King Philip - Stronghold Crusader AI Lords

King Philip is a skirmish opponent in Stronghold Crusader.

Overview

Philip Augustus of France was a renowned and talented general in the Crusades at a young age, participating in the Third Crusade. His rendition in Stronghold Crusader is a caricature on his French background, who leads skirmishes only for the sake of spoils and fame, with no talent to back it up. King Philip believes that his loyal knights are able to bring him glorious victory, and in his blindness he trusts nothing else but them, persistently throwing them at his enemies.

Castles & Defenses

King Philip's castles are simplistic enclosures with a rather unique take: he likes to surround his Keep with an imposing front and a neglected rear. The front side has overly thick walls with crenellations and a Large Gatehouse, as well as two largely unmanned Square Towers housing Ballistae, resembling more of a barricade than a proper fortification. The other sides have nothing but a relatively thin line of Moat running along the borders, along with a Small Gatehouse breaking it to provide secondary access. Most buildings are usually built inside the enclosure, as well as Philip likes to overbuild Stables to show his fondness of horses and his valiant Knights. Philip only spreads his starting forces around the castle and does not generally reinforce his defenses, preferring to rely on his gathering forces on the Keep.

Knights and Archers in very small groups are seen conducting patrols. If there are enemy raiders, Philip sends out a few Archers and a larger band of Spearmen in an attempt to dispatch them.

Philip's simple "forts" do not require much planning to break, as the defenses are rather rudimentary. Even with the dual Ballistae present, much liberty can be taken to bring Philip to heel. The Moat in the back is generally not very thick and can quickly be dug up, as well as the walls in the front can be quickly be scaled via ladders or a Siege Tower, or just Assassins to take the Gatehouse. Philip may send out Spearmen, and his Knight sentries could charge at your troops once you get to provoke him, but he has almost nothing else to show up in his defense. 

Economy

King Philip has a modest economy that is severely hinged on Iron production. Unlike any other lord, he does not build Stone Quarries. For the Granary, he produces Apples in large quantities, and buys additional Bread and Cheese. There are numerous positive Fear Factor buildings and Chapels present as well, granting a lot of popularity that can be converted into higher levels of taxes. King Philip also provides equipment for his troops via a number of weapons workshops.

Raids & Sieges

As it is apparent from the overview, King Philip loves Knights. Due to his very modest needs, he can quickly get up a Stable or two, and start sending these Knights in groups of 4 to 8. These units are great at complementing his patrolling Archers while a group is put together, then is unleashed at a target of Philip's choice. Moreover, Philip also likes to subtly construct a raiding Catapult and send them to lay down bombardment at buildings in arm's reach. 

Philip likes to take matters lightly, and this is reflected in his sieges. By far he puts the least effort in it compared to any other AI opponent, using only Spearmen to attack in the worst way possible, sending them to dig up Moat and chew their way through the enemy fortifications without any ranged or artillery support. Needless to say, most of Philip's attack efforts fall short to even the least prepared defenses, which are easily deflected just by ranged units firing freely at his troops.