a quick guide to using cavalry..

[Ibrahim]

(this is not meant to be definitive or all knowing. its a basic guide afterall)

ok, first off, I have seen quite a few posts around here that complain that cavalry is too weak in EB. they argue that every time they charge, they get they're men butchered. having used AS and romani cavalry in EB, of every type and denomination, I can prove otherwise.

I will start simple, a one on one guide to a basic charge. then I will add more info and types of carges in EB, and the application of cavalry. Now, let the slaughter begin!

lesson 1: the charge:

many of you probably want to know what it really is (yeah I know you know). What I mean by that is: what qualifies as a charge? a charge has several important components or steps for it to work. they are:

1-type of cavalry: that determines if you can charge in the first place.
2-formation: if your cavalry can mount an effective charge, what do you want to do with them? want to use them as a hammer, a pile driver, or a enveloper/flanker?
3-speed and distance: simple. too close= no charge. too far= tired cavalry. either way you are
4-horns and gallop: the timnig if correct, will cause you to hear a horn go off, and lances couched.
5-follow through: that matters the most (believe it or not). (ya I know its obvious).

for perposes of demonstration (and to make a point) this will be a head on charge on hoplitai.

part one: the type and formation are merged:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

as you see, I'm using AS atandard issue-the hetairoi. they can be put into two formations. this one on top is the hammer/piledriver approach, great for shattering a front line. chargin vcavalry are normally medium to cataphract grade cav. typified by use of the xyston, the longche, or the dreaded Kontos. they also ted to be well armored (30 and up, though not always).

type two: a basic line. note that that is all purpose in form, and that the general is in the rear.

part two: speed and distance:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

when you order an attack, do so starting with a simple trot. use gallup from moment one only if absolutely necessary. the last thing you want are tire horsemen and horses.

order acceleration when about 150-200 m from the enemy. that way, you can have the charge happen more readily. it also keeps the men fresh as possible.

part 3: charge!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

if all goes right, then 4-10 (50-80m) secs before impact the charge order will be sounded. note the couched lances (the horn blew 2 secs earlier).

now all this is good and dandy, but remember: these units are meant to be used on masse. if you use 1 hetairoi/ strategos, you wont be able to hit the enemy as hard, and you will possibly be screwed.

part 4: now for the impact and follow through. if you have a weak stomach, do not look. content is very graphic. I f you think charges are too weak in EB, think again.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

this is the hoplitai unit before th chare. note that there are 83 men in that group, and they are fresh and eager.

this is 2-10 secs after impact of the lead element of cavalry. note the losses on the enemy's side, as opposed to mine. I pulled my cav. out as the pic was taken.



these are the bodies of the dead. note that engagement time was about 10 secs long, enough for the full force of impact to dissipitate.


not how this man's horse is in the pic, though not near him. this gives you an idea of the impact. also says that RTW-BI is bugged..

the followup: regroup 1-200 trds from the enemy, then do it all over again minus the trotting


enemy before 2nd charge.


again, note losses on both sides. again the fight was short and sharp.

by now the enemy is reeling, and falling back. but he's still eager to fight. repeat the previous steps again and this will happen:




and of course, this:

this can also shatter spartans in shield wall mind you. now EB cav is indeed not the all killing weapon in RTW vanilla, but I hope this has shown that they are far from wussies. note that both mine and enemy units are 0 exp, 0 armor up and shield too. my men out number there's, since one must use cavalry on masse. lastly realize that this is not meant for a head on attack. its meant for the flank or rear of the enemy
this concludes my lecture on the basic charge