Attack and Defense: What do the numbers mean?

[NobleNick]

Questions on unit strength: What, exactly, do the attack and defense numbers mean? And how are they modified by flank and rear attacks?

For instance, if an infantry unit has an attack of value of 9 and a defense value of 12; how much better is it than an infantry unit that has identical stats, except a weapon upgrade gives it an attack value of 10? Does that mean each man in the unit has a 9% chance of hitting with each swing, and the 10 means that increases to 10% ?

And is the defense value of 12 mean that there is a 12% chance to block an otherwise successful attack? How about defense (or is it attack) modifiers for flank and rear attacks: how do these types of attacks modify the numbers, and how are those numbers used?

[shadowarmy75]

THe only thing i know about is defence. If you attack from the right, the shield defense bonus isn't included. If you attack with arrows the defensive skill doesn't count.

[hellheaven1987]

Don't know. But higher defence probably means your unit won't die so easily. And higher attack means your unit can kill others more easily. Higher Hp means your unit can get how many stab before he or she die.

[guyyug]

also being shot or hit from behind removes sheild defence

[shadowarmy75]

There is an explanation in the beginning of export_descr_unit.txt.

[Sitarus Originalus PM-30+]

good queastion... i just know that 10 is better then 9 =) and also: when there is not a big difference in numbers it doesnt matter, but strategy does.
for instance.
i am plaing Spain (and units are so damn bad that you are not match to romans). every battle i win against romans it is historical victory, cos i beat the chances as computer will see my units are not as good as romans are. in average romans can kill 250% more then they lose againt me. they have in average about 10 points higher all diffence, attack, etc.

[NobleNick]

Thanks, guys. That helps a bit. I will try to look up that reference that shadowarmy75 talked about.

[Red Harvest]

"i just know that 10 is better then 9"

Not necessarily...there is a lethality factor on the melee attack. For most sword units it is a 1, for some spear units it is 0.73, for axemen/falxmen it is typcially 0.87. Multiply this factor times the melee fighting rating to come up with the "actual" melee attack rating.

Obviously any other bonuses must be included as well (I don't know if these are multiplied by the lethality factor or not.)