Ancient Era Warfare

[Jon Shafer]

Originally posted by Dominae

"Rushes" can also be performed later, which was my main point. By my definition, as long as you hit an enemy while he's still REXing (and not focusing on defense) it's a "rush" (unless it takes him 100 turns or something else ridiculous like that).

[conmcb25]

Good stuff Trip.

I dont really like warrior rushes, but that is just me.

[Dominae]

Originally posted by Trip
"Rushes" can also be performed later, which was my main point. By my definition, as long as you hit an enemy while he's still REXing (and not focusing on defense) it's a "rush" (unless it takes him 100 turns or something else ridiculous like that).

If you're going to define "rushes" so broadly then your guide will not be all that informative; it will amount to saying: "Attacking your neighbors early is sometimes a good idea". I'm sure most people know this already (...some have learned it the hard way!).

A strategy guide should contain some finer points on how to actually set up a rush, what it can accomplish, its timeframe, when it should be aborted, etc. Discussing these points, IMO, requires seperating the types of rushes into the categories I listed above (Warrior, Archer, Horsemen/Swordsmen) because each are so different to implement.

In any case, it's your strategy guide, do with it what you will. I'm just trying to add a little more content to it.

[vmxa1]

Let me fully endorse Dom's point. The one big complaint about "guides" is that they tend to lack specificity. In order to over come that, you would need to be very specific and that rquires more categories, definitions and details.

[Jon Shafer]

It's meant to be a general overview of different strategies and tactics, not an exact step-by-step guide on how to perfect every single detail. That should be apparent - there are guides as long as the one I've written on each kind of strategy I'm listing here - a certain amount of abstraction is necessary in order to keep things within reason. It already takes quite a few hours as it is to write this stuff up. If you wish to link to or write your own more specialized guide then feel free.

[Theseus]

Re: Ancient Era Warfare

Re SoDs on the attack:

Originally posted by Trip
Catapults fire off first, Horsemen charge in order to wear down the defenders further and the Swordsmen clean up the siege while the Spearmen deter attacks on the army.

Reverse the order of Cats and Horsemen... nothing worse than a redlined defender catching one of your fastmovers.

Another excellent thread, Trip. I do agree, however, that Ultra-early Rushes need their own coverage. Also, first tier tech fastmovers, even though they are UUs, need to be addressed! (or you could just link to one of Aeson's threads ) I know you want to keep it general, but there are enough of them, and they are popular enough, that they should almost be treated as a standard 'class' of unit. On that note, you might want to think about linking to some of the Must Reads to illustrate certain relevant strategies and tactics.

[Jon Shafer]

Alright, alright, I'll split the Rush section into Ultra-Early ones and the current section.

Apologies for the lack of progress lately, finals week is coming up and the due dates for all my papers in my history classes are shooting by in rapid succession.

[Theseus]

Take your time, Trip. You know how I've been in and out lately... I have nothing but respect for your ability to cover the 'turf' around here as well, as completely, and as thoughtfully as you do.

Further:

1) Need some help with your papers? I'm sure a number of worthies would jump in at your request, me included.

2) Wanna job? No sh*t. I know you got more schoolin' to do, but I'd figure something out.

(Howzat for a threadjack? )

And, last but not least, I reiterate that first tier fastmovers need to be addressed!!

[Jon Shafer]

Originally posted by Theseus
Take your time, Trip. You know how I've been in and out lately... I have nothing but respect for your ability to cover the 'turf' around here as well, as completely, and as thoughtfully as you do.

Thanks.

I do my best to contribute to this community, especially as of late. I find it to be the best on the 'net when it comes to quality info and discussion on Civ 3 and I hope that I have been (and will be able to in the future) contribute and assist other players in mastering the game as this place has already helped me.

The biggest contributors to my current knowledge of this game are guys like Dom, Theseus, Arrian, Nathan, Aeson and many more. I owe you all a lot.

Further:

1) Need some help with your papers? I'm sure a number of worthies would jump in at your request, me included.

Due dates come and gone fortunately. A few sleepless nights yielded 95, 96 and 98% papers for Early Modern France, Medieval Mediterranean and Medieval Europe. While I've always prided myself on being able to put sentences together while having to stay up until 4am on a constant basis, I've never thought that highly of my work.

2) Wanna job? No sh*t. I know you got more schoolin' to do, but I'd figure something out.

Send me a PM.

And, last but not least, I reiterate that first tier fastmovers need to be addressed!!

Fear not, I'm here to please. I'll get to that eventually.

Smily overload...

[Arnelos]

This is some good work, Trip.

[LzPrst]

much appreciated. as a builder, I often find myself unprepared against insanely aggressive neighbours. i remember one game where I was wiped out before 3000bc cause of a VERY close and aggressive carthagian

[Arrian]

Heh, the Germans have done that to me once or twice, even after I'd stopped really being a peaceful builder. I don't typically have more than 1 warrior in my capital in the beginning, as the others are out exploring. So a single AI archer (or even a warrior) can mean "game over."

-Arrian

[Jon Shafer]

On levels Monarch and above it can be a real risk early on. In order to expand at a rate to try and match the AI you need to build lots of Settlers and an early Granary which means skimping on military concerns. If you do actually try to build up a military capable of handling the AI early on then you'll be out-REXed like nobody's business.

[Cerbykins]

The alternative is to then try and fight your way out. Which is fine if you're me, and envisage spending the whole of the next week killing civs in turn

Somehow though, I don't think the rest of poly looks on this as 'finesse', nor would it work on the highest of levels

[Master Zen]

Trip, ever done the "ultra-ultra-ultra early" Archer rush?

It requires a LOT of luck but you can wipe out an enemy civ quite easily. Basically start with a militaristic civ (China is my preferred choice). Begin building an archer, and send it away, try and pop a goody hut with it and HOPE to get barbs. Luckily you might get a promotion from the barbs, build two more archers and perhaps a worker.

Once you find a close neighbor send those archers their way and try and catch them before they even get Bronze Working. Their cities will be defended by either warriors or archers. I once did this in PTW on emperor against my Roman neighbors, with 3 archers took rome in ~2700 BC and even got a leader out of it. It was frightneningly devastating.

Again, you need a lot of luck to pull it off, but it is actually fun to attempt. (Though admittedly, not something you should plan on doing consistently since you lose a lot of time in your capital for other builds)