How do I Beat Back Rush Tactics? - Page 2

thejeff · #1 February 27th, 2008, 11:59 AM

Arco is something of an odd case, though.

Elephants are a rush strategy and can probably counter most bless rushes on their own.

More vulnerable than an elephant rush backed up by a PoD? Sure. More vulnerable than, for example, MA Ulm with a PoD? Probably not.

It's actually one of the things I like about LA Arco. An early rush strategy that's actually helped by good scales for the late game.

Baalz · #2 February 27th, 2008, 12:06 PM

Yes, you can also pull off similar things (to a somewhat lesser degree) with a couple other nations. Pangea is another one I'll sometimes play with extreme scales (though I generally prefer to use my pretender for some magic diversity there) and there are some others I'd consider it for. Like I said, its all about having he right units to back up your strategy, just like trying to lay down an uber bless.

Velusion · #3 February 27th, 2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Baalz said:
Again, not saying this is clearly superior, just that it's a viable choice in some circumstances.

I agree with all your observations really. I do think it can be viable with the right nation.

But the main question for the post was "how do I avoid\beat an early rush." Like you said - the benefits might outway the risk - but if the issue is how to avoid/beat the risk most effectively then an awake combat pretender or counter bless is the best bet.

It's all just risk assessment and desired playstyle IMHO. I've never wanted to feel or look weak early in the game so I've always put having a strong early game high on my priorities. As a result (IMHO) I've never been rushed early and I often make it into the late game. Of course... for all my 2nd and 3rd place medals I've never actually won a large game... so take what you will from my view

thejeff · #4 February 27th, 2008, 05:12 PM

Even without a counter bless of your own, some nations can counter bless rushers with other "troops", elephants being the obvious example.

Sauromatia's hydras and poison archers where brutal to Vanheim glamor sacreds in one game I played. Maybe massed skinshifter or trampling Minotaurs? At least against some sacred types.

Especially if you're only trying to delay long enough for a sleeping SC to wake up and get equipped.

llamabeast · #5 February 27th, 2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

And, being he game host, perhaps players do not want to rush you right away? Just a thought, since I have not played in any of your games.

It had occurred to me, though I certainly hope it's not true. The server's automated guys, feel free to take me down!

Zeldor · #6 February 27th, 2008, 07:07 PM

Nah, simply everyone loves you and it is rare to play with you, so why would they want to kill you fast? Anyone harming llamabeast early would surely be ganged on fast

Aezeal · #7 February 28th, 2008, 12:51 AM

I think that llama does have some extra protection being the host.. I'm pretty sure it made me want to be your friend

of course you keep being a #(*)$&*&#*) so it never works out

AlgaeNymph · #8 February 28th, 2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

thejeff said:
[T]rampling Minotaurs[.]

The one of the things I'm having problems with. Any suggestions on holding back the running of the bulls?

Baalz · #9 February 28th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

DryaUnda said:

Quote:

thejeff said:
[T]rampling Minotaurs[.]

The one of the things I'm having problems with. Any suggestions on holding back the running of the bulls?

Gah, I should almost certainly refrain from answering that at the moment, but I'd suggest looking through the fairly comprehensive list of suggestions for dealing with elephants and see if any of them seem likely to translate well to minotaurs. A lot of them won't, but some should.

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...&Number=540554

Gah, I can't catch it, it's slipping out....

I'd set everybody towards the back of the battlefield and have your Augurs use body ethereal, body ethereal, then start with the evocation spells. This should hopefully buy you the time you need to bring down the minotaurs.

Shadow blasts should work reasonably well.

Flaming arrows will effect all those javelins.

theenemy · #10 February 28th, 2008, 01:37 PM

One tactic I like to use against rushers is the scout spam(maybe someone here has mentioned it already, I haven't read all posts). Like Baalz mentioned, rushers tend to be aggressive so they PROBABLY invest most of their resources into steamrolling you. They mostly don't care about PD.
So what I like to do is to build a lot of scouts and them into the rushers territory. Remember: An undefended province can be taken over even by a scout.
Then I buy some PD in the newly conquered provinces and laugh an evil laugh.
Hopefully this will get the rushers attention and make him turn back his armies to reconquer his provinces...unless of course he thinks that he can steamroll you anyway.
This is not some kind of perfect plan, but it has worked for me a couple of times.