How does combat works?

[Lonkut]

A lonngbowman attacks a fortified swordman (both units have green bar and swordman fortified garrisoned on walled city) longbowman attacks killing the swordman. Again longbowman attacks fortified garrisoned swordman but this time the swordman wins, why? Why didn't the longbowman win like the last time?
Is there an addvantage/disadvantage to attack the enemy first?
Are there more info about combat ,and why one unit wins over another, other that the in-game civilopedia?

 

[The Omega]

When you attack a unit, a random number is generated, deciding the outcome of a battle. This is the reason why spearmen can sometimes kill Modern Armor.

 

[bob rulz]

Ya, but it still has a lot to do with stats. The random number is rolled, then the stats get factored in I think.

 

[The Omega]

Yes, the stats are a factor, but they tend not to really do much. In one game it took two armies, 20 cavalry, 10 infantry, and 25 tanks to make one infantry lose a single hitpoint. Of course, after all that work, I completely crushed the enemy.

 

[The Last Conformist]

I believe it's explained in the manual?

 

[The Last Conformist]

It is, kind of, on page 82. I could explain it clearer myself, but can't be arsed to ATM.

 

[tao]

As already said, its a probability thing. For details on defense boni and on your chances, look at the combat calculator.