Unit Roles

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Units fulfill different roles in an army. Obviously there are various unit types such as Infantry, Archers, Cavalry, and Special Forces. However these labels merely describe the type of unit, it does not convey their function. On the battlefield, some units are good for dying and others for killing. A wise marshal will strive to have the correct balance of the two.

Damage Sinks

Units whose main role is to absorb damage in battle. They are often units of high quantity and low quality. Used correctly, damage sinks will wholly or partially absorb the initial charge damage of the enemies Shock Troops. As the shock troops are busy devastating the damage sinks, the higher quality allied units are given time to reduce the most dangerous opponents without conceding any of their own top tier units in return.

Damage Sinks generally have very little CS per trooper. Since the troops are of such low quality they can be procured in vast numbers cheaply. Damage Sink units are also useful for takeovers because of their great numbers and low cost, and as the initial militia inside the wall of a fortification. Peasant militias are a type of bonus damage sink for the defending realm since they cost nothing, but in numbers they can absorb large amounts of punishment.

Shock Troops

Units that deal massive amounts of damage. Generally only Cavalry and Special Forces fit the name, but very highly trained and extremely well equipped Infantry units might also qualify. Shock Troops are much more concerned with doing damage then absorbing it so they may be, but are not always, somewhat fragile. Large numbers of Shock Troops are generally needed to successfully assault a well defended fortification.

Bait Troops

When defending a fortification in a large battle, a wise defensive general might make use of bait troops. By sending a few small units outside the walls, the offensive line will be split as the attackers infantry wall breaks into two lines. The first line will crowd around the bait troops and slaughter them. The second line's forward progress will be stopped until the bait troops are eliminated. Once the bait troops are gone, the first line will then scale the walls with their siege engines while the second line advances. Since the line is divided, the first wave of attackers that hits the fortification will be at a distinct numerical disadvantage and are likely to be slaughtered or greatly reduced.

Bait troops not only slow the attacker, giving the defenders archers time to reduce the shock troops, but they also split the attacker's infantry wall into two waves.