Art of Siege
Laying Siege
Each siege logically ends with assault. For assault to succeed a siege must be well laid. There are several basic rules on how to do that:
- Achieve field victory or gain numerical superiority. Defeat enemy field armies or outmaneuver your opponent to gain this advantage. If you are in a state of parity with your enemy, laying siege may be not the wisest decision.
- Cut off enemy reinforcements. This is crucial for success. Otherwise fresh enemy forces will arrive to help besieged troops.
- Destroy enemy supplies. Capture villages. Take out enemy supply carts. Let your enemies starve without food.
- Bring on siege weapons. Take at least two or three catapults (account for unexpected losses!). Position catapults wisely, to reduce possibility of diversion. Start bombardment!
- Maintain own supply line. Protect your siege machines and supply wagons well. They tend to be high priority targets for diversions.
Surviving Siege
To withstand a siege. Several things need to be considered.
- Prepare your own siege weapons (in advance). In case you lose the siege, your could try to lay one of your own to retake lost fortification.
- Bring reinforcements. But do not rush with small parties, unless it is safe. Usually, enemy will try to surround the castle to isolate defenders.
- Sustain catapult fire. Sometimes, you have nothing to do but hide behind castle walls. To reduce casualties, fortify your castle, bring a healer and evacuate wounded warriors. Raise a garrison (if possible).
- Destroy siege weapons. You can spoil enemy plans by destroying siege machinery as it is a vital link in the siege chain.
- Don't let enemy amass. Unless you are severely outnumbered fight under the walls.
- Place good units on the walls. Gather veteran skirmishers and spearmen. A hero will also be of great aid to castle defenders.
