>> This could work. Comments? Very abstracted I know but I need something along these lines:)
here are some good rules of thumb for such a system, based on how things tend to go down in realtime total war combats:
ability to conduct flank attacks:
1. having cavalry units
2. lite infantry can be used in a pinch, if you have a lot, and outnumber the enemy
ability to defend against flank attacks:
1. having cavalry units
2. having extra infantry units (more than the enemy), so some can cover the flanks.
how they match up:
flank with lite or heavy cav, or lite inf. (figure out some numbers - how many and what kind are available).
defend with lite or heavy cav, or inf (figure out some numbers - how many and what kind are available).
so each side will end up with a score of how well they can flank, and defend again being flanked.you then compare these to see how the "flanking battles" will go. the flanking battles will be fought off to the sides or in the rear areas as separate skirmishes from the main battle line.
you then take a look at the flanking numbers and the main battle odds to determine victory. if an army can win the main battle and not be outflanked, it will win. if it can achieve stalemate in the main battle and can win at flanking it will win. if it can flank with ease and the main battle is not too lopsided against them, they might win. basically, a great advantage in flanking will tend to counter a great advantage in main battleline forces.
armies with archers will usually lose use of the archers at least temporarily if the enemy succeeds in outflanking them.
you might think of it as two ways to win, the main battle, and flanking. with both contests go on at once. victory in either usually brings the other to a swift conclusion.
