"Gnome Sane" Legendary, need help please

[how786]

I can't seem to get even close to winning this tough scenario.
Anyone have a tip or 2?
How786

[Sammas]

Ok, well your goal is to pick up about 3 cities, and then outplay the computer tactically. I just did it by starting with a prophet, then a flood of monks, mixing in a paladin or two. Make sure you put a monk on the gold mine.

Remember that gardeners will heal up half killed enemies. So either kill units in one round, or get rid of the gardeners (monk/paladin does pretty well at this).

[how786]

Hmmm....I've tried this. I've tried beginning with 2 prophets. A flood of monks. etc. This really seems like a hopeless scenario on Legendary. I've even tried with placing a prophet on the gold.
I will try again.
Thanks for helping
How786

[Sammas]

You can't do one or the other, it needs to be a combined strategy. Go prophet first, and use it to take cities on the left-hand side, while your monks take the gold mine and harass the gnome gardeners.

3 cities means 2-3 monks per turn. The computer can't handle too many monks, because it doesn't kill them efficiently. Then bring in paladins to maximise attack focus with their fast movement and 2-square range.

It can't be a hopeless scenario, because I just beat it.

[how786]

Thanks Sammas. Did you beat it on Legendary? The enemy city advantage and his ability to flood me with attackers has been depressing. I've not even come close.
I'll try what you say.
How786

[how786]

I finally beat it. Hehe...you were correct.
Thanks
How

[Sammas]

Nice one - challenges are always good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[PhilD]

Yeah, Sammas' advice is good. It took me two tries to redo this (on Legendary), and it's a good idea to take the western cities with a Prophet while a flood of monks go harass the Gardeners, take cities, and kill whatever the computer sends their way. 4 Monks kill a Legendmaker in the open, with no damage to them.

You probably can't stop the AI from taking a Human city and bringing in Archangels, but don't panic. Kill any healers he has (probably just gardeners), and the Archangels will die to 8 blows from Monks. Or, when you have the gold, buy a Paladin or two to finish the big guns faster, but vs the AI, Monks are a really great unit.