Mixed formations Spearmen/bow

[condotiero]

In my opinion, the game does not simulate the mixed pike/spear and bow/crossbow formations correctly. If they lose the spear POA, these formations will be often useless. I do not believe that the statement that they cancel the enemy's spear POA is always valid. What is the use of this, when they fight against bow-armed cavalry with bow (which is the most common cavalry in the game)? The most surrealistic example is the Persian Guard (Offensive Spearmen/Bow)... they are still shock troop!!! In my opinion, a better solution would be to change most of these formations to Defensive Spearmen/Bow*. In other cases (e.g., Italians and Poles), I think it would be better to improve their armour (at least that of the Spear-armed row). I still find it strange that troops behind a pavise are still considered Protected (especially regarding Missile attacks).

Srry for my english...

[grahambriggs]

I agree that troops who would shoot from behind barricades (pavisiers, persian foot, etc.) are not well modelled at present.

It would be better if we had a solution that:

- gave good missile protection to frontal shooting
- gave reasonable protection in hand to hand, at least until the BG has to take a CHT for losing a fight.
- took some time to set up (like stakes do)

So I'm thinking something like:

-1 on shooting from the front.
- set up/take down same as stakes
- stops "open terrain" POAs as per stakes
- negates enemy armour POA
- removed if owning BG loses in impact melee
- costs points

[simone]

Good points!
I was thinking of making a request like this. I especially found the Italian communal pavesari not well represented.
This was a static defensive formation used specifically to counter knights and missile fire.
It would be interesting to test a formation with 1/3 def. sp. and 2/3 cb. to simulate the firing capabilities.
It had a shield holder armed with short weapons, a spearman, and usually three or more crossbowmen positioned shoulder to shoulder to alternate loading and firing.
As described by Villari and in the Libro di Montaperti