VI Irish
Contents
Introduction
The Irish are one of the most interesting factions in Viking Invasion. Their unit choices require a completely different way of playing than the others, but used properly these units are very effective against all other factions. Their starting position on Ireland gives them the chance to turtle somewhat in the early game, but makes it harder to support an invasion of the main island.
Starting Provinces and Units
| Provinces | Units |
| Laigin | Royal Bodyguards (faction leader), 1x Kerns, 1x Irish Dartmen |
| Brega | 2x Kerns, 1x Irish Dartmen |
Faction Specific Units
Tactics
The usual Irish campaign consists of conquering Ireland first, then setting up a foothold somewhere on the main island. The provinces on Ireland are decent for farming. Ulster (once the Scots are kicked off the island), has both Iron and Gold, while Munster has Iron and Silver. Peace with the Vikings should be a priority, else a large navy will be necessary to keep armies supplied across the Irish sea. Once the Irish provinces are fairly safe from the Viking raiders, teching up provinces and units is fairly easy. If too much time is spent turtling however, chances are either the Mercians or Saxons will become powerhouses. Sitting idle will also not do much for the Irish king's influence and general loyalty.
The Irish have many units with armour piercing abilities, which means they will have an easier time going up against the Huscarle factions. Kerns use armour piercing javelins, and can be devastating when sent around to the side or back of a pinned armoured unit. Their melee ability is not the best, but it's not too bad, so once they expend their ammo, they can charge into the back of the depleted unit to cause a rout. Gallowglasses use armour piercing two-handed swords, and make great flanking units. Bonnachts have an armour piercing heavy spear, which can be thrown before charging (and their melee stats are pretty good as well). These units can be supplemented by Spearmen and Armoured Spearmen for pinning, and various cavalry units. The one thing they lack is a long range missile weapon, as they cannot recruit archers. Irish Dartmen are available, but their range is shorter and they are not as accurate.
References
Irish Faction Guide at the .Org.
| Medieval: Total War | Viking Invasion : Factions | |
| Irish | Mercians | Northumbrians | Picts | Saxons | Scots | Vikings | Welsh | |
TBD - what else needs to go here? basic faction guide, colors, pretty it up some with the flag. Need a better way to show faction specific units. Any faction discounts?
