Later Sargonid Assyrian

[Player]

I have noticed that the Qurubuti cavalry upgrade is to close order which means 4 to a base? Is this correct?
Also the chariots are classified as close order. Is this correct as all other chariots are loose order? Obviously there is no way of representing this as there is only one chariot to a base.

[lionheartrjc]

The reason the cavalry are "Drilled Close" is because they have ArmHrs classification.  I do not recommend putting them 4 to a base.  Nothing in MeG requires close to be 4 to a base or loose to be 3 to a base.

Chariots are classified as Close for the same reason.

Close are actually cheaper (points) than loose.

Richard

[Wizard of Oz]

Later Sargonid Assyrian
I was interested to read the explanation for Close formation cavalry. I didn't see much logic to having troops with no benefits but a number of disadvantages. I did notice that they were cheaper but still it seemed a bit counter-intuitive to me, but then again, I always liked Super Heavy Cavalry!
As for there being no requirement for close  to be 4 to a base I have no doubt that that is the case, however, it is noted on page 35 as being ideal and as being a basing convention. I also like the look of them, they look somewhat ominous.
My question then is, why not recommend that they be 4 to a base? Is it ease of basing and ease to swap between different units (as in the Later Sargonid Assyrian)?
I am just curious.
Thanks in advance.

[Agoz]

If you can fit 4 cavalry models on one base, go nuts! A lot of cavalry are too chunky for this to be feasible however.

[Wizard of Oz]

Thank you for the response Agoz, I take your point in it can be a squeeze.
I tend to stagger them, one forward and one back etc. That seems to fit fairly well. I suppose in addition to the reasons I gave previously I also think its easier to differentiate during a game, especially for armies such as the Sassanid, Byzantine and some Seleucid etc. if heavily armoured close order cavalry are easily recognizable as such as opposed to some protected figures which are also often represented with extensive armour and occasional barding.
Each to their own.

[ShrubMiK]

Consider it this way: the advantages of "super heavy cavalry" are represented by other characteristics, mainly Shove and in some cases Devastating Charger.

I agree it is a bit counter-intuitive, especially when compared with close order infantry (which get an implied, situational shove).