Formations underwent a major internal development in BW 1.34. In a long overdue adaptation to the first release of Warband, the player can now apply formations to divisions 4-9. However, the system also supports the ability of the player in Warband to compose the first three divisions as arbitrary types, so no longer makes any assumption about the type of those divisions. Admittedly, it DOES take some getting used to...
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Any time in-game that you have a formation form or "Hold," it will set up near the position that the player had when the command was issued: infantry to the left, cavalry to the right, and archers up front. Additional infantry divisions set up further left, additional cavalry further right, and additional ranged further forward. So, for example, if you would like TWO ranged divisions and want the one with thrown weapons further forward, make sure the archers are in Division 3 and the skirmishers in a Division 4-9.
Troop divisions that for whatever reason are NOT in formation will attempt to integrate with the other divisions in the "Hold" position. Divisions rotate to face the enemy UNLESS they are following the player.
There are no assumptions about division type. The system types them as the following:
- majority HEROES: majority skilled, Support; otherwise Bodyguard
- majority HORSES: majority with bows, Mounted Archers; otherwise regular Cavalry
- majority RANGED: with thrown weapon, Skirmishers; otherwise regular Ranged
- none of the above: with polearms, Polearms; otherwise regular Infantry
You have to bear this typing scheme in mind when composing divisions; otherwise your Infantry division may suddenly become some sort of Ranged. Also be aware that Brytenwalds autoequips troops with thrown weapons at the start of battle, thereby making Skirmishers or Ranged out of all Infantry.
Hero-type divisions and more notably Skirmishers make infantry-type formations. Skirmishers will revert to type Infantry (and position on "Hold" to the players LEFT instead of FORWARD) when they use up their ammunition.
Whenever a unit first forms a particular formation, troops spread out for ease of forming up. They also change weapons as befitting their new formation positions.
Player troops start every battle in formation.
F4 brings up the formations menu.
The "ranks" command for archers puts them in a staggered line.
Cavalry will not make any formation other than the wedge.
Charge (and Dismount for cavalry) will undo a formation. The player may Advance multiple times to have a formation move toward the average position of the enemy. Or use the order panel or hold-F1 to place them (or sweep them across the enemy for the cavalry wedge).