Slitherine

I've played several MP games now and have noticed that some players are experts at "herding" skirmishers into situations where they can be charged again by a second unit. I've had very little success with this because when I do it, enemy skirmishers scoot out of range of any other charging units. Any tips?

Also, I've noticed a couple of experienced opponents charge already routed units, and but don't understand the reasoning for this tactic--while chasing a routed unit and move you a few more squares across the battlefield, it seems like it is not worth losing control of the unit in a pursuit. Maybe these were AI-initiated charges, but it didn't look like it. So what's up with this tactic?

76mm wrote:I've played several MP games now and have noticed that some players are experts at "herding" skirmishers into situations where they can be charged again by a second unit. I've had very little success with this because when I do it, enemy skirmishers scoot out of range of any other charging units. Any tips?

Also, I've noticed a couple of experienced opponents charge already routed units, and but don't understand the reasoning for this tactic--while chasing a routed unit and move you a few more squares across the battlefield, it seems like it is not worth losing control of the unit in a pursuit. Maybe these were AI-initiated charges, but it didn't look like it. So what's up with this tactic?

Charging a routed unit will cause it to "rout some more" which of course can get your own unit moving when otherwise it might only be able to use the back up function.
Also, you MIGHT be able to impact a unit that you might not otherwise had a clear charge path to ( as unit pursing routers will often switch off to attack a non routed unit)

Can be risky or be real rewarding..

76mm wrote: Also, I've noticed a couple of experienced opponents charge already routed units, and but don't understand the reasoning for this tactic--while chasing a routed unit and move you a few more squares across the battlefield, it seems like it is not worth losing control of the unit in a pursuit. Maybe these were AI-initiated charges, but it didn't look like it. So what's up with this tactic?

I do this occasionally. It is a bit risky, because as you say, you don't have full control over your charging unit and where it may end up. But it is sometimes worth the risk, and there are a few reasons to do it:

1) There might be an enemy routed unit in a square, blocking something that you really want to do, like charging a flank, getting a really good shot in, or retreating one of your units that is near to breaking. So by charging the routed unit you can move it out of the way, allowing you to do what you want.

2) Sometimes, there is a really good charge target just out of reach, maybe a really juicy enemy flank, and there is an enemy routed unit between your unit and the target. If you charge the routed unit, your chargers will then pursue and if lucky will go on to hit the target unit.

3) You might be trying to retreat a unit that is near to routing, and it is being closely followed by superior enemy units. If there is an enemy unit in the path of retreat, you could charge them, with the hope that the following pursuit move will take your unit well clear of the enemy units following.

There are probably a few more reasons that I can't think of at the moment.

There you go, giving my secrets away again!

sometimes its also as simple as having some spare skirmishers, and charging routing units that did not autobreak lowers the chances of a rally. worthwile especially if a general is attached to the routers

hmmm, whole new layers of tactics, thanks for the tips. What about herding skirmishers? I really can't them to go where I want...

If I want to do more than shoo them away, I'll use two sets of LF or LH (LH are better) arrayed something like this (BG is Bad Guys):

BG

LF LF

LF LF

You charge with the rear-most unit first and, if the BG evades, you may be able to hit it with one of the front-line units. You can also sometimes channel evading LH between lines of MF or HF and mug them once they stop.

keyth wrote:You can also sometimes channel evading LH between lines of MF or HF and mug them once they stop.

Thanks, the quoted part is what I haven't really figured out yet. I suspect that my problem might be how I'm deploying my skirmishers rather than something the opponents are doing, but not sure...

That bit tends to be a consequence of how the engagement unfolds rather than planning way ahead. If your opponent puts LH in between two lines of formed troops and you attack them from the side, their evade move is constrained by the lines of foot so they will move in a predictable(ish) direction, where hopefully you have some troops lurking to charge them with no AP left... It's situational but very effective when possible.

Skirmishers can be used in so many ways. Rough terrain is the best place for them. If used as a screen they are just that. Keep them close to the units they screen, so they can protect each other. The angle of attack has some influence on the angle of retreat, keep that in mind. It's a skill best learned by experience.