fort and barracks design

[seamonkeyluv]

Hello, I am about to venture out of my suburb and may have to defend myself - I have 600 points for my forts.. I am looking for some tips on fort/barracks design .. e.g. best place to locate the fort ( in far corner?) and where to place troops ( arrows in front, swords at the back?), towers, onangers, scorpions, etc..any screen shots or tips much appreciated..

[Stryderunknown]

Defence in nutshell:

• Research your troops to the maximum lvl 30 where/when possible.
  
• Research maximum walls when possible. (lvl 30 walls can withstand a lvl 30 Ongar attack, lower level walls don't do much)
  
• Research both your Legion and City fort points (Remember you have seperate forts for your Forum, Barracks, fort buildings and the legions themselves. So you can design them to play to different strengths and weaknesses to lessen town attacks when you eventually get to Outer Empire and beyond)
  
• Research either Fire Towers or Firepots. (Best to be strong with one than weak with both)
  
• Don't forget Caltrops (They're overlooked but they are there just to stall for ranged to shoot)
  
• Don't bunch up siege equipment (one ongar could flatten them all)
  
• Create a winding path (with walls) of least resistant to your legate (surrounded by firetowers/flamepots, ballistics and melee troops)
  
• The legates the target, the further back the legate is the more likely enemy talents will be triggered and worn off before they get there. (Consider ranged siege to trigger such talents early)
  
• Use less than 1/3 as ranged (Most PvP will be done with 10+ Legionaires storming up to your legate with Tactical Rally, so your arrows will not have much of an effect)
  
• Velites are stronger than Archers but cost more points.
  
• Hide your legate if you must, but remember to hide them means they will have less defences surrounding them.
  
• Watch your defence replays (The best way to build a better defence is to know what fails)
  
• Praetorians can be handy in defence as their skill when triggered will grant better damage and speed to nearby troops. (However smart attackers will trigger them first, before sending in a larger force)
  
• Don't station your troops (specifically your legate) in the range of Firepots or Fire towers. Friendly fire isn't that friendly.

[seamonkeyluv]

many thanks .. i have lots to think about now! very helpful tips