Generals and Spies

 

General - Generals enhance the combat value of existing units by making them more effective. First, they add a small bonus to the armor of all friendly units in close proximity. Second, Generals can Force March units within their radius. This is a major plus, when you are trying to quickly rush into enemy territory and need to keep attrition and losses from things such as enemy forts and towers to a minimum. Third, Generals can Entrench units within their radius, increasing their defensive value. Generals can also create Decoys. Finally, Generals can employ Ambush to hide your units from the view of enemy units.

You purchase Generals at the Fort (or, in later ages, the Redoubt and the Fortress). French players receive their Generals at no cost, but all Generals count against the population cap.

IGN Units Showcase #5

 

Spy - Generals aren't the only useful unit available from Forts; you'll purchase Spies there, too.

One of the primary uses you will find for Spies is their historical role: gathering intelligence. Your Spies can sneak into opposing territory and plant informers to gain important information about enemy troops and buildings. You can also use them to bribe enemy military units to switch sides - this tactic, when used at the right time, can be devastating.

Finally, whenever there are Spies, there can be Counter-Spies. You can use Spies to expel enemy spies from your buildings, where they can sit and watch all your activities throughout the city. Make sure to check your buildings for informers; when deploying spies across the border, infiltrate buildings your foe won't check often (such as Wonders). Oh, and check your Wonders now and then, just to be safe.