[VedalkenBear]

Endo: The fact that the Atavi are stealthy is largely a moot point, to me. Of course, I'm always open to a strategy that would use that fact.

Generally, however, the Bandar have quite a few things going for them as opposed to the Atavi. One, the gold cost difference is very small (20 vs. 18) if you look at the relative number of attacks. Two, they have a buckler, and while bucklers aren't the best shield in the world, they are at least a shield. Three, they have a 12 base morale as opposed to the Atavi's 10 (IIRC). Coupled with their higher hp and better prot (meagerly better, but better), this should help on the 'wound' morale checks, especially from a counter-battery fire type of engagement.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you use mercenaries (and I nearly always do, in SP), then more bandars = less atavi = more of overall force being mercenaries with generally better morale, per figure.

Mr. Dark: I would _not_ use 'Fire Nearest' with the Light Bandar. Just don't give them orders at all. Another plus to having 'missile infantry' (like javelinmen) is that you can put them in huge blocks and the ones behind will throw missiles while the ones in front will melee. This is of limited benefit with javelins with their 2 ammo, but Sticks/Stones' 30 ammo makes it quite a bit better.

And finally, I'll note that I suggested using this strategy with Rishis doing Enslave Mind. Unit-stealing effects generally delay the opposing army since they have to kill their old comrades and so this 'spreads out' the advance giving the Light Bandar more time to 'clean up' with their missiles.

Edit: Took a look at Kailasa in particular. Something to note is that your Yaksha can innately throw Strength of Giants (which as stated above helps range and damage). Also, Yakshini are innate clam factories. As such, you could take a Mother of Rivers pretender to get the water gems to start clamming _very_ early. This gives you the fuel to run just about everything, but especially lots of Gandharvas. Also, apparently the Atavi archer morale is _8_, not 10 as I thought.