Concept
Wars are won by position, supply, and terrain as much as numbers. Logistics converts money into tempo and survival. Deeper logistics punishes overextension—short wars with clear objectives outperform total wars early.
Early Checklist
Peacetime Stance
Lower maintenance; drill only if budget allows; stockpile for the first war. Build reserves for unexpected conflicts.
Choose Fights
Defend crossings, hills, and forts. Avoid long supply tails and winter routes. Secure ports for naval supply.
Mercs as Shock Absorbers
Use mercenaries for shock absorption in early wars. Transition to standing army as economy matures.
Siege Math Without Numbers
You don't need exact pips to win: take forts first, rotate stacks every 30–45 days in harsh terrain, and never chase into winter if your supply line is longer than two moves.
- Take forts first: Forts block movement and control territory. Capture them before pursuing enemy armies.
- Rotate stacks every 30–45 days in harsh terrain: Attrition accumulates. Rotate armies to fresh locations to prevent excessive losses.
- Never chase into winter if your supply line is longer than two moves: Winter attrition combined with long supply lines is deadly. Stop advancing before winter hits.
First War Pattern
Isolate one target, occupy forts, accept short peace for position. Avoid chasing into attrition traps. Win on objectives, not endless sieges.
Pitfalls
- Naval Invasions Without Ports: Landing armies without ports means no supply—they'll starve.
- Splitting Stacks Across Unsupplied Terrain: Dividing forces without supply leaves both halves vulnerable.
- Ignoring Siege Priorities: Don't waste time on low-value sieges. Focus on forts that unlock objectives.