Levies and Men-at-Arms

Levies and Men-at-Arms

Understanding and effectively managing your military forces is paramount to success in Crusader Kings III. Your army is comprised of two main components: Levies and Men-at-Arms. While both contribute to your overall military strength, they serve distinct roles and require different strategic considerations.

Levies: The Backbone of Your Army

Levies represent the common folk conscripted into service from your demesne and your vassals' territories. They are numerous but generally less effective in combat than Men-at-Arms. Their primary purpose is to provide a large numerical advantage and absorb initial enemy attacks.

• Acquisition:
  • Personal Demesne: The number of levies you can raise directly from your owned counties is influenced by your Stewardship skill, the development level of your holdings, and the buildings constructed within them.
  • Vassal Levies: Your vassals contribute a percentage of their own levies to your army. This percentage is determined by your feudal contract (for feudal vassals), their opinion of you, and any specific cultural or religious doctrines. High opinion generally leads to higher levy contributions.
• Management:
  • Raising Levies: To raise your army, navigate to the Military tab (the sword icon on the right-hand side of the screen). Click Raise All Armies or select specific Rally Points to raise troops in particular locations.
  • Maintenance: Levies cost gold to maintain while raised. Prolonged wars or keeping armies raised unnecessarily will quickly drain your treasury. Disband them when not actively campaigning to save money.
  • Replenishment: After battles or disbandment, levies will slowly replenish over time. The speed of replenishment is affected by your character's Martial skill and various building effects.
• Strategic Use:
  • Use levies to outnumber weaker opponents or to protect your flanks.
  • They are excellent for sieging enemy holdings, as their numbers contribute significantly to siege progress.
  • Avoid direct engagements with superior Men-at-Arms units if your army is primarily composed of levies, as they will suffer heavy casualties.

Men-at-Arms: The Elite Core

Men-at-Arms (MaA) are professional soldiers, more expensive to recruit and maintain than levies, but significantly more powerful. They come in various types, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and counter-units. A well-chosen and upgraded Men-at-Arms contingent can turn the tide of any battle.

• Acquisition and Management:
  • Recruitment: Access the Military tab and select the Men-at-Arms section. Here you can recruit different types of units, such as Heavy Cavalry, Archers, Pikemen, or Light Cavalry. Each unit type has a recruitment cost and a monthly maintenance cost.
  • Unit Cap: You are limited in the number of Men-at-Arms regiments you can field. This cap increases with your Realm Size, certain Innovations, and specific Cultural Traditions.
  • Upgrades: Men-at-Arms can be upgraded through various Military Buildings constructed in your personal demesne. For example, building Barracks in a county will boost your Heavy Infantry, while Stables will enhance Light Cavalry and Heavy Cavalry. Always prioritize building upgrades that benefit your chosen Men-at-Arms composition.
  • Special Units: Some cultures or regions offer unique Men-at-Arms units, such as Varangian Veterans for Norse cultures or Camel Cavalry in certain desert regions. These often have powerful unique bonuses.
• Strategic Use:
  • Countering Enemy Units: Each Men-at-Arms type has specific counters. For instance, Pikemen are highly effective against Heavy Cavalry, while Archers can decimate Light Infantry. Scout your enemy's army composition before engaging and adjust your Men-at-Arms accordingly.
  • Flanking and Frontline: Position your strongest Men-at-Arms units in the center of your army to maximize their impact. Use faster units like Light Cavalry for flanking maneuvers.
  • Commander Selection: Assign commanders with high Martial skill and relevant Combat Traits (e.g., Heavy Cavalry Expert) to lead regiments that match their expertise. This provides significant combat bonuses.

Optimizing Your Army Composition

A balanced army is crucial. While levies provide numbers, Men-at-Arms provide the punch. Here’s a general strategy:

1. Early Game: Focus on a few strong Men-at-Arms regiments that synergize with your starting culture or local terrain. For example, if you're in a mountainous region, Pikemen might be a good early investment.
2. Mid Game: Expand your Men-at-Arms roster to cover more counter-types. Begin investing heavily in military buildings in your demesne to upgrade your chosen units.
3. Late Game: Aim for a diverse and highly upgraded Men-at-Arms force. Don't neglect your levies entirely, as they still provide a valuable numerical advantage for sieges and absorbing initial damage.
4. Terrain Advantage: Always consider the terrain of the battlefield. Certain Men-at-Arms types receive bonuses or penalties in specific terrains. For example, Heavy Cavalry performs poorly in Mountains or Forests, while Archers thrive in Open Terrain.

By carefully managing your levies and strategically investing in and deploying your Men-at-Arms, you can ensure military dominance and achieve your dynastic ambitions across the medieval world.