Checking the Enemy Army Formation

Before probing

• Do not include the leader or familiars in a test march.
• Use minimal divisions with a tiny buffer of the other troop types.
• Remove the wall with a separate siege march so the report is easier to interpret.
• Accept that the test march may be lost.

Two control marches

• Cavalry probe: cavalry heroes, roughly 6,000 T2 and 4,000 T1 cavalry, plus a few infantry and ranged troops; test in Infantry Wedge.
• Ranged probe: ranged heroes, a similar small ranged ratio, and an infantry/cavalry buffer.
• Compare reports, front-line casualties, and contact behavior to identify the formation.

Limitations

An online opponent may switch formation between the probe and main attack. Watcher talents, hidden reinforcements, and other variables can also distort the result.