[Fantomen]

Note that the defense roll for trample is against a standard, it the same regardless of attack value of the trampler. Which is why turning low attack construct summons like golems or siege golems into tramplers is a pretty good idea at times.

High defense units can stand against elephants, but nowhere near as well as ethereal or large size units. Also don't be confused by high parry shields giving the illusion of high defense. Only the "real" defense value counts for avoiding trample, so a unit with a tower shield (which gives a -2 to defense and parry 7) will be worse of against a trampler than the same unit without a shield despite showing a higher defense value on the surface.

That means that the high defense approach to blocking tramplers really only applies to rare cases, as you'll want to get up to around 18-20 or so "real" defense for it to work. Water blessed warriors of five elements would be an example. And you'll still have some attrition. IMO you can usually find a cheaper counter and avoid casualties all together.

Not meaning to be nitpicky, I just don't want newbs to mass tower shield infantry against elephants and wonder why they lose. (displays def 15, but real def is 8. So they get slaughtered)