Now what

[ManInGray]

I finished my first game with marginon. Who should i try my next game wtih now that i got the hang of things?

[NTJedi]

If you're looking for a real tough challenge play a game against Ermor... he is the toughest AI opponent.


**
Also I recommend playing a very large map... where you'll control thousands of units instead of just hundreds. And you're more likely to see more of the rare monsters and some of the more powerful spells.

[ February 16, 2004, 20:11: Message edited by: NTJedi ]

[Gandalf Parker]

Higher independent settings make a big difference

[ February 16, 2004, 20:13: Message edited by: Gandalf Parker ]

[Tricon]

IMO?

A large map with 5-7 AI oponents. Independant=9.
Stay with maringnon if you want to hone your skill with them or go with your curiosity.
I would refrain from using an Ermor AI just jet. Face up against them in another game or two, preferably alone or with just one or two other AI oponents.

[ManInGray]

What nation has the best cavarly?

[Norfleet]

Originally posted by ManInGray:
What nation has the best cavarly?

How do you define "best"? Most effective in single combat vs. other cavalry? Most effective when combined with certain other units or spells? Most cost-effective?

[ManInGray]

I referring to what cavarly is the best in single combat vs. other cavarly.

[Aikamun]

When I need cavalry for the Deep Strike role, I look for units with a speed of twenty or greater and excellent armor protection. This list does not have cavalry costing more than seventy-five gold, as I have never purchased any that costly. These are the best cavalry in the game for my needs.

T'ien C'hi was designed as a cavalry nation so has the best selection with the Heavy Horsemen, Imperial Horsemen, and Red Guard. All have shields and lances. The Heavy has a composite bow, while the Imperial Horsemen and Red Guard have hooves. Barbarian Kings theme has the Barbarian Horseman with buckler, composite bow and lance.

Pangaea has the Centaur Warrior and Cataphract. Both have shields and recuperation. The Warrior also has javelins, berserk, and stealth.

Marignon Royal Guard. Shield.

Man (and Last of the Tuatha) has the Knight with Lance, Hoof, and shield.

Vanheim has the sacred Van with glamour, hoof, javelin, and shield.

Flying units can also be used as cavalry. Good deep strike flyers include:
Vanheim's sacred Valkyrie with shield, stealth, and glamour and
Caelum's Storm Guard and Iceclad
Flyers attack differently than regular cavalry (more dispersed due to surrounding units and more vulnerable to friendly fire) and will require additional considerations for tactics.

All these units also have a basic melee weapon which I did not list.

Speed is vital for:
a) Getting to archers and casters as quickly as possible to prevent them from doing what they do best.
b) Cutting off routing units so you do not fight the same units repeatedly.
c) Minimize the time you are exposed to enemy archers and Area of Effect spells. When you are in melee, the enemy's own friendly fire works for you.

Defense and Protection are vital:
a) For tactical flexibility. Could end up fighting tough guys like commanders and pretenders, in addtion to every other type of troop.
b) Light cavalries role has always been recon and cannot survive the Dominions battlefield. One scenario is being sandwiched between routing units and those you are attacking. Lighter cavalry could not survive in these situations.

As a baseline for cost effectiveness, use similarly-equipped Independent Heavy Cavalry and Independent Knights to value your units


Aikamun

[ February 17, 2004, 05:30: Message edited by: Aikamun ]

[PvK]

Ulm (esp. Iron Faith w. blessings) and Machaka have exceptional cavalry, too.

PvK

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by PvK:
Ulm (esp. Iron Faith w. blessings) and Machaka have exceptional cavalry, too.

PvK

As does Golden Era Arcoscephale. Flying sacred cavalry with lances, high protection, and high hitpoints. Atlantis' cavalry is excellent underwater.