Combat and PBEM

[Franck]

Hi, usualy in single mode I leave some army next to my main one to call as reenforcement in my battles... how exactly is it handled in the PBEM's instant combat... Should I keep my army togeter or will my ''generals'' call for help?

I'm just asking, because it's usualy one of the way I cut on supply cost

[Joram]

I don't know the exact thinking of the AI but essentially if it feels it needs the reinforcement it will automatically call it in.  Generally this is true unless facing overwhelming odds in which case it will simply try to retreat (e.g. which you can simulate by leaving everything in the 'rout' zone).
 
If you don't want your army to reinforce, put it on 'avoid battle' and then I don't think it can be called in.
 
I'm intrigued though about your comment on the supply cost because that shouldn't help.  As long as an army is in a province in or next to a depot, it is supplied.  So not sure what you meant there.

[Mus]

Think hes talking about spreading out his forces and setting them to forage instead of using depots.

[Joram]

Ahh, yes, that would work. 

[Franck]

I only played Austria and Prussia so far... But as one of those powers I find it is really hard to maintain large group of men in one place. My solution as been to set some army or corps to forage next to my main army.