Raising Your Banners: Levies and Men-at-Arms
The backbone of any successful ruler in Crusader Kings III is a formidable military force. This force is primarily composed of two distinct elements: Levies and Men-at-Arms. Understanding how to raise, maintain, and effectively utilize both is crucial for defending your realm, expanding your borders, and crushing internal dissent.
Levies: The Citizenry's Duty
Levies are the basic military units drawn from your population and your vassals' populations. They are relatively cheap to raise and maintain but are generally weaker and less specialized than Men-at-Arms.
- Raising Levies: You can raise levies by clicking on your realm's military tab (the shield icon) and selecting "Raise Levies." You can choose to raise levies from your personal domain or from your vassals. Be aware that raising levies from vassals will decrease their opinion of you.
- Strength of Levies: The number of levies you can raise is determined by your domain's development, your realm's population, and certain buildings.
- Maintenance: Levies have a low monthly maintenance cost, making them an accessible force for early-game expansion or defense.
- Weaknesses: Levies suffer from low combat stats, are susceptible to attrition in hostile territory, and have a morale that depletes quickly. They are best used in large numbers to overwhelm opponents or to garrison territory.
Men-at-Arms: The Professional Soldiers
Men-at-Arms (MaA) are professional soldiers who form the core of your fighting force. They are more expensive to recruit and maintain but possess significantly higher combat effectiveness, specialized roles, and better morale.
- Recruiting Men-at-Arms: You recruit Men-at-Arms through your military tab. Each type of MaA has specific recruitment costs and building requirements. For example, Pikemen might require a Barracks building, while Archers might need a Fletcher's Workshop.
- Types of Men-at-Arms: There are numerous types of Men-at-Arms, each with strengths and weaknesses against different enemy unit types. Examples include:
- Heavy Infantry: Strong against skirmishers and cavalry.
- Archers: Good at softening up enemy lines before engagement.
- Light Cavalry: Excellent for flanking and chasing down fleeing enemies.
- Heavy Cavalry: Devastating charge units, but expensive and vulnerable to pikes.
- Skirmishers: Effective at harassing and disrupting enemy formations.
- Maintenance: Men-at-Arms have a higher monthly maintenance cost than levies, which increases with the number of units you field.
- Strengths: MaA have superior combat stats, better morale, and often possess special abilities that can turn the tide of battle. They are less susceptible to attrition than levies.
Synergy and Strategy
The most effective armies combine both Levies and Men-at-Arms. Use your Men-at-Arms as your shock troops and line holders, while using your Levies to supplement their numbers, screen their flanks, and garrison your holdings. The composition of your Men-at-Arms should be tailored to your environment and your likely enemies. For instance, if you face many horse archers, investing in heavy infantry and archers would be wise.
Remember to upgrade your military buildings to increase the effectiveness and number of your Men-at-Arms. Furthermore, ensuring your commanders have high martial skills will further enhance your army's performance in battle.