Official Web Manual
Battle Basics
To enlarge your territory, you need to strengthen your country using Administration from the "Appointments" Force command and "Domestics" from the Base commands. Then you will need to use various strategies to conquer other forces.
As you continue through the game, keep in mind the basic ideas below.
Expanding Territory
Aim for free areas in the vicinity
When enlarging your territory, first aim for the cores of any empty spaces in the vicinity. There are 2 possible ways to take control of the core. You can use the "March" Base command to move the unit and suppress the area or successfully use Placation from the "Plots" Force command. Using both at the same time is the real secret to enlarging your territory in the early stages of the game.
Simultaneously use March and Placation
While sending out Placation envoys, dispatch units to the core of each area. By using the Awl formation, which has a high mobility, the units can move quickly to the core. Alternatively, if you use the Crane formation with lots of troops, while moving, you will be able to suppress a wider range of areas at the same time.
Issue conquer orders to the unit, and then appoint an area overseer the next turn.
After arriving at the core, if the unit has been ordered to Conquer, the unit will automatically continue to conquer pieces of land. For the areas where Placation is successful, the area becomes a part of your territory without requiring you to wait for the unit to arrive, so the unit you sent there can be used to take over other pieces of land in the area. If you appoint an area overseer after gaining control of the core (in the next Strategy phase, using the "Domestics" Base command), your territory will be expanded each turn. Appointing an officer with as much charisma as possible as area overseer will help to expand your territory in the shortest time possible.
Strengthening Your Country
To strengthen your country, first use Area Government from the "Domestics" Base commands to raise your commerce and increase the amount of gold income you receive. At the same time, use City Government to appoint a recruitment overseer and a training overseer to increase troops and raise morale.
Also, it is important to conquer areas and expand your territory, as well as carry out the Suggestions from the Sanction command.
Preparations for battle are also important. You can strengthen your units and military facilities by raising the effectiveness of your formations or increasing the damage of your catapults by using Administration from the "Appointments" Force command.
Strategy
Going head on with a unit led by a powerful officer will only lead to greater damages. By setting up military facilities such as Arrow Towers or Camps, you can set up an advantageous situation for your forces in battle.
When in battle, your units will be strengthened a corresponding degree if you are in possession of the areas neighboring the area you are fighting in. So when you are ready to attack, make sure you conquer the surrounding land as you press forward toward your goal.
Also, since it is difficult to conquer cities and gates using standard formations like Fish and Arrow, you should form a Siege weapon unit formation and add it to your army. This siege weapon formation is weak against other units but is extremely effective against bases.
