Mount & Blade: Warband The Handbook of Proper and Stately Infantry Tactics

Rule #1: Honor Before All!

"I will sacrafice a million men yet if necessary, honor before all!"-Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte

Just as a captain should go down with his ship, an officer should go down with his regiment. If your regiment is dropping like pidgeon feces, stand with it until it is all gone, with the exception of yourself. Then, you can cower to friendly troops. If you make the decision to charge, join your regiment! In fact, lead the charge! Use every last bit of your might to kill off members of the opposing regiment(s), fighting until you become a spectator. The same guidelines apply even if you are no longer playing as an officer.

Rule #2: Obtain The High(est) Ground!

Throughout the course of military history, the nation(s) that hold the high ground are generally the victors, the only notable exceptions (in my mind) being Emperor Napoleon at Austerlitz, and the British at Bunker Hill. Therefore, the place(s) of high elevation are the most coveted spots on the map for three reasons (in my book):

1. An officer can have a good idea of the map's topography and of enemy troop movements.

2. Your regiment can deal more casualties at a higher elevation than at a lower elevation with ranged weaponry.

3. A charge will be more successful if it is directed at an enemy downhill.

Rule #3: Know When To Charge!

An infantry charge can possess devasting potential if launched in the right manner. Only charge when:

1. Your regiment holds the high ground and the enemy regiment is either trying to take the hill or firing up it.

2. There is a short distance between your regiment and the enemy regiment(s) across relatively flat ground.

3. Your regiment has a noticebly larger amount of men.

4. You become desperate as your regiment's manpower dwindles.

However, Jaeger (including Riflemen), and Light Infantry (including Grenzer and Votiguer) regiments are not fit for charging. As well, only charge a cavalry regiment if you are attempting to counter their charge. And, I recommend that before you charge, you should order your unit to use melee weapons only.

Rule #4: Understand The Various Infantry Formations!

1. If you are directly firing at an enemy regiment and you are both stationary, it is best to put your regiment in a single line, and line them up closer together. (If you think this is folly, then just watch a gameplay video of Napoleon or Empire: Total War.)

2. If you are under artillery fire, it is best to keep your regiment in a single line, but spread them out. If your troops are bunched together, an accurate cannon shell could cause significant casualites.

3. If your regiment is a Jaeger (or Riflemen) or Light Infantry (or Grenzer or Votiguer)(being used as a Jaeger/Riflemen) regiment, it would be smart to spread your unit out, preferably in the postion that the regiment would start it if you were to press "Hold this Position."

With the exception of the units mentioned in point three, use the "All Fire Now" option. As muskets are inaccurate, a regiment firing in unison will have a more devasting result on an opposing regiment.

Rule #5: Do Not Allow Your Regiment To Be Annihilated By An Enemy Cavalry Charge!

As elaborated in Rule #6, be aware of the enemy's positions on the battlefield, especially cavalry. If an opposing cavalry regiment dares charge, counter-charge it! And, you should aim for the enemy cavalryman's horse, and as they attempt to get up from the ground, stab them.

Rule #6: Be An Active Officer!

1. Communicate with your fellow officers as to enemy troop movements and group tactics for the given battle. If they need support, give it to them, unless you are unable to do so.

2. The telescope is not for show. Instead, it is a valuable tool to track enemy troop movements and the manpower of enemy regiments. Use it to your advantage, and act upon it. Do not allow yourself to be flanked.

Source: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=243812322

The Handbook of Proper and Stately Infantry Tactics