Generals Pool

[put413]

Can someone tell me the proper use of the generals pool? What I usually do is, look around the map for units in need of a general first, and give them one from the pool. Only 3 can be redeployed per turn (per my settings), then I send them via rail or river...But sometimes, (usually I should say), there are far more generals than seem to be needed. Am I using them right?. I also wonder, if I place a lone General in a city that has no other units in it, will that general encourage units to that city? (like from within; volunteers?)

[Rafiki]

Welcome to the forums!

To start with the last; there are some generals that will increase the number of conscripts a city will generate (I can't recall which special ability it is they need to possess right now), but generals have no effect on unit creation; they will either arrive by event or by you recruiting them through the recruitment screen.

Generals can be used for a variety of purposes; if you have generals to spare, you can assign them to small stacks and garrisons, or you can team them up to provide more CP to a stack. E.g. An individual division (commanded by a general, as it has to be) will usually be 2 CP short, giving a 10% CP penalty. Add another general to the stack, and you have enough CP to avoid any penalty. I also usually keep a few generals "in waiting" with my main battle corps, in order to be available if I wish to form new divisions or split divisions off on their own.

[Jabberwock]

To start with the last; there are some generals that will increase the number of conscripts a city will generate (I can't recall which special ability it is they need to possess right now), but generals have no effect on unit creation; they will either arrive by event or by you recruiting them through the recruitment screen.

Welcome put -

The ability is Recruiting Officer, symbolized by a black pennant on a gold background. The general has to be inside a large city to use it. I think level 5 or up. Most generals who have the ability are poor field commanders, so this is the best way to use them.

Patriot special ability uses the same symbol, it increases the chances for partisans and volunteers in the same state as the general. The general doesn't have to be in a city. (Not sure exactly how the mechanics of that one work, and not sure if I've ever seen any benefits from it.) Most generals with this ability are decent field commanders.

There are some abilities ... Artillerist, Entrencher, Seige Expert, Training Officer, etc. that belong in large stacks whether the general is given troops to command or not.