"Army" size for first liberation?

[Kryten]

Hi there,
I am thinking about doing the first liberation in the first village (NE). I tried to research a bit before about what kind of force I need to not get totally wiped by the brigands, but all I find is contradicting statements that are about a year old or older.

Can anyone give me a rough estimate about what I need for that?
So far I got 7 people in my combat group, all with at least 2 strength (to use maces and wear medium armor) and some points in weapon and shield. They all have a basic shield as well. I guess this is not really enough yet?

[Ensign Toby]

Yeah, that is probably gunna end badly...
You'll be facing more (10-15) Brigands, who are better armed/armored than your group.
You can expect a slaughter, with you having to clean up the stragglers (if you can).

If you can successfully attack a Tier 2 Bandit Camp without losing anyone, you are ready.

I tend to go with the Zerg approach myself.
Toss Moar Slaves (ur, Nobel Freedom Fighters) at a battle than your opposition.
It also helps if everyone has the best armor available at your tech level.

If you can't wait for better numbers, you'll have to kite the Brigands to you for better odds.
Use Terrain and/or Buildings (fences work well) to funnel Brigands into your waiting army.
In this tactic, YOU are the Bait. Things don't work well if the Bait is slow...

You could also try Guerrilla Warfare.
Pick off the Brigands with Ranged Attacks, and (bravely) run away so the rest de-aggro.
Repeat as necessary...
Thin out their numbers, and then attack with your main force.
Don't wait too many in-game days, or they get re-reinforced (which don't show on map).
--------
And, for your "rough estimate", at that gearing you should bring 12-16 fighters.

Good Luck.

[tamu1997]

Food is important. Need to have them at at least smoked meats but preferably fine stew. boosts them +135ish health and 20% combat attributes with the stew and 2 smoked meats

[Tanyon]

This is my personal strat:

At least 12 villagers. Full end T1-beginning T2 gear. Weapons and armor. Basically whatever you can make that does not require iron. Make sure whoever can equip a shield has one. they make a big difference.

As tamu said food is absolutely important. Just as much so as armor.

Fine stew for all is a must.

Large smoked meat is second best. Then smoked meat or even meat stew.

[Kryten]

Thanks so far!
Food is no problem, I have a barn full of stew, fine stew, smoked meat and more. Every villager who gets into the combat team has to be able to use the basic shield and I train them up to at least 2 in str, so they can wear some decent medium armor. Also going with maces, as blunt seems to be the best option against so well armored enemies.
I am even working on getting some iron right now (only missing peat now, but its winter!), so I can make some better armor pieces for myself (I got that "buggy" apprentice weaver from Farnworth)

[Tanyon]

Originally posted by Kryten:

Thanks so far!
Food is no problem, I have a barn full of stew, fine stew, smoked meat and more. Every villager who gets into the combat team has to be able to use the basic shield and I train them up to at least 2 in str, so they can wear some decent medium armor. Also going with maces, as blunt seems to be the best option against so well armored enemies.
I am even working on getting some iron right now (only missing peat now, but its winter!), so I can make some better armor pieces for myself (I got that "buggy" apprentice weaver from Farnworth)

Sounds like you are going to be just fine then.

[Kryten]

Originally posted by Tanyon:

Sounds like you are going to be just fine then.

Yeah, except for finding another 5-7 capable fighters...it seems all that is left in the first two towns is either crap in stats, has problematic perks or too high level to recruit. Seems like I have to grind reputation in other towns now first....

[Tanyon]

Originally posted by Kryten:

Originally posted by Tanyon:

Sounds like you are going to be just fine then.

Yeah, except for finding another 5-7 capable fighters...it seems all that is left in the first two towns is either crap in stats, has problematic perks or too high level to recruit. Seems like I have to grind reputation in other towns now first....

YOU can also.. recruit bad people.. the villages will replace them in a day or two and then possibly get someone better than dismiss the bad people you lose no renown this way.

I hope eventually there is a way to just make villagers leave the area and replenish without you having to do anything.

[Ludi]

Don't waste renown on beggars, only recruit villagers with 4+ strength so that you can equip them with a shield.
The measuring point is that if you can defeat the current brigands defending the village with only 1-2 loses you'll probably be able to defend the reclamation party.
Zerg the hell out of them, get as many ppl as possible. Be the bait for enemies, block with shield and let your companions hit them.
Save, fight, fail, learn, enjoy the game.

[Ensign Toby]

Originally posted by Ludi:

Save, fight, fail, learn, enjoy the game.

Didn't Edna Mode say that?

[Ludi]

Originally posted by Ensign Toby:

Originally posted by Ludi:

Save, fight, fail, learn, enjoy the game.

Didn't Edna Mode say that?

I don't remember that.
It's just the feeling that I get from what the devs intention with the game is.
Nice catch though! :)

[Prepackaged Cat]

I did it with 4

[Kryten]

In the end I went there with a group of 10...we had some fun, but one guy was downed because he ran off alone to fight two brigands...
The reclamation parties were a joke so far...only containing two brigands. I went out alone to get them and except for some uninvited bandits it went pretty well. I think I might need to check my game settings, I probably set those too easy when starting the game.

Now nearing the end of research, so I am getting ready to liberate Padstow next

[Khan]

you can do it with a few people if your competent and take out some of the reclaim party with a bow before they get to the town.

if you want a smooth easy take over, avoiding making any t1 stuff for your army as it is bad, just go straight for t2 and make the best t2 stuff you can, get everyone shields and some archers, around 10-15 people. Make sure they are good fighters with good perks and they will wreck anything.

[Tanyon]

Originally posted by Prepackaged Cat:

I did it with 4

Right and let me guess.. you used a bow and cheese killed like half the brigands yourself?

Some people can solo it.. I say good for you and them if that's how you like to play.

[Ensign Toby]

Right and let me guess..
you used a bow and cheese killed like half the brigands yourself?

Death by Cheese...

Been There, Been There My Friend.