Manzikert

[Nabob]

I've been playing this a while now as the Byzantines, and finding that they have a very very tough time:

- outnumbered
- both Byzantine lines are facing the rear when the Turks appear
- several (upt to half a dozen) become fragged when the Turks appear
- the Byzantine second line most likely will just march off the map
- Byzantine cavalry is most likely to flee charging Turk cavalry (but the reverse is true as well if the Byzantines can consolidate and undertake multiunit charges)

Some Byzantine strengths are:
- 6 infantry units with 2 offensive spearmen
- 2 elite cavalty units that the C-in-C can switch too
- facing the rear means they have some scope to outrun the Turks and perhaps consolidate their forces for countercharges
- sometimes, the second line will stay and fight, and is the only way to have a winning chance.

However, I've never one as the Byzantines (play on level 2/knight), mostly getting crushed by turn 7/8, sometimes last until turn 13/14.

Any thoughts on tactics here?

[Patrat]

Yeah, I too could use some tips on playing this one as Byzantine.

[MVP7]

I haven't played the epic battle since the DLC was in beta but I took a look at the old beta forum discussion on the subject.

The scenario is purposely difficult for the Byzantines and one of the hardest in the game in my experience (there are also a few random factors that may make this scenario a lot harder to the Byzantines). There aren't any easy tricks or stratagems as far as I know. To win as Byzantines, you'll need to delay and not lose during the first ~8 turns of the battle. Try to play conservatively but don't wait under the fire either. Then, assuming the second Byzantine line joins the battle, you should have a chance.

[Patrat]

Thanks for the information.
I didn't realize that the 2nd line can randomly decide to join you. It happened in my current game. I haven't finished it yet, but i might actually have a chance now.

Manzikert was a disaster for the Byzantines in real life, so it's historically accurate for this battle to be very difficult for them.