[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by licker:
So what is a game starting sequence for you then?

Assuming a PoD pretender, indeps 7.

Turn 1:
* recruit Empoisoner.
* troops: LI. In the next few turns I will also recruit 12-15 Swamp Guards, rest LI, until I have ~75 LI. Swamp Guards casualties will always be replaced though, so I have always at least a dozen.
* research: Conjuration 3. [Edit: sorry, that's Enchantment 4]

Turn 2:
* Empoisoner -> prophet.
* recruit Lizard King.
* more LI (or Swamp Guards instead of LI if gold is short and resources abundant - likely as the LK is costly).

Turn 3:
* Prophet will start running circles around my dominion limits to spread my influence. May stop to preach a bit in a juicy province I plan to attack soon (to get increased income when I conquer it).
* LK preachs, unless there's a province I think I can grab without too much losses, in which case I'll attack this turn with the PoD and the LK. The PoD longdeads will stand in the centre with hold/attack closest orders. Since morale isn't an issue for them, I'll spread them into as many squads as I can to avoid unecessary losses from enemy archers. Some of them, a bit offside, may be ordered to attack rear instead of hold. LI on the extreme flank, a few steps behind the skels, with orders to fire at closest. If the PoD can raise extra skels, he'll do so on the other flank. Otherwise he'll stand behind troops (using his fear aura), or holdx5 if there are enemy archers.
* troops: more LI
* leader: probably can't afford one

Turn 4:
* If I didn't attack in the previous turn I'll do now (should have at least 50 LI now). If I did and think I can do it again, then the better. If I suffered severe losses (likely) I'll search there for a turn instead and get reinforcements.
* At this time I usually start producing Swamp Guards. When I have 12-15, I'll recruit a second commander and 1 serpent to lead them (the first commander will be busy ferrying fresh troops to my main army). The SG will replace the longdeads in the centre. When I have at least 24, they'll use 'attack closest' orders instead of 'hold/attack'. Meanwhile the PoD can start searching for sites.
* leader: Shaman

Turn 5+:
* As long as I'm confident enough to invade a new province, I do. Otherwise I search for a turn while reinforcements arrive. I try to pick the richest provinces first, or the ones next to my capital.
* In this first army, the LK will lead all the LI (as many as he can), the commander will lead the SG (as many as he can, +1-3 lizards).

Later:
* If I'm lucky enough to recruit a death 3 Marshmaster (else the PoD will do), I'll use him to summon Behemoths, and send another MM and as many Shamen as needed to lead/etherealize them.

[ November 07, 2003, 22:06: Message edited by: Nagot Gick Fel ]