Voulgiers, Guard Mode and Spearwall - how to use it?

[moonshiner57]

Ah, such wisdom from such distinguished Messieurs! Merci to all - I have learned much... mostly, that there are other gentlemen who value a dashing look over brutish efficiency!

Seriously - I let my men Guard + Spearwall on the charge and then turned Guard off... it worked wonders. While the fish-reeking Portugese were struggling with the way my men suddenly divulged their skill with the voulge, my cavalry had annihilated theirs, trounced their archers, captured their artillery and finally charged the enemy line from behind. It seems Voulgiers can do just what I want them to - stand there and take it while buying time for the cavalry.

So they will from now on form the main battle line and replace the Armored Sergeants, two of which I will keep for now to deal with flanking enemy cavalry. The various Dismounted Knights are not available in numbers yet and they are a tad too expensive to be line infantry - maybe they will see more use later.

And on the most important matter of style: I like Les Voulgiers a lot more than the fancy Pikemen, they look a lot more businesslike. Plus, they are oh so unique, and when you're French that's all that counts! Every Hans, Fritz and Otto can carry a pike or a halberd - but sporting a voulge on the battlefield will ensure much swooning of the Fräuleins afterwards!

"Grete - have you seen the new voulges from Paris?! They're everywhere this season... oh how I wish Hans had one too... and knew how to use it!"

So - marchez onward, les voulgiers! Pour l'escargots!