Richard The Lionheart/Counters (SHC)

== Defense ==
Defending against the Lionheart may prove quite challenging, as his attacks are devastating and quickly organized. Tunnelers, siege equipment and armored troops released all at once might look like a crushing wave that can have a confusing effect. However, the Lionheart focuses so much on armored troops that his attacks are very slow to commence. The hardy troops will require some tower mounted engines and heavy troops to deflect the attack: ballistae and mangonels should be deployed to soften up the army, but the rapid fire and more accurate fire ballistae may be preferred to speed up the process.
Archers alone are limited in effectiveness against armored troops, so crossbowmen should be added as a staple in order to soften the invaders up. Pitch ditches and braziers, or fire throwers, can add much needed damage on narrow paths, as slow moving, armored troops are especially vulnerable to burning. Some swordsmen or assassins should be ready to counterattack if a gap appears or a siege tower docks. A moat is perhaps the best defence against Richard's attacks. While his pikemen will eagerly dig it up, it will slow them and the accompanying swordsmen down and make them an easy target for your ranged defenders.
==Offense==
While the Lionheart may be an expert at attacking, his castles are surprisingly easy to siege owing to the fact that he uses few archers, and his tower engines pack relatively little firepower. With dismantled towers and a single access point, Richard can be trapped in his own castle comparatively easily, crippling his economy in the process.
Horse archers in groups can be an effective way of removing Richard's ranged units, firing arrows at a very high rate on the run, while also being capable of closing the distance very quickly. As the Lionheart's towers are generally poorly manned, his tower engines can fall quickly while your army suffers little casualties, and the lack of stairs means that they remain clear as long as the gate is locked down. In order to remove his heavy troops, try moving troops in close so that the bodyguards will wander out, then light up the interior. Richard's densely packed buildings will ensure that the fire spreads reliably, burning most of his troops, exposing his lord for a quick kill.
Category:Strategy Page