The Nizar - Stronghold Crusader AI Lords

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

Overview

The Nizar is a religious fanatic and leader of the mysterious Order of the Assassins, upholding the law by killing heretical rivals. He relies on stealthy approaches in both defense and offense, as well as he creates island-like encampments that seem easy to siege at first glance. Striking when least expected is what grants the Nizar an edge in psychological warfare, as his invisible Assassins may appear anywhere on the playing field. 

Castles & Defenses

The Nizar has a unique flavor for "castles", which are more like enclosures resembling an island. He surrounds his keep and industries with thick layers of Moat, often featuring multiple layers that are accessible through one or more Small Gatehouses & Drawbridges. The Nizar does not build walls, rather he sets up individual Lookout & Round Towers that host Arabian Bowmen, as well as Fire Ballistae are also deployed around the perimeter. While all this construction looks rather elementary, the Nizar also takes the precaution to build a forest of Killing Pits around the moat. On higher ground where Moat cannot be dug, these spike traps can prove surprisingly effective still. Slaves and some invisible Assassins may be lurking around the castle in high numbers, as well as retaliatory Arabian Bowmen may leave the castle to address provocations.

The Nizar's islands are usually slow and pain-inducing to siege due to the presence of Moat and traps. Attacking the castle in two waves is recommended: a large ranged group could clear out the Nizar's Arabian bowmen and siege engines from afar, paying attention to the watery depths which have traps. A second wave could then move in to spring traps at a narrow section and fill in the Moat. Demolishers are fantastic units for this purpose, as they ignore Killing Pits and can also fill the moat with their tower shields up. Lighting up the densely packed buildings can also make quick work of the Nizar's industry, however his many water workers may quickly put out the fires. With a clear path, send in an army of sturdy troops to finish off the remaining Assassins and the Lord.

Economy

Much like most Arabian lords, the Nizar uses Bread as his main source of income. He builds ample Bakeries and Inns to further his popularity and possibly cut rations, as well as he boosts his combat morale with an abundance of Good Things. The Nizar does not gather much raw materials, building lots of Woodcutters to spend his wood on the myriad of spike traps, while erecting only one Stone Quarry and a small number of Iron Mines & Pitch Rigs to sell iron and pitch for profit.

Raids & Sieges

The Nizar is not an aggressive lord, however he could be occasionally seen sending raids. Even though placing an Engineer's Guild, the Nizar does not harass with siege engines. Instead, he sends small squads of Assassins that can traverse the map with impunity and attack whatever buildings they see fit. Due to the nature of their invisibility and the ability to climb walls, the Nizar's assassins may also find their way into an enemy's castle and surgically strike at the Granary or other important buildings.

In a similar fashion, the Nizar also relies on stealth to get his siege army in position, which is comprised entirely of Assassins. If Moat is present for the target, then Slaves may also accompany the attack force in small numbers. When the Assassins storm the enemy, they may seek out the Gatehouse and other potential paths into the castle, hoping for a quick strike not in the view of the main defenses. To minimize exposure, the Nizar also omits siege engines from the attacks.

Preparing for the Nizar's gimmicky attacks usually involves good area coverage around the castle and minimizing the number of entry points in it. While the Nizar often forms up his attack force without indication, he eventually taunts you when he launches his Assassins. Build Moat around the castle to force the Nizar to add Slaves, essentially giving away his attack location. When the Slaves fall, the Assassins will be targeting gates and maybe find a path through the walls, giving your tower forces a much easier time to dispatch the invaders once they unstealth. To contain the Nizar's raids, keep a few ranged units around your outlying buildings and don't build in a sprawling fashion, or the Assassins will have way more potential targets to stretch your forces thin.