It's hard to get your generals some stars.

**cupoftea** · July 21, 2012, 06:38 AM

Is it just me, or is making good generals alot more difficult in RS II? Most of my legions all got silver chevrons (even got a gold one today, that's a first for me!) and they're still being led by a 0-1 star general. I rack up victories, but I don't get any command stars.

**Du Silence** · July 21, 2012, 08:08 AM

It is a lot harder, especially in 2.5, since most generals and family members shouldn't be super governors or generals... If you want a truely good general, check out the character traits, save some useful ancillaries by trading them from old generals to new ones, and win a LOT of victories.
The nr. of victories can trigger a lot of traits mind you, including negative ones, such as "Scared of blood" or whatever it's called.
Also, don't just meassure stars from what is displayed above his picture... A lot of bonuses are tied to situations, based on his history and natural talents, such as Ambusher, Wall Taker, Defender, Attacker.

**ur-Lord Tedric** · July 21, 2012, 10:24 AM

You also need to remember.....

Generals need to be seen to be getting stuck in and risking their lives too - otherwise the boys won't respect them (which is what Stars also represent).

So, don't forget to have your General charge in at a suitable moment (before the enemy have routed) and risk themselves just a little - actually fighting. It will reap the rewards you seek.

It was one of the things I was particularly asked to note in testing - and have reported - but it is perfectly possible to get all 10 stars in 10 years.

NB - (if Roma) for Equestrians and Plebeians it is also necessary to actually have them fight before they will start to be promoted too - because they need to prove themselves. Patricians have rank just given to them - because they think they're just 'better'.

**Tar-Elendil** · July 21, 2012, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by ur-Lord Tedric

You also need to remember.....

Generals need to be seen to be getting stuck in and risking their lives too - otherwise the boys won't respect them (which is what Stars also represent).

So, don't forget to have your General charge in at a suitable moment (before the enemy have routed) and risk themselves just a little - actually fighting. It will reap the rewards you seek.

It was one of the things I was particularly asked to note in testing - and have reported - but it is perfectly possible to get all 10 stars in 10 years.

NB - (if Roma) for Equestrians and Plebeians it is also necessary to actually have them fight before they will start to be promoted too - because they need to prove themselves. Patricians have rank just given to them - because they think they're just 'better'.

This is pretty much it! Also, I've noticed a few things of my own. First of all, to have your general get overall good command stats you need to make sure he is always on the front lines leading the army--cross between the borders and also make sure you use up all of the movement points on every turn. I know it sounds tedius, but most of my generals get "Disciplinarian" or "Logistical Skill" which carries movement, morale and even command bonuses. Pretty nifty, I think, for being all wrapped in just one trait.

One time I left my general and his army moving around between an enemy capital city and the border city. He got two command stars by doing this and also got a ton of movement ancillaries. He could move from northern Italy to down way into Macedonia with a full stack army because of these movement bonuses!

**century x** · July 21, 2012, 02:24 PM

Trying fighting battles where you are completely out numbered.

Heroic victories one after the other can get your stars way up

**dvk901** · July 21, 2012, 03:33 PM

Also, consider how many historical Generals there were who would conceivably be '10 star' generals from this period.

Hannibal
Caesar
Antiochus III
Scipio Africanus
Scipio the Elder
Pyrrhus

Really, not very many. The intent of making it harder was just to better reflect this reality that great Generals were rare.

**Grimbold** · July 21, 2012, 04:22 PM

I just auto resolve a lot of battles. Fast experience for my units and lots of stars.

**noelfaz** · July 22, 2012, 07:02 AM

Saving good ancillaries and giving them to your main general is a good idea , i often pick a young guy who is 17 and dicide to train him up and give him as manny battles as i can and have him in the thick of the battle , and i prefer it when my general gets some blood on his sword

it does give great bonuses.

Thats one of the things i hate about the belgie is that they have chariot bodyguard and the they are just not as efective as a heavy cavalary unit

but perhaps its more historically correct .

**ur-Lord Tedric** · July 22, 2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by noelfaz

...........
Thats one of the things i hate about the belgie is that they have chariot bodyguard and the they are just not as efective as a heavy cavalary unit

but perhaps its more historically correct .

Oh yes - nothing says 'you have arrived' than a gaudy war chariot that you can wave and encourage your troops from - think chauffeured open-top luxury model.

**Zydrius** · July 22, 2012, 09:16 AM

I try to use as generals those who have traits "confident", or "command talent. Most of the time they tend to become good generals. For me 5 stars for a general is good enough. If game engine gives more - the better. Anyway, I have no idea, what stars really affect on the battlefield (maybe morale...).

**Disco** · July 22, 2012, 11:06 PM

I've never had a problem getting generals up in stars. Provided they have good traits, take them on campaigns and resupply with a trailing army (armies). The sticking point for me is getting up to 4 stars. Once your general is up to 4 stars, getting him higher is easy. Fight at even or worse odds. Be patient, and take many settlements with your general.