The Nomad - Stronghold Crusader AI Lords

The Nomad is a skirmish opponent in Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition.

Overview

The Nomad is a wandering Bedouin prince, who rarely stays long in one place. He roams the vast desert plains to uncover and scour any intruders that would desecrate his ancestors and their lands. With his blood boiling from upholding this one purpose, the Nomad is quick to strike and does not relent. He is poised to make his presence known right from the arrival and attempts to root out his enemies with tooth and nail.

Castles & Defenses

The Nomad's lifestyle is reflected well in his building style. He does not build castles, instead a much more rudimentary encampment that lacks principle and buildings. The Nomad only builds a handful of buildings, which he surrounds with a single wall, perforated by gaps at regular intervals. Groups of Skirmishers overlook the entry points from the top of walls, as well as sometimes a single Lookout Tower is built in the middle of the enclosure. The Nomad also does not take kindly to intruders, as he riddles the gaps and virtually every inch of his courtyard with Killing Pits.

By far, the Nomad builds one of the most primitive and ineffective defenses, as he favors ruthless offense. Demolishers can invalidate his defensive efforts (if we can call it that), as their tower shields can absorb the numerous javelins from the Nomad's defenders and they can also walk through Killing Pits unhampered. Should you not opt for them, cheap troops should be sent in droves in order to clear a path through the forest of traps. Siege engines are not required to besiege the Nomad, since there is relatively little infrastructure to level. Siege Towers may prove useful to surgically strike one section of the Nomad's walls and scale it with your own troops.

Economy

The Nomad has a primitive industry that serves him well for funding his cheap units. He completely relies on selling bulks of stone and iron, as well as he builds a high number of Apple Orchards to cover his populace's food needs. Besides this, the Nomad does not complicate matters any further, meaning he does not dabble in other aspects of economy and popularity.

Raids & Sieges

The Nomad is the most avid rusher in Stronghold Crusader. Right from the outset he immediately targets one enemy and becomes laser-focused on his target. Mobilising groups of Skirmishers, Sappers and Camel Lancers, the Nomad trickles dozens of troops at his victim, targeting outlying buildings and even walls, should the target be unprepared or undermanning his castle. Skirmishers are also bound to riddle any peasants and light troops full of javelins.

While mostly focusing on raids, the Nomad also conducts frequent siege attempts consisting of Sappers and Skirmishers. These troops are very fast to arrive, and they can catch an unwary opponent by surprise, often arriving in unexpectedly large numbers and high speed. They are quick to charge and should they be cleaned up just as fast, the Nomad won't dally and quickly assemble another army to try his luck again.

Getting a working defense against the Nomad is most essential in the early periods of the match. Since Skirmishers can cause a lot of damage via their rapidly replenishing javelins, an equally potent defensive army should be sent right ahead of them, preferably out in the open. Place as few buildings far from the castle as possible, since the Nomad likes to target these with his camels. Crossbowmen, as well as Archers shooting from elevation, supported by other hardy troops can blunt the Nomad's efforts quickly. Archers and Slingers are best suited for field defense, since they are cheap to recruit and cause consistent damage, while Skirmishers of your own can greatly weaken the enemy with a first volley.