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Mass Combat: Militray Tactics Old and New!
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<blockquote data-quote="BMF" data-source="post: 258361" data-attributes="member: 3149"><p>Just a few points.</p><p></p><p> I read many years ago (In Dragon IIRC), that DnD mass combat would be more like modern warfare than medieval warfare since magic would have an effect similar to modern technology. The men need to be spread out in small, highly mobile units, not bunched in tight formation. </p><p></p><p> Another point comes from Sun Tzu. </p><p> </p><p> Leopold mentioned the Zulu tactic of the Bull's Horns. I think Sun Tzu would say that isn't a very good idea. In fact, Mr Tzu says you sould never put your enemy in a position where he can clearly see that he has no escape. When a man finds himself in a "back to the wall" or "fight to the death" situation, he will fight more ferociously than if he has an escape route. You will lose more men and resources killing a hemmed-in foe than you would defeating an enemy that thinks it can run away from you. </p><p></p><p> So, Sun Tzu says, you should always leave an escape route for your enemy, or more accurately, you should leave the APPEARANCE of an escape route. That way, the enemy will be more likely to break ranks and flee, becoming panicked and disordered in the process. Of course, you should also have the escape route covered with long range artillery, snipers or some other force to cut the enemy down as they run.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="BMF, post: 258361, member: 3149"] Just a few points. I read many years ago (In Dragon IIRC), that DnD mass combat would be more like modern warfare than medieval warfare since magic would have an effect similar to modern technology. The men need to be spread out in small, highly mobile units, not bunched in tight formation. Another point comes from Sun Tzu. Leopold mentioned the Zulu tactic of the Bull's Horns. I think Sun Tzu would say that isn't a very good idea. In fact, Mr Tzu says you sould never put your enemy in a position where he can clearly see that he has no escape. When a man finds himself in a "back to the wall" or "fight to the death" situation, he will fight more ferociously than if he has an escape route. You will lose more men and resources killing a hemmed-in foe than you would defeating an enemy that thinks it can run away from you. So, Sun Tzu says, you should always leave an escape route for your enemy, or more accurately, you should leave the APPEARANCE of an escape route. That way, the enemy will be more likely to break ranks and flee, becoming panicked and disordered in the process. Of course, you should also have the escape route covered with long range artillery, snipers or some other force to cut the enemy down as they run. [/QUOTE]
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