Tactics: How can I use my Commanders and my Pretender efficiently in Battle?

[onomastikon]

Hello, still new here, and have these basic questions which lead up to the general plea for help in tactical positioning:

1. I notice my casting commanders (incl pretender) keep casting the same old spell each round, e.g. endless Strength of Gaias, Sermons, Legions of Steel, Blessings, etc -- but those effects are not cumulative (right?), so it just seems a waste. But I dont see a setting for "cast some spells and then go attack" or "cast only a few good spells, but not the same ones over and over" -- any tips?
I dont think I understand the spellcasting thing well yet.

2. Also I notice my Commanders, e.g. my Pretender (an Earth Mother with ok equipment) will under default cast crappy spells until she is blue in the face but wont trample anyone -- unless I set "attack", which I have tried a few times with success. But then she wont cast *any* spells. Any tips here?

3. Even when I really try to do a nice battlefield setup (troop positioning on those little green fields), general mayhem happens (horsement dont flank until it's too late, etc). Any tips here?

ok much obliged.

[Wauthan]

1. By choosing "Cast specific spell" you can command your leader to use your selection of spells. Only for a max of the first five rounds though. However if the spell doesn't have a valid target, like say a fireball with no enemy in range, the computer will try to use a spell it feels appropriate. Range can be solved by making the commander "attack one turn" once or twice before casting spells.

2. I'm sure you noticed that the scripts are split between round specific and general. Order your pretender god to cast for two rounds or choose the specific spells to cast and then command it to attack closest. She will powerup and then stomp the enemies.

3. No overall tip here but I usually use a "pointman" squad that stands on the top corner frontline on hold and attack. The cavalery is then placed on the downwards flank a bit back from the front on attack archers. With a bit of luck the enemy will move towards the top and the cavalery can gallop past without getting into range of the enemy infantery.

[ January 08, 2004, 11:06: Message edited by: Wauthan ]

[aldin]

Tactical positioning can be very nation-specific and depends a lot on what you plan to face and which spells you want to cast. Here's a few things that weren't obvious to me when I started:

1) Heavy Infantry benefits quite a bit from the Hold/Attack order because HI doesn't take much damage from low-level spells and arrows and can save fatigue by not immediately charging to engage.

2) Check the range of the spells you want to cast. Spellcasters often need to be closer to the front lines than you might otherwise think so that their spells are useful.

3) Try to offset your archers from your infantry. The more angular seperatio you have the less attrition through friendly fire you will suffer.

4) When scripting spells check the gem cost. It's never fun to realize that the reason your caster chose a different spell was because they didn't have the gems to cast the one you wanted.

Well, that's a scattering of ideas anyway...

~Aldin

[Gandalf Parker]

Originally posted by aldin:
4) When scripting spells check the gem cost. It's never fun to realize that the reason your caster chose a different spell was because they didn't have the gems to cast the one you wanted.

Heehee. Its embarrasing to think that you gave instructions and not the means to carry it out. What does the mage think of his god now?
"I AM YOUR GOD! You better WIPE that smirk off your face!"

[mivayan]

1) Heavy Infantry benefits quite a bit from the Hold/Attack order because HI doesn't take much damage from low-level spells and arrows and can save fatigue by not immediately charging to engage.

I dont think I have ever gotten a unit tired by running.. you sure about this?