There is no ideal cookie cutter formation that is perfectly optimized for every single encounter. This is just a guide and is not meant to be interpreted as the absolute be-all-end-all.Suggested reserves: 3 additional melee units, 2 additional ranged units, 1 additional sergeant, and 1-3 dedicated shield tanks.Goblin pikes, swordlances and warscythes are good substitutes for the standard two-handed reach weapons if you find them before the dedicated mastered weapons.You may also want to field an additional sergeant for these encounters, but keep the banner and sash together on the better one The cleaver duelists can trade places with the macemen to gain a better spread when dealing with Geists.The swordlance is interchangeable with the warscythe. They can also start in the frontline, reap with the swordlance as the enemy draws near, then move to the back if you’re about to get flanked. The greatswordsmen can be swapped out for two more ranged units when fighting goblins.In terms of optimization, I believe the bow slightly wins out over the crossbow and is generally favorable Ranged units can be either bowmen or crossbowmen, and it’s wise to have at least one of each, just in case you find a named bow or crossbow and want someone who can use it.The back line has our ranged units, standard bearer, and greatswordsmen.The formation consists of a front line of two-handers and cleaver duelists.
