V. and VI. group (light units)
- VIII. and IX. group (equites)

2. Phase
- VI. group provokes the enemy and allures him to left
- II. group is unrolled to left and down to extend the battle line by using key(+)
- III. and IV. group start the flank maneuver and move forward

3. Phase
- young tribun from IX. group is trying to make brak-trough or lead the attack of cavalery with support of velites on the back of enemy horde.

PS: Sorry of my english.

[Chirurgeon]

The following illustration explains my default Aedui tactics:

You know that has to be incredible when all those celts hit the Roman lines simultaneously. Just imagine for a minute that your on the front line of the Romans when that happens. Terror doesn't do that sensation justice. I mean come on if your the guy in the front row you pretty much know your dead. My favorite battles are where the infantry lines run at each other full speed and they not only meet head on but they actually begin mixing together because of their momentum. I dont see that too often in my battles but its cool when it happens.

your tactic reminds me of this old game i used to play called "Legion". kinda like RTW but you give your orders before the battle commences and once the battle starts its like a script. Pretty cool because you have to predict what the enemy might do and try to counter it. Usually you wind up having the two armies run into each other at full speed. Its like watching two locomotives crash into each other.

[KuKulzA]

You know that has to be incredible when all those celts hit the Roman lines simultaneously. Just imagine for a minute that your on the front line of the Romans when that happens. Terror doesn't do that sensation justice. I mean come on if your the guy in the front row you pretty much know your dead. My favorite battles are where the infantry lines run at each other full speed and they not only meet head on but they actually begin mixing together because of their momentum. I dont see that too often in my battles but its cool when it happens.

I know what your sayin... as Getai once, late game, i was at war with Sweboz...

crazy with my Thraikioi Peltasti and Drapnai and their germanic units rushing into each other it was the epitome of the barbaric charge

I won though, snuck some tarabostes towards the rear and cut a path through their clubmen, which caused their center to begin routing... and I kill a lot of the fleeing guys cause they were tangled in with mine

[Chirurgeon]

I know what your sayin... as Getai once, late game, i was at war with Sweboz...

crazy with my Thraikioi Peltasti and Drapnai and their germanic units rushing into each other it was the epitome of the barbaric charge

I won though, snuck some tarabostes towards the rear and cut a path through their clubmen, which caused their center to begin routing... and I kill a lot of the fleeing guys cause they were tangled in with mine

makes me want to play a barbarian faction sometime...

[Wolfman]

I always play the GetaiCasse, Luso, Sweboz come after in terms of barbarians

[KuKulzA]

I almost always play these factions...
Getai, Saruomatae, Saka Rauka, Lusotanna, Sab'yn, or Safot Softim biQarthadast

Getai are pretty well-rounded but they don't have any super-elite units that'll let you crush everybody, and their better units you'll need to pay accordingly for... and while it seems a little annoying that the general is a cavalry-archer, thats just part of the greatness of the Getai army...
while Arvenai, Aedui, Casse, and Sweboz lack a lot of great cavalry... Getai has skirmisher cavalry, charging cavalry, and horse-archers
those same barbarian factions have good shock infantry... but the Getai have the Drapnai (sp?) which if properly used will break most folks
Hellenics have hoplites and phalanxes...but the Getai have light and heavy phalangites as well
Romans have flexible troops...but the Thraikioi Peltasti can go toe-to-toe (until after Marian, then you better be ready)

a seasoned Getai army is awesome, and you can have so much variety...
personally I use mostly Draparai (sp?), Thraikioi peltasti, and horse-archers
shock infantry and phalanxes on the flanks to enclose and break the enemy, heavy peltasti to hold the line and give them hell, and cavalry archers to go around back and nail them with arrows...

Lusotanna are similar in their balanced armies and decent basic units, only thing being that they don't field the cavalry-archer types... not that their excellent charging cavalry doesn't make up for it.


but I say just try them all a lil and see which you like best

[innocex]

great set up pius, one of the best i have ever seen

[Sygrod]

My 2c worth:

My armies concentrate on cheap missile troops.
Eastern slingers give a good account of themselves at a distance. I try to have at least half the army comprised of the slingers, then 1-3 phalanxes, a couple of more mobile infantry and a couple of cavalry units, plus whatever else is available.

Slingers are the main effort. The pound the enemy missile troops first, then heavy infantry or advancing skirmishers. 4-5 slinger units will ruin an advancing skirmisher unit before it gets within range to throw javelins. Phalanxes will only be pelted if they are not in formation.

If the enemy manages to get a unit within striking range, I make sure they get stuck on a phalanx unit. It changes their mind a bit. If they persist, I send a slinger unit around and hit them from the side. Mobile infantry will do the same job. Once a unit breaks, I send a cavalry unit after it, while re-directing my slingers to more stubborn targets.

When an enemy army lays siege on a town, I line up the slingers so that they can have a go at the enemy utits while they regroup. Usually, the cavalry is sent out to try to destroy enemy missile units as they are running to a new location. When the enemy army is out of range, I regroup the army outside and apply the same tactics as mentioned above.

[NeoSpartan]

The following illustration explains my default Aedui tactics:

Put Gaestae in the front, and some Carnute Singetos in the middle doing their "chanting", a couple of Neitos in the back just in case.....
And you have yourself an INSTANT rout on the enemies side.