Given terrain in tactical combat

[miral]

Does anyone know if the terrain of the battlefield in tactical combat is based, even if loosely, on the type of terrain on the big map that the battle takes place in? Or is it purely random?

Thanks

[anarchyintheuk]

There's a definite correlation between big map forest area and woods on the tactical map. Doesn't seem to be as much when it comes to hills.

[miral]

Thanks,

I noticed that last night in a battle. It was fought in the large forest north and northwest of the Theban border with Phocis and there were trees everywhere on the tactical map. One should always to bring an adequate number of light troops suitable for forest and rough terrain. The tendency, at least for me, is to amass the greatest number of heavy units. If these get tangled up in woods or hills you can not only get whipped by a lighter enemy but lose a lot expensive heavy armed troops.

[lordhoff]

What "anarchyintheuk" said. Note too that if you fight multiple battles in the same location, the same tactical map will be used.

Some I haven't figured out - if you attack an army that just deshipped and is still at the shore, much of the terrain will be desert (beach)- seems to be bad for heavies but I'm not sure. Mountains happen so seldom, that I wasn't able to discern its affect but I assume it is very bad for heavies and cavalry.

A tactic that was useful was, if you believe a sea-borne invader is mostly heavies, use the cheap "asto --- (can't spell worth a bean - you know what I mean - it's all Greek to me! [8|] )) to attack at sea where they have a huge advantage. This works great with Persian attackers who often have a lot of cavalry. The AI does this too - if invading by sea, watch out for those two-spot guards if you have a mainly hoplite army!