Elves at war

[Cec Stacey]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that elves got hosed in the
original Birthright rules? You read so many stories and tales and tidbits
of information in the books, rules and other sources detailing how any army
stupid enough to enter the elven forests is systematically chopped to
pieces by the elven defenders. It has been stated in many places that
clerical magic was the catalyst in the human armies' victories. So,
discounting priests, the elves should hold any advantage on home turf. Yet
nowhere in the rules does it give the elves any advantages for fighting in
forests. Oh yeah, as defender they get to pick *one* terrain card, and if
they pick something cheesy like woods, they get a few bonuses (+1 to Meele
and Defense, -2 attack from missile attacks and cannot be charged). This
is only useful if the elves stack all their units in the forest.
Considering most of my campaign's battles have been at least 20 units (and
one up in the 60's), that doesn't seem feasable to me.

And when it comes to units, the elven units are only marginally superior.
The best advantage they have is in mobility, and on a battlefield as small
as 3x5, being able to move 4 squares isn't really much of a benefit (say
over 3 squares). I'll grant that one for one, elven knights are better
than Anuirean knights, elven archers vs. Anuirean archers, etc..., but
remember these are special racial units that you have to pay extra for.
Which would you rather have on your side - elven knights, or Knights of
Cuircaen?

I'm considering writing some rules of my own to rectify this situation. In
my mind, anyone dumb enough to invade an elven forest should get chewed up
in the process. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I think the army
commander should be prepared to take quite a few losses. Please reply with
your thoughts.

BTW, I think dwarves got the dirty end of the stick too. But that's
another post entirely....

[Ian Hoskins]

On 22-Apr-97, Robert Ripley set out across the seas with this message:
- ->In response to elves at war...


- -> And where did you find the battle card for elven knights? Do you mean
- ->elven cavalry?

There is a battle card for Elven knights in the Cities of the Sun expansion I
believe.

- --
Darkstar

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