Ayyubid Egyptians @ 600 points (25 mm)

[Valhalla]

Well, I really like this list, and I really like Saladin as a General, so I would be glad to use his army. I'm using a list very similar to the starter one, because I've got a maximum of 600 points. What I want is some advice about how to use them, when to dismount the Mamluks, how to use them in the right way (I mean... they are bowmen and swordsmen at the same time... do I charge directly? Should I wait till I disrupt the enemy to charge? Should I outflank him?) I know it's not an army for beginners, but I like it, and that's what matters for me

Also, do you think this is a versatile and fun army? That's what I am also looking for in an army.

Saladin (IC)
TC x 2
4 Mamluks
4 Mamluks
6 Mamluks (this are for dismounting, as I think that having just 4 bases is suicidal if you're infantry)
4 Turcopoles (LH)
4 Armoured Lancers (Average, Armoured)
4 Bedouin Cavalry (LH)
2 Foot Archers (LH or MF?)

So, basically, that's it. Remember, I mainly want advices about how to use it, and, of course, the list. But as it's so similar to the starter one, I think it will be OK.

Thanks in advance

[benos]

ok first dont think you can have the foot in a 2?
Dismounting is very situational so dont plan the army around dismounting.
Hope this helps
Ben

[david53]

Well, I really like this list, and I really like Saladin as a General, so I would be glad to use his army. I'm using a list very similar to the starter one, because I've got a maximum of 600 points. What I want is some advice about how to use them, when to dismount the Mamluks, how to use them in the right way (I mean... they are bowmen and swordsmen at the same time... do I charge directly? Should I wait till I disrupt the enemy to charge? Should I outflank him?) I know it's not an army for beginners, but I like it, and that's what matters for me

Also, do you think this is a versatile and fun army? That's what I am also looking for in an army.

Saladin (IC)
TC x 2
4 Mamluks
4 Mamluks
6 Mamluks (this are for dismounting, as I think that having just 4 bases is suicidal if you're infantry)
4 Turcopoles (LH)
4 Armoured Lancers (Average, Armoured)
4 Bedouin Cavalry (LH)
2 Foot Archers (LH or MF?)

So, basically, that's it. Remember, I mainly want advices about how to use it, and, of course, the list. But as it's so similar to the starter one, I think it will be OK.

Thanks in advance

If your using 600 points and and IC you'll be able to drop one of the Generals giving you 35 plus 38 points from the Mamluks you dropped a total 73 points enough for another BG Mamuks.

Don't dismount change the Mamluks to three BG's of 4 bases they are your best troops and being drilled are better used as Cavalry. Work them together gang up on enemy have them in one line in front of enemy allows you to evade if you have to. Only charge to contact when enemy Distrupted or Fragmented.

Take LF if you can poor would be fine they're just around to force the enemy to test not to charge if they have shock troops.

I personally would drop the armoured Lancer cav to LH Lance that way you don't have to worry about your cavlry charging when you dont want them to. Not looked at the book to see if this is right just a rough idea.

Saladin (IC)
TC x 1
4 x Mamluks
4 x Mamluks
4 x Mamluks
4 Turcopoles (LH)
4 Bedouin Cavalry protected avaerage Lance
4 Bedouin LH Lance
2 BG of either 6 or 8 bases Foot Archers (LF)

[benos]

think at least 1 bg of cav lancers is compulsory, and foot will prob be either 4 or 6 min in the bg.
Ben

[Valhalla]

Oh, that was my mistake, I was in a hurry, so... It was 2 BGs of 6 LF or MF archers, sorry for that

What Benos said is OK. I have to include at least 4 bases (1 BG) of Armoured Lancers, so I wont be able to get them out of the army... althoug maybe I could screen them with LF?

About the Mamluks, I know they are better as cavalry, but imagine I get a terrain with some rough terrain... should I dismount at least one of them to use them to flank the enemies or kill the enemy's MF?

I put 2 TCs because I think they can help the troops fight (although mamluks don't look like they'll be needing it) and make battles easier, and the IC is never going to be risked in combat, so I don't know if having just one TC is a good idea...

So, Mamluks in a line, just in front of the enemy, evading, and just charging when he's disrupted / fragmented. Bedouin Lancers to chase the enemy LF and easily kill them. Turcopoles to hang around bothering the enemy. Armoured lancers to charge, maybe hit the enemies' flanks? LF to screen and tempt the enemy's shock troops.

What do you think of the army list as a whole? Do you think it's fun? Versatile? I like the idea of some kind of elite horse archers, like the Mamluks are, and other troops to support them, and I suppose it's a lot of fun, and being able to dismount the mamluks makes it even more versatile... but what do you think?

Thanks again

[benos]

with ic and all that cav and lh, you are unlikely to need to enter terrain
Check aars for niks iwf win, lots of useable info on his seljuks, who are similar. Personally i prefer syrian city states, but they fit my tactics
Ben

[Valhalla]

OK, I'll check out his posts, thanks

Any more thoughts, anyone?

[david53]

As stated with an IC and the fact that you should have 24 bases of cavalry/LH will give you +4 if that is the case pick terrain in a rectangle 6 inchs by 4 inchs that way its small and more than likely you can place it out of the way if your still worried only take two pieces plus the compulsery bit.

I have fought against one of these armies I think taking the elite troops are a bit of a waste IMO superior are good enough.

I would forget completely about dismounting your cavalry if you do they will more than likely be picked upon by enemy troops. Keep them mounted and shoot and scoot thats what they are good at.

Dave

[rbodleyscott]

The only reason to dismount is if you are facing an English longbow army or (possibly) an elephant army. As has been said, do not plan your army around it. A lone BG of MF in a cavalry army will be an easy target for the enemy even if it is superduper.

Against the above opponents, you will want to dismount more than one BG, and (for example) 2 BGs of 4 dismounted mamluks will certainly be better than 1 BG of 6.

[rbodleyscott]

As stated with an IC and the fact that you should have 24 bases of cavalry/LH will give you +4

Actually you need more than 24 bases to score the +2.

[rbodleyscott]

Apparently (some?) dismounted mamluks/ghilman sat on the ground to shoot. I am waiting for someone to make figures. Khurasan, are you listening?

[david53]

As stated with an IC and the fact that you should have 24 bases of cavalry/LH will give you +4

Actually you need more than 24 bases to score the +2.

So you do forgot it says more than.