A good offense is the best defense

We believe that military engagements should be more than simply matching an attack value to a defense value and deciding who wins.

Strategy and army composition is vital to military success. Units in Illyriad have multiple individual variables that decide each unit's offensive and defensive capability versus other units. Within each army, unit categories include cavalry, infantry, spearmen, bowmen, summoned (magical) units and siege units.

Armies, Divisions and Commanders

Your military also functions better when led into battle, and a strong leader in each division of your army can make the difference between glorious victory or ignominious defeat. Commanders grow in their abilities with every battle they take a part in, and you yourself choose to distribute this experience into the areas you want that commander to excel in.

You can name each army, each division and each commander personally, so it's easier for you to keep track.

Attack, Raid, Blockade and Siege!

You can use your armies to occupy empty squares on the map, projecting your force far beyond the borders of your empire. You can blockade other players' cities, and intercept their trade goods.

Siege encampments can be set up outside the gates of an enemy city, forward positions where you can then assemble your siege towers, grapnels, rams, trebuchets and catapults.

Choosing the right terrain to make your stand is also important. For example, cavalry does not attack well into a forest or up a mountain - but attacks very well across a plain.