Two specific questions

[infernocanuck]

Hi all! I've been playing M2TW for quite some time now, but there are two small parts of "strategy" in the game I would love a clear answer for.

1) The Defensive Stance. During battle, all units have the option to go on the defensive (the small shield button). If I understand correctly, this prevents a unit from breaking formation, and it also limits the number of deaths to the unit, at a cost of inflicting less kills to an enemy unit. First of all, is this an accurate assesement? Secondly, how do you folks use the defensive stance (if at all)? I've used it as a way for a lesser quality unit to hold out against a tougher opponent, just long enough so I can get my calvary in position to flank. Is there more tactical flexibility to the defensive stance then this?

2)The "provide assistance against a (blank) faction" diplomacy option on the campaign map. I normally offer assistance against rebels or a mutually hated faction for florins, but what about the other way (that is, ask the Ai faction for assistance against an enemy)? Has anyone actually convinced the AI to attack another faction using this diplomatic option? Does it serve any use at all?

Thank you very much in advance!

[Theseus1234]

1) For me, the defensive stance is basically "holding the line" so that the units will not move out of position unless forced to by the sheer mass of enemies

The way you use it seems like a good place to use. Another VERY good place would be to place them in front of your gates while being assaulted in a city/castle or place them as roadblocks so the enemy will have to kill every single one of them in order to move past. I think (key word here) that it may give a small morale boost to the defending unit since their not being ordered to attack or something (remember: i think)

2) I have never been able to get assistance against another faction...EVER

[Mauzeer]

1)i use guard ability mostly when defending walls or gates
2)frankly never tried to use that diplomatic ability

[Pater Familias]

1) Defensive stance is most useful when you're expecting more than one wave of attack, particularly if the enemy is sending in weaker troops to soften you up for the heavy infantry or cavalry. With it on, you don't have to worry about troops breaking formation, only to get clobbered by the big boys as they chase down the Sisters of the Blessed Convent militia or whoever the first batch were.
Of course, you need to remember to turn it off if you're out of attackers and want to give chase.
I tend to place slow (often spear) troops in the middle on defend, then leave the wings to counterattack/flank.
2) The only time I've had any luck on this is when the side I'm dealing with is predisposed to attack anyway ... like when we're both small Catholic factions facing a threat from the Moors ...

[Stildawn]

Does anyone know what the game actually does on defensive stance? Like what attributes/changes it does to the unit?

I use it mainly for holding the bridge in my bridge battles (Bridge Battles = Win a war on the cheap)