Im currently trying my hand at the military in Illy, and I have had several (mostly) conflicting reports about what to do.

Most people have agreed and told me that elf bows are the best, followed by cavalry, then spears, then infantry is useless...

What i want to know is which elf bows (T1, T2), which cav etc...

Do i mix them in one town, or have towns specialized for each unit?

What do i equip to the units (crafted item-wise)? And can you equip the wrong thing? - e.g. a spear to a bow unit, as when i was looking at puzzles logic there appear to be some very bad bows and not many good ones, but some far better spears.

do you want many elite divisions? And is it better to have divisions or just one big army with all the troops? does it make a difference?

BASICALLY, I want to know how to do military in Illy, and be very good at it. Blueprints for towns would be brilliant, and explanations are necessary (use little to medium sized words, big words get annoying)

thanks

Think of Military as a game of rock paper scissors in a sense so that all units have a usefulness if you are able to plan/guess correctly.

As for town setup - there are a number of different approaches depending on the level of independence you wish to maintain and the level of micromanagement you wish to subject yourself to.  

My suggestion is first to experiment with sovereignty and its set up to see what you are comfortable with.  Specifically, if you want to set up your sov squares and leave them be or if you are willing to lower and raise them as you need them along with changing the building structures on them.   There are number of guides to sovereignty that are helpful and necessary when your emphasize military over other aspects of the game.  

~Anjire

** Basic Overview of Rock Paper Scissors with Elf bows.  As you add in additional layers such as terrain, crafted equipment, and/or commander specialties the intricacies increase.

T1/T2 Bow basics: 

Attacking T1/T2 spears > defending vs T1/T2 spears but both are still favorable all terrain types with the exception of small forest I believe.  Not many will attack with spears but it does happen from time to  time.

Defending vs. T1/T2 bows > then attacking T1/T2 bows.  Terrain will be moot in this regards so the commander specialty, terrain and crafted equipment will effect the overall outcome. 

Defending vs. T1/T2 swords > then attacking T1/T2 bows

Attacking T1/ T2 cavalry >>>> then defending vs T1/T2 cavalry.  If you can, avoid at all costs using bows to defend vs. cavalry.   Any opportunity to attack cavalry and put them on the defensive is a good opportunity because there can as much as a 50% reduction in their strength.  

The above information was copied from a players profile I think it is accurate.

so, to sum up, i can just do whatever i want and see what works?

1. Forget about defence unless you want to participate in tourneys. Keeping an army to defend against an incoming attack is just silly. Move the army out of the town, camp it nearby for a few days, and let the incoming attack happen. An army attack (not a siege) does not damage anything, and they'll only take a few basic res that you probably don't need anyway.

2. Look at the 8 squares around each of your towns and determine the terrain type. Those are the squares where a siege can set up. Select the best attack units for each terrain type. I determine "best" based on cost per attack point (others may use different criteria). For elves the only two units I build based on that criterion are T2 cav and T2 infantry (depending on terrain). All my units are equipped with crafted equipment specific to the terrain type. T2 archers used to be best for certain terrain types, but with the stat changes a few months ago archers are now pointless for elves, at least the way I judge things.

3. To level up commanders I only use T1 archers to attack NPCs because they're the cheapest to make.

Ultimately, your default commander list will depend on what and how you wish to utilize the military in your city.  

This is what I suggest for a Bow specialized city: 

For leveling up your commanders, I would suggest to start off with 5 T2 bow commanders.  Once you have each with enough experience for 20 levels start cycling in your defensive commanders.  You will want at least 2 of each T1 commanders for Bow, Sword and cavalry and 1 T1 spear commander.  These you will want to experience but not buy levels.  (if you are okay with spending prestige then feel free to level them up just to help speed exp along but buy offensive stats till you are ready to reset them).    You will want them obtain enough exp to  level up to 45-60 levels.  

Ultimately your goal is to have enough levels on each of your T2 commanders to reach level 65 and your T1 commanders to reach level 40.

To set up your city for rapid experience:

You will want to claim Sov to increase your military recruitment speed to at the minimum keep pace with your losses.

You will need a bowyer and brewery of high enough level to keep pace with your losses.  Alternatively, you can purchase bows/beer but I suggest making your own.

If you plan on harvesting your kills, You will need skinners and or cottages as needed.  

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Defending against attacks.  There is always an opportune moment to spring a "surprise" defense on an attack.  For the most part the best defense is moving your army out of your city and weathering the loss of some basics.  99% attacks against a city will be done with cavalry so as an elf you never want to pit your bows against them on defense.  I would suggest against camping your army outside instead send your army on a journey to feint attack a square a long distance away such that it will return when you will log on next.  (rinse and repeat)  If you camp your army on a square or in an allies city they can be targeted and attacked without the added benefit of your walls.  

To defend against a cavalry attack - Combine all the following: 

Walls level 15 or higher

Use spear troops in elite squadron sizes

Assign them to a Maxed out vs Cavalry T1 Cavalry commander (+5% more defense)

Equip your spears and cavalry commander with crafted items that maximize defense vs. Cavalry.  

(If you have the prestige make sure to spend it on Cavalry defense)

Even if your defense force is wiped out all crafted equipment will be dropped into your city include any gear from the attacker.  

I have to respectfully disagree with  Llannedd at least in part with his number 1.