New features:
Adjusted troop composition: troops are now divided into three battle positions:
Tian Shu (Heaven Pivot): Recommended for ranged units, but infantry can also be deployed
Di Shu (Earth Pivot): Infantry only
Ren Shu (Human Pivot): Recommended for cavalry, but ranged units and infantry are also allowed
This change aims to increase formation flexibility, allowing alternative unit types when cavalry or ranged units are unavailable.
Added the state production system, representing production facilities controlled by factions within cities:
Horse Pastures: Located in select cities in Liangzhou and Youzhou, they produce warhorses monthly. Warhorses are required to form cavalry units, giving northern factions a significant cavalry advantage.
Arsenals: Present in every city, they automatically produce armor (e.g., iron lamellar) and weapons (e.g., crossbows) monthly based on orders and available materials in the armory, supporting the formation of elite troops.
Introduced the merchant system: if merchants are present in a city, players can purchase supplies during internal administration meetings:
Horse Merchants: Stationed in major commercial cities, they offer warhorses for cavalry recruitment.
Itinerant Merchants: Roam across all cities and currently sell iron ingots, a key material for weapon and armor production.
Added elite troop types:
Heavy Infantry: Requires iron armor. Slight increase in attack, significant boost in defense compared to light infantry.
Heavy Cavalry: Requires both warhorses and iron armor. Greatly enhanced attack and defense compared to light cavalry.
Elite Archers: Requires crossbows. Increased range by 2 tiles and improved damage compared to light archers.