Cataphracts, how to deal with them.

[Ermolov]

I'm relatively new to the FoG digital system, and have been playing many multiplayer games in the past month. I'm experimenting with different armies and learning a lot and have had some great opponents and battles. I am at a loss when it comes to dealing with cataphracts. It seems no mater the army or whether they are on horses or camels, I have zero success against them, or when I do it seems almost random. There have been a couple of times I have even had rear charges against them with heavy cavalry and have taken more casualties.

Can anyone tell me a good battle plan to deal with them?

[davouthojo]

Hi Ermolov,

Elephants and pikes are the standard counters to cataphracts, though any spear armed does OK........and rear charges - if your cavalry bounced, you were just unlucky.

Ganging up is always good - you can afford 3 MF for the cost of one cat, and are about equal in melee when the cat loses 2 dice for support.

Attacking their supporting troops is often a good idea too, they go down much easier when isolated.

[CharlesRobinson]

Don't forget camels - even the poor rated ones seem do well against any cavalry. At least for me.

[TheGrayMouser]

Depending on your army you can swarm them with units that can evade. get a LF or LC a hex or two away and shoot at em (small pinpricks but over time can be effective). 2 even better. Eventually the cat will anarchy and hopefully get itself into a bad situation, or the player will find his options for manever limited and make a fatal mistake. Either way you need to plan a few moves ahead to take advantage (ie a rear hit or the cat anarchying into a pike).

[Ermolov]

Thanks guys, I'm going to be trying all these things in a game right now. I will keep you updated as to my success.