using melee mode for missiles...

[Ravencroft]

ok thnx for the info

[Heidrek]

Question about Mounted Missile units (or hybrid attacker/arcker units): If you get a decent hybrid unit (Steppe Heavy Cavalry, Faris, Longbows, Bonnachts or one of the other Archer/Attacher units) around behind or onto a flank of an enemy unit, do you use their ranged attack or charge into melee?

I almost always change to the Melee attack, especially with units that have a good charge. I find that the effect of charging a unit into the flank, or even better rear, yield metter results that having them sit their firing arrows. Possible exception is javelin units, because they can do prety sickening damage with these missiles quickly anyway.

How about you guys? Shoot or slash?

[seireikhaan]

Shoot then slash. Get a couple volleys off, kill a couple guys, then charge in. Loosing soldiers to arrow fire helps put a bit of a dent into enemy soldier's morale, thus helping to make them route faster. And, of course, once they route, its game over for them, especially if you're using Steppe heavies.

[Roark]

Ditto. Your hybrid unit can benefit from the morale-dampening effects of its own missile fire if you lob some arrows into the enemy unit and then charge in quick succession, as the morale penalty for being under fire seems to last for a few seconds.

For naturally low-morale enemy units, though, I would probably just charge in straight away, as they will break anyway.

[caravel]

This is the real secret behind hybrid use. You must, at some point, commit them to melee. The trick is choosing the right moment to minimize their losses amd maximize the effect on the enemy. As the others have said, first getting off some volleys and then charging is the best option.

[Ironsword]

I don't believe in using the unlimited ammo option, but I think longbowmen run out of arrows really quickly, too quickly perhaps, but whilst not great in melee they have been instrumental in a few close victories with flank charges.

Speaking of which, anyone ever won a battle with all missile troops vs. a mixed type army of equal size and valour?

[Aldgilles]

Speaking of which, anyone ever won a battle with all missile troops vs. a mixed type army of equal size and valour?

Not really, because Ï've always a backup of spears/halberds/swords standing behind them, but my unit of 4 alerbasters + 2 crossbows under a 7-star general with extra defensive capabilities really made mincemeat form a Mongol attack!