Wagon lagers in deployment phase

[bahatrick]

Quick question on something that's been puzzling me. During a campaign, on occasion I will be asked to put down defensive lagers (or ditches) in the deployment phase, but upon examining the map enemy lagers are plainly visible, indicating that they are on the defensive. If I follow through as encouraged, and take a defensive posture, and the enemy is in a defensive posture, how can the battle take place? Now when I see fortifications on the map, I assume I'll be attacking, and ignore my own defenses, which seems to make the AI upset. I guess my question is, in a scenario where I am plainly to be on the attack, why does the AI ask you to build defenses? Seems like a glitch.

[rbodleyscott]

Some armies e.g. Ottomans (also Poles etc.) used field fortifications for their infantry in open field battles.

They hoped the enemy would attack, but obviously if both sides had the same idea, one side would have to abandon its defences and attack, or no battle would occur.

[Karvon]

FWIW, in a fair number of battles vs AI, I've seen them abandon their positions in response to my moves, so they can be tempted out. Also, if you sit long enough, they will eventually launch an attack on your position, though then you may run out of time to break their army - depending on how their assault unfolds.

[bahatrick]

Thanks for the responses guys! Yes, I've waited a long time for an attack to launch, but it's true that then you have no time to win the battle! I don't think I've been able to tempt anyone to leave their defenses yet, the AI can be a little cagey. More often than not if I notice enemy FF on the map, I'll just deploy for an attack. Risky, but I'm not that patient!!

[tyronec]

Just work your way around them instead of attacking frontally. I think the AI will always be drawn out of position when you start to engage.

[Paul59]

I think the key to getting the AI to advance is getting a unit behind their front line. I'm not sure if it has to be a non-light unit.