Favorite Faction To Play And Why?

[Tollheit]

My vote goes to Greek cities, with Parthia being a close second. I guess I am attracted to specialized factions.
[QUOTE=Emperor Mithdrates;1970704]

asia minor and take back alexanders lands and can expand into thrace and into barbarian lands.QUOTE]

You have to be careful with hoplites and invading asia minor.Selucia and the Great PONTUS! have pikemen that can easily beat hoplites. I was pontus, (and i'm sure i've mentioned this in another thread) but i had 4 pikemen and 2 chariots against 8 armoured hoplites, two calvary units and 6 petlasts. Using the square formation i won the battle only losing 12 men out of 260, while they lost 544 men out of 1100. (about)

Maybe that is due to your tactical skill? In the hands of the AI, those bronze shield and silver shield pikemen are no match for my armored hoplites.

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

Maybe that is due to your tactical skill? In the hands of the AI, those bronze shield and silver shield pikemen are no match for my armored hoplites.

I must admit that that is not the case for me either. My usual phalanx tactics involve a simple and well ordered straight line which simply marches forward rather than being directly ordered into attack. They then hold the position, while other units move to attack in their vulnerable areas.

One thing I've always observed is that the armoured hoplites always work against phalanxes with equal spear length, but when it comes to those with the longer length, they barley managed to cause even the slightest level of damage due to them failing to push through the sea of longer pikes. Even levy pikes occasionally cause a problem against their hoplite counterparts. Although they can be, as said, used as a force the pin the enemy in position while cavalry or a similar unit flanks, alone the longer spears almost always win.

[Emperor Mithdrates]

I must admit that that is not the case for me either. My phalanx tactics involve a simple and well ordered straight line which simply marches forward rather than being directly ordered into attack. They then hold the position, while other units move to attack in their vulnerable areas.

One thing I've always observed is that the armoured hoplites always work against phalanxes with equal spear length, but when it comes to those with the longer length, they barley managed to cause even the slightest level of damage due to them failing to push through the sea of longer pikes. Even levy pikes occasionally cause a problem against their hoplite counterparts. Although they can be, as said, used as a force the pin the enemy in position while cavalry or a similar unit flanks, alone the longer spears almost always win.

excuse me for being dim but are you agreeing with me or the other guy?

[Tollheit]

My phalanx tactics involve a simple and well ordered straight line which simply marches forward rather than being directly ordered into attack. They then hold the position, while other units move to attack in their vulnerable areas.

Against pikemen, I order my hoplites to attack. If you do not, you allow the pikemen to fight on their terms, and your hoplites will get slaughtered.

[Zasz1234]

My vote went to Pontus. I love these guys. They get a great selection of units and a great starting location. It is always great to get some rebels, fight the mighty Seleucids and then face down the demon army that is Egypt. It is always a knock-down drag-out fight, then you get the fun invasions of Rome and Greece!

[Emperor Mithdrates]

Against pikemen, I order my hoplites to attack. If you do not, you allow the pikemen to fight on their terms, and your hoplites will get slaughtered.

When i used that square formation i mentioned b4, i held position with my pikemen, the hoplites attacked and they got slaughtered. face it. unless the hoplites are using swords, which they "whoop" pikemen with they get destroyed against them.

[Emperor Mithdrates]

Tollheit, have you actually voted on the poll yet. If you did greece would be joint first?

[Quirinus]

When i used that square formation i mentioned b4, i held position with my pikemen, the hoplites attacked and they got slaughtered. face it. unless the hoplites are using swords, which they "whoop" pikemen with they get destroyed against them.

Yes, but the AI isn't usually clever enough to maintain a cohesive front, which, I find, is an especially deadly thing for a sarrisae phalanx army. When fighting against Macedonia or the Seleucids as the Greeks, cavalry is important-- usually I have one or two generals, plus another one or two militia cavalry (Greek cavalry when my infrastructure permits it, or mercs where avaliable). A charge to the rear of an engaged phalanx produces spectacular results.

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

excuse me for being dim but are you agreeing with me or the other guy?

I'm disagreeing with Tollheit - there's no need to a request permission to be excused when presenting queries BTW.

Against pikemen, I order my hoplites to attack. If you do not, you allow the pikemen to fight on their terms, and your hoplites will get slaughtered.

I mistyped that, sorry. Against phalanx units, I do indeed order an attack against the foes, although I do wait till I'm pretty much right next to them and facing them directly before I order the assault. This prevents the lines bending and becoming disordered. Sorry for any confusion

Might I ask what battle difficulty level do you play on Tollheit? Easy results in something close to +4 attack to the player on the battlemap which provides a significant advantage to the human over the computer. This could explain the ease you are having in obliterating long piked phalanxes with heavy hoplite units alone.

[Tollheit]

OK, I did some testing battles, medium difficulty, plain level battle field, 1 armoured hoplite unit (me) against one bronze shield unit (AI), no experience, no upgrades.
3 matches for 3 different attack modes each:

Hoplites not ordered to attack:
-defeat, 161 kills by hoplites, 149 kills by BS
-defeat, 176 kills by hoplites, 139 kills by BS
-defeat, 147 kills by hoplites, 147 kills by BS

Hoplites ordered to attack in guard mode:
-defeat, 160 kills by hoplites, 155 kills by BS
-defeat, 211 kills by hoplites, 157 kills by BS
-defeat, 177 kills by hoplites, 148 kills by BS

Hoplites ordered to attack with guard mode off:
victory, 219 kills by hoplites, 101 kills by BS
victory, 215 kills by hoplites, 82 kills by BS
victory, 222 kills by hoplites, 95 kills by BS

Ordinary phalanx pikemen or levy pikemen were crushed by armored hoplites, no matter which method I chose.

Might I ask what battle difficulty level do you play on Tollheit? Easy results in something close to +4 attack to the player on the battlemap which provides a significant advantage to the human over the computer. This could explain the ease you are having in obliterating long piked phalanxes with heavy hoplite units alone.

My campaigns are on very hard/ normal. I was under the impression that there are no advantages/disadvantages in normal battle mode?

Do note, however, that there is no such thing as an armoured hoplite with no experience in my campaign, as they are invariably recruited in settlements with temples to Nike.

[Tollheit]

Tollheit, have you actually voted on the poll yet.

I'm not allowed to vote on polls, but my vote would go to Greek cities (or Parthia on my equestrian days) if I were.

[Darkvicer98]

My vote goes to The Greeks. Thrace i would choose next.

I love both Hellanic and Barbarian Factions.

[Emperor Mithdrates]

[QUOTE=Tollheit;1970856]OK, I did some testing battles, medium difficulty, plain level battle field, 1 armoured hoplite unit (me) against one bronze shield unit (AI), no experience, no upgrades.
3 matches for 3 different attack modes each:

Hoplites not ordered to attack:
-defeat, 161 kills by hoplites, 149 kills by BS
-defeat, 176 kills by hoplites, 139 kills by BS
-defeat, 147 kills by hoplites, 147 kills by BS

Hoplites ordered to attack in guard mode:
-defeat, 160 kills by hoplites, 155 kills by BS
-defeat, 211 kills by hoplites, 157 kills by BS
-defeat, 177 kills by hoplites, 148 kills by BS

Hoplites ordered to attack with guard mode off:
victory, 219 kills by hoplites, 101 kills by BS
victory, 215 kills by hoplites, 82 kills by BS
victory, 222 kills by hoplites, 95 kills by BS

Ordinary phalanx pikemen or levy pikemen were crushed by armored hoplites, no matter which method I chose.[QUOTE]

I guess its just down to the player, what tactics and strategies they use and so forth.

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

I see the problem Tollheit - guard mode - I always switch it on to prevent units from chasing routers and disrupting the lines. That could be the issue.

Thanks BTW

[Shieldmaiden]

My vote goes to Greek cities, with Parthia being a close second. I guess I am attracted to specialized factions.

Seconded, though the Selucids are very interesting

Nothing like crushing the Brutii with an archaic Phalanx battle line or using the East as your personal pin-cushion as Parthia

[Spartan198]

Armenia ~ quality heavy infantry with Parthian style cavalry.

But a question: Why are the Greeks, Macedonians, and Thracians listed as "eastern" factions?

[Quirinus]

I think by 'East' he probably meant the geographic direction rather than the culture.

[Emperor Mithdrates]

Armenia ~ quality heavy infantry with Parthian style cavalry.

But a question: Why are the Greeks, Macedonians, and Thracians listed as "eastern" factions?

Because they're at the east of the map.

I havent been on this thing in ages but i was that greek dude who would talk to you about names in films like Troy and stuff. you would tell me good names for my character and stuff. I think my name was overlord of achaea or something.

[Emperor Mithdrates]

I think by 'East' he probably meant the geographic direction rather than the culture.

right!

[Emperor Mithdrates]

My Favourite Eastern faction Poll has proved quite popular so i've decided to do a barbarian version.
Dont forget to add a reply about your picked faction including, tactics you use, favourite units, and who you conquer first for instance.

I like spain, and normally conquer the spanish peninsular befor moving across the sea to Palma, sardinia and sicily.
My favourite unit is the surprisingly sophisticated and carthaginia-like Bull Warriors. Them or their personel version of the spanish mercenaries whose name i've forgotten.

I always have lines of archers behind lines of guard-mode bull warriors, and some iberian infantry as "cannon fodder" to throw at the enemy and break morale. When their gone, then my bull warriors advance.

[Quintus.JC]

Without the slightest of doubts I'd have to vote for the Germans, their unit selection is just way too good. Their starting position isn't much to be desired, but after some intial development their army will be feared... even by post-Marian legions.

Basic German units
Spearmen Warband: Backbone of the army, able to perform both denfensive and attacking duties, can hold a solid line against most other units, helped by their ability to deploy the Phalanx formation.
Axemen: Good shock-infantry, not the best the Germans could offer but they're more than capable of making their marks in battles. Have AP ability, Axes can be devastating weapons in battle, especially against heavily armoured troops (such as Roman Legionaries), but they also restrict maneuverability and slow troops down.
Chosen Axemen: Elite warriors of their tribes. Chosen Axemen are powerful warriors that wield two-handed axes in battle, their massive battle axes will cut through almost anything in their path. These troops should be used for flanking duties, they're however extremly vulnerable to missiles since they don't wear any armour or carry a shield.
Night raider: Lightly armoured troops which uses an axe and a shield, these troops cover themselves with black dye that has as much effect on their enemies. Very stealthy, these troops should be used into great effect.
Berserkers:Everything that frightens you about the Germans rolled into one. Huge, angry warriors wielding large axes. These warriors are capable of chopping a man into bloody pieces without much effert, and should be treated with the outmost respect on the battlefield.
Chosen Archers:Good missile unit capable of rainning death on their enemies. There also very capable of a good melee and could be used as light enemy in a pinch.
Barbarian noble cavalry: Standard cavalry unit that should be used for flanking duties.
Gothic Cavalry:These are the most dangerous of the barbarian cavalry units, armed with a spear and a shield. These warriors should be used for giving the decisive blow in battle.

Other units:
Peasents.
Screeching Women
Naked Fanatics
Skirmishers
Barbarian cavalry
Wardogs

[Spartan198]

I don't typically play as barbarian factions, but the Scythians would be my pick. They have excellent cavalry, plus infantry axemen that can cut their way through just about anything.

Edit: Oh, and also warrior women. Can't go wrong there, can we?

[Darkvicer98]

Germania i chose, Briton would be second. Briton have good chariots and an empire can easily be made. Also the title of this thread is Favourite Barbarian Faction and Thrace does have Barbarian troops.

[Dafuge]

I like Briton. It so easy to expand considering your the only Western faction using chariots, you can shread literally thousands of Gauls with one considering they only use Warbands/skirmishers/Barb cav.

Usually I have like a couple of units of mixed chariots with Woads and head hunter as backups.

[Quirinus]

Don't really like barbarian factions, but if I had to choose, Scythia would be my pick. Horse archers are just full of win, especially the female ones (forgot what they're called). <3 Plus their basic infantry is axemen, which is way cooler than spear warband/swordsmen IMO.

[Emperor Mithdrates]

Germania i chose, Dacia would be second. Dacia have a small empire at the start so it's good to create a big one from scratch. Also the title of this thread is Favourite Barbarian Faction and Thrace does have Barbarian troops.

Yes my intelectual friend, but thraces citys are the same as greeces, and macedons, pluss they have many greek and macedonian units so i (and many others i know) class them as a helenic faction.

[senpuu]

Why can't I vote? :D If I could, I'd voted for Germania :)

[Darkvicer98]

Why can't I vote? :D If I could, I'd voted for Germania :)

Only members can vote on polls, unfortunately.

[Shieldmaiden]

Germania i chose, Briton would be second. Briton have good chariots and an empire can easily be made. Also the title of this thread is Favourite Barbarian Faction and Thrace does have Barbarian troops.

Yes, I'd go for the Germans and Britons too... both very interesting Unit rosters to play with.

Quirinus: your thinking of the Scythian Noblewomen or Head Hunting Maidens?

[Caius]

Brittania, Spain, and Germania.