Any tips for using flying units in combat?

[PheasantPlucker]

Hi guys,

Fired up a random game and got handed Caleum, who I have not tried before.

I am scratching my head trying to find a way to get some advantage of being flyers in combat, but it doesn't seem to be much use. Basically the troops seem to attack the closest enemy regardless of what tactic I set them to.

So I'd appreciate any advice as to how to get some advantage from their flying capabilities.

Cheers.

[lch]

Basically, the flying is very useful for their map move. In combat in can backfire on you, the PD likes to impale itself on the enemy for example.

[PvK]

I think it's because if there are closer enemy groups which none of your forces are fighting, then your groups will go after them.

So, breaking into multiple groups with orders to attack alternate targets, and/or using Hold and Attack, or Guard Commander with the commander set to wait or do other things for 1-5 turns before attacking an alternate target, can work well. Using a commander like that to delay longer than Hold and Attack's 2 turns can be especially effective at getting a good force into the rear.

As far as effectiveness, fliers tend to land in a dispersed formation compared to men moving on foot, and most fliers (like Caelum's) are size-3 rather than size-2, which means that it becomes more important than usual the number of units in a group, because the resulting scattered fights then end up with more of your units involved per fight, which can make more difference than the strength of the fliers used (e.g. 6 Devils may be defeated in a situation where 24 light Caelian fliers with spears would win).

[sum1lost]

Flying means, among other things, that you often take fewer casualties on losing, and cause more on winning.

That might be obvious, but its the biggest use of flying I've found so far.

[Cor]

I dont like Caleum. I like flyers as a suppliment not as a whole army.

[PvK]

Sure, though Caelum has some non-flying units too, and can of course recruit and summon other independents etc.

[Shovah32]

Mammoths and wingless are decent. The only problem with caelains is the size which means they can get ganged up on and dont really deliver much punch.

[Meglobob]

However on the positive side caelums flying scouts are great and there flying A2 mages are to die for...

Theres a use for caelums lightning resist flying warriors, guard commander on your mages who do the real army killing. Not that they really need it with mistform/mirror image.

[Shovah32]

Flying A2 mages? You have it all wrong. Its the flying A3 thunderstriking mages that are to die for http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

Shovah32 said:
Flying A2 mages? You have it all wrong. Its the flying A3 thunderstriking mages that are to die for http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Mistform, mirror image, flight, attack one turn, shockwave cast spells...oh joy!

Add cheap equipment as needed, like copper plate.

[Shovah32]

Now that is the job of E9N4 eagle kings with stoneskin http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[PheasantPlucker]

That's great, thanks all. Lots of things I hadn't considered before, now to try them out!

[Nix]

I've been playing Caelum in one MP game for a while, and to be honest, I haven't found much use for the flying infantry. I use a combination of Mammoths and Blizzard Warriors (archers) which is pretty devastating against independents - and against other players in larger numbers. I'm thinking about using Raptor clan warriors for hit-and-run attacks sometime soon.

[WraithLord]

I on the contrary find the flying infantry to be utmost crucial for Caelum. I think its all about the ability to pick your fights, run/strike when outnumbered/outnumbering. Believe me it can be quite frustrating fighting an enemy who just won't, well, fight - its like catch me if you can game.

[Jazzepi]

I must agree that harassing with squads of flying units by raiding behind the enemy lines is an effective tactic.

If you get 2-3 squads gobbling up a territory every turn, setting the tax rate to 200%, it becomes very frustrating for the nation being raided.

Jazzepi

[Shovah32]

Want some real fun? Some mammoths at the back set to either attack(1 A2 mage per mammoth) or hold and attack(1 A2 mage per 2-3 mammoths) archers/rear with the mages casting fly on them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif