Charges & Intimidation

[Michael Gladius]

In most wars, battles are a test of nerves. Unlike in films, where armies fight to extinction like the Japanese in Iwo Jima, most battles historically were resolved by one side running away and the defeated army would often join their conquerors. 10% casualties were considered high, even as late as the 19th Century.

 

So there needs to be an intimidation mechanic in-game. Charges were a common way to test the enemy's nerves, as most people prefer to be the hammer than the anvil. The best way to counter a charge was usually (no pun intended) to counter-charge, as it would force the other side to feel the same terror. Cavalry were more intimidating than infantry, for obvious reasons.

 

 

[Lighthope]

May be too nitpicky of a detail.  Though Medieval 2: Total War used charges like that I think.

Honestly, charging for intimidation is a detail I can live without.