> My exposure to "war" in
> > Birthright is non-existant....and so I would like to hear everyone's
> > "secret" strategies for success! :)
> > Barry
>
> I must confess that I too would *LOVE* to see this sort of thread open.
>
> For myself, I traditionally sock away tons of cash, and prepare to hire massive
> amounts of troops.

A good war chest is a prinicpal essencial. You always want to have the cash to pay
your way to pre-war boundries (if you've lost), hire more troops, or bribe the
enemy's mage into switching sides. When hiring troops remeber that it takes a
month for them to be combat ready and also remeber to get the right kinds of
troops. If the war is in the Aelvinwode, don't get tons of cavalry. If you know
that your enemy is a real fan of Pikeman/Archers defense, get some Infantry to chew
up the Pikemen then have some medium cavalry to charge down the archers.

> While this is all going on, I generally begin my
> 'diplomatic attack', and try to find some instance of scandal to use against my
> enemy in the public forum. (This is usually not very hard.) ;)

This is definetly a strong point twords waging a succesful war. If you don't have
a reason for war then everyone will view it as a simple war of agression. Take the
Mexican-American war for example. America's goal was to gain territory in pursuit
of Manifest Destiny. That makes it a simple war of agression. However, an
American partol had been killed when in disputed territory so the US used that to
make it look like America was just striking back before Mexico decided to attack
more than a single patrol. (I'm not a history expert, I'm just using what I know so
it could be not 100% correct, but it IS true to the example). Making it look like
a somewhat viable war keeps all thoughs Haelynnite goody goodies out of your way.

>
>
> Once a topic has been found, then on with the game of words.
> You initiate an accusation, and try to get the other regents to support you,
> and oppose your enemy. If there is one thing that you must *NEVER* do in a
> birthright game is march into war without considering the neighbors. If your
> attack seems unprovoked, you will soon find yourself facing an alliance of
> regents that will be tough to beat. The trick is to get your enemies possible
> allies' to side with you, or at the least, agree to stay out of the fight.

You should also consider the templars, guilders, and source-holders of the enemy
realm. If you can get the guild to raise troops and draw them away from the
capital, your forces can invade and capture the empty fortifications at the
capital.

Now the biggest thing that I've seen done wrong in wars is a lack of preperation.
Spend at least three actions doing espionage. You don't want to invade the enemy's
realm THEN find out that Avanil has stationed troops there (as I did). Do one
realm espionage to locate enemy troop strengths and positions. Do another to
uncover any alliances the enemy may have. The use your third one for another
troop-finder or something else. Although assasination might not always be a
friendly idea, one must consider using it to take out an enemy wizard or templar.
Information is key. And a VERY important rule: "Don't underestimate the power of
the Dark Side." I've seen people underestimate thier foe and it can get ugly.

- -Andrew (the landed regent who likes to use his guilders as expendable diversions)
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