[PvK]

Originally posted by Chris Byler:
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Some people on this thread seem to be claiming that it shouldn't take any more money to maintain a company of fifty men with Full Plate of Ulm, a full helmet, tower shield and warhammer (say) than spears, leather hauberks, javelins and maybe hard leather caps. I don't see how you can support this view - if nothing else, war gear wears out or breaks and has to be replaced. That costs something.
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Because a turn is a month, not a decade or even a year. A metal weapon or suit of armor does not wear out at all on a monthly scale. It does wear out in battle, but then, battles also usually produce lots of weapons and armor as loot (something else that would be fun to model beyond the current magic item scrounging).

I still think that all you really need to address the light infantry weakness is to make them require fewer resources (and probably less gold to raise). The idea of allowing disbandment would also help.

Other things that would help, without adding nonsensical mechanics, would be tactical AI tweaks such as adding a "skirmish" tactic which would have the unit engage from range but not in unfavorable melee - this would allow light troops, as well as light cavalry, to use their speed and range to stay away from mobs of slower heavy infantry, and perhaps attack less armored enemies such as rear troops.

PvK