Is it possible to allow an army to attack a besieging army without involving the besieged army?

[recentiy03]

Is there a way to make it so you can attack besieging armies and perhaps whittle down their forces a bit before withdrawing without involving the besieged army? It seems ridiculous that you can't...

[Ichon]

Is the besieged garrison yours or allies? I think I've charged in with generals with bad traits on besieged allies and killed many of the attackers and then exited the battle before the garrison had much time to sally. The garrison lost a few forces but ended with control of the city still while besiegers lost several units.

If its your own forces as garrison then exiting the battles loses the battle and the city I believe. Just the way it goes...

[recentiy03]

The besieged army is mine; the point would be to not involve them in any attacks...they don't have to open their gates until they're out of food...but they always do when I try and help them. They'd be best helped by staying put inside while I send in archers from a secondary army who can then retreat when they're out of ammo. The game doesn't allow that to happen, which is foolish, so that's what I'm hoping can somehow be changed...

[Ichon]

I don't think you can change that. I just rationalize it as the defenders seeing their saviors defeated just outside the walls lose hope and surrender. Happened quite often in history. Much more often than a relief army being beaten and the besieged garrison deciding they could hold out until the next army.

If you can attack why not just win the battle though? Otherwise post the small army nearby that will come as reinforcements if the besieging army starts to assault. Most often the AI will lift the siege to chase away your smaller relief army giving you 2 more turns at least.

[Andytheplatypus]

Is there a way to make it so you can attack besieging armies and perhaps whittle down their forces a bit before withdrawing without involving the besieged army? It seems ridiculous that you can't...

Sorry buddy it's not possible. Only way it would be possible is if the besieged army wasn't controlled by you and they aren't allied to you.

[Kabeloko]

perhaps attempt a night attack?
i believe if the besieged army doesnt have the trait, it gets excluded from the fight...
not sure if it will work...

[Andytheplatypus]

perhaps attempt a night attack?
i believe if the besieged army doesnt have the trait, it gets excluded from the fight...
not sure if it will work...

You are correct

[Kabeloko]

yeah!