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Peridan writes:
"The Legion is unique from most armies in the world in that it recognizes the need for soldiers rather than warriors. A warrior can blindly rush into battle, forcing the enemy and allied lines to mix and to base a battle off of luck rather than tactics or strategy. A warrior may be a formidable force when fighting a duel or any other one on one confrontation, but when faced with the sheer numbers of an opposing force his strength is diminutive in comparison.
A good strategy is far more important in the grand scheme than a simple larger force. While it cannot be argued that the numbers are usually in the favor of the victor, using Legion tactics has allowed Sundren to flourish in spite of its numerous obstacles facing various enemies, in particular the Bloodmaim who use no known fighting technique to speak of except for the blind rush and basic scouting.
The main focus of the Legion is on the group fighting as a whole, rather than at the previously mentioned barbaric methods of battle. The shield of the Legion is specifically designed, alongside its various formations, to defend the man next to himself and to keep the cohesiveness of the group as a whole. Many groups that have been broken of their formation have met their end at the hands of the more superior in pure muscle with the Bloodmaim Orcs.
Therefore, I have decided to record several possible formations that young Legionaires and perhaps even aspiring adventurers can use when fighting stronger, more powerful opponents in the dangerous wilds of this valley.
The first formation is essentially designed to be used when encountering many ranged armed opponents, and is called the,
Tortoise Formation:
This formation, as previously stated, is designed for use against a hail of arrows, or any other ranged objects that may come your way. It's offensive abilities are nullified almost completely, but used correctly it can cover your way to a more easily accessible area on which to engage the enemy. Split into two rows at the minimum, by placing your shields overhead from the back row to cover the front (Enabling Total Defense while also casting Aid Defense to the front row) a shell like formation is possible while at the same time moving towards the enemy in a nearly impenetrable movement. The second formation is called the,
Wedge Formation:
Designed primarily for an attacking Legion squad, this formation is formed into a 'V', with the most heavily armored soldier in the formation at the point position. By using this against a group of enemies, a squad is able to push the group back by expanding the line and to prevent any hostiles from moving through. By keeping a Clinicus within the formation, when the line is expanded it provides the line with rapid healing, with no enemies for the field medic to dodge to reach a wounded soldier. Scholii as well are able to rain more powerful spells on the enemy is they do not have to worry about the collateral damage caused by aiming for the rear of the enemy lines.
It should also be noted that is possible, one would like to have two 'V's ' attacking, one within the other so that once spread, a second line of Velite are able to attack from behind the Heavy Infantry and replace them if necessary for healing by a Clinicus.
This formation is also useful when facing one powerful opponent. With the strongest in front, the others can aid his attacks by creating openings with their shields or blades or come to his defense with the same (Aid Attack and Defense). By focusing all of the teams power at a single point, it is possible to bring down the mightiest ogre or orc if that is the only enemy left standing.
Skirmishing Formation:
This is heavily favored in situations calling for more mobility, and is a favorite used by the Velite light infantry when dealing with raiders or heavily armored opponents that cannot move very well and are susceptible to light and fast hits. It involves fast movements (Charge) and diversion tactics (Diversion) to quickly and powerfully strike the opponent. Defensive ability suffers, but at an increase in overall movement and strike power.
Rain Formation:
When within a unit there are more mages and long range warriors than heavy infantry, or even infantry at all, this formation can be used to cause devastating damage to an enemy. Similar to hit-and-run tactics, this formation uses the combined might of magicks and projectiles to cause massive damage to an enemy while at a distance. When the enemy has reached a certain line, the mages and archers will rain down death on the opponents for a very brief period before retreating part way. Invisibility potions or spells can increase the effectiveness of this maneuver, as can hasting abilities, even for a small amount of time. This formation relies on numerous targets to split the enemy groups to a one on one if possible in a game of cat and mouse. This is considered a slightly desperate tactic, and should not be used if there are any other available options, other formations nonwithstanding.
Tactical retreat is also a viable stratagem, one in which causes no shame if no other option presents itself without causing the needless death of soldiers. However, if there is no way to retreat, there is one formation available the,
Orb Formation:
Designed for a last resort for a squad separated from its legion, this requires the utmost discipline in a squad to pull off successfully. By placing your most defensive units facing outward, it is possible to beat off a surrounding group of enemies by aiding the attack or defense of your ally at any given moment. For instance, if a small goblin was attacking you while the man to your left was fighting an orc, by distracting the larger threat (Diversion) and aiding the attack of your comrade (Aid Attack), you can bring it down quicker instead of focusing entirely on the goblin battering away at your defenses. While still a threat, it is a far less threat than the orc, which if it defeats your comrade will be able to pierce the center.
Scholii and Clinicus stand within the circle, aiding as much as they can with magicks to help the line hold, as well as any weak persons traveling with the squad.
These formations and tactics I hope will be spread to others and used, for in the defense of our beloved valley no stratagem can be enough, no tactic can satisfy. These are simply designed to spur new ideas and to help younger, less experienced soldiers learn what it means to be Legion.
We are the defenders, we are the sentinels, we are the guardians.
"Nos Plant Bellum Ut Nos May Ago In Pacis"
We Make War, So That We May Live In Peace.
Peridan finishes the small book and sends it to Jones to have copies made, able to be found at the Sundren Library.
((OOC note: If you haven't figured it out already, the italicized parentheses are the new combat skills))
"The Legion is unique from most armies in the world in that it recognizes the need for soldiers rather than warriors. A warrior can blindly rush into battle, forcing the enemy and allied lines to mix and to base a battle off of luck rather than tactics or strategy. A warrior may be a formidable force when fighting a duel or any other one on one confrontation, but when faced with the sheer numbers of an opposing force his strength is diminutive in comparison.
A good strategy is far more important in the grand scheme than a simple larger force. While it cannot be argued that the numbers are usually in the favor of the victor, using Legion tactics has allowed Sundren to flourish in spite of its numerous obstacles facing various enemies, in particular the Bloodmaim who use no known fighting technique to speak of except for the blind rush and basic scouting.
The main focus of the Legion is on the group fighting as a whole, rather than at the previously mentioned barbaric methods of battle. The shield of the Legion is specifically designed, alongside its various formations, to defend the man next to himself and to keep the cohesiveness of the group as a whole. Many groups that have been broken of their formation have met their end at the hands of the more superior in pure muscle with the Bloodmaim Orcs.
Therefore, I have decided to record several possible formations that young Legionaires and perhaps even aspiring adventurers can use when fighting stronger, more powerful opponents in the dangerous wilds of this valley.
The first formation is essentially designed to be used when encountering many ranged armed opponents, and is called the,
Tortoise Formation:
This formation, as previously stated, is designed for use against a hail of arrows, or any other ranged objects that may come your way. It's offensive abilities are nullified almost completely, but used correctly it can cover your way to a more easily accessible area on which to engage the enemy. Split into two rows at the minimum, by placing your shields overhead from the back row to cover the front (Enabling Total Defense while also casting Aid Defense to the front row) a shell like formation is possible while at the same time moving towards the enemy in a nearly impenetrable movement. The second formation is called the,
Wedge Formation:
Designed primarily for an attacking Legion squad, this formation is formed into a 'V', with the most heavily armored soldier in the formation at the point position. By using this against a group of enemies, a squad is able to push the group back by expanding the line and to prevent any hostiles from moving through. By keeping a Clinicus within the formation, when the line is expanded it provides the line with rapid healing, with no enemies for the field medic to dodge to reach a wounded soldier. Scholii as well are able to rain more powerful spells on the enemy is they do not have to worry about the collateral damage caused by aiming for the rear of the enemy lines.
It should also be noted that is possible, one would like to have two 'V's ' attacking, one within the other so that once spread, a second line of Velite are able to attack from behind the Heavy Infantry and replace them if necessary for healing by a Clinicus.
This formation is also useful when facing one powerful opponent. With the strongest in front, the others can aid his attacks by creating openings with their shields or blades or come to his defense with the same (Aid Attack and Defense). By focusing all of the teams power at a single point, it is possible to bring down the mightiest ogre or orc if that is the only enemy left standing.
Skirmishing Formation:
This is heavily favored in situations calling for more mobility, and is a favorite used by the Velite light infantry when dealing with raiders or heavily armored opponents that cannot move very well and are susceptible to light and fast hits. It involves fast movements (Charge) and diversion tactics (Diversion) to quickly and powerfully strike the opponent. Defensive ability suffers, but at an increase in overall movement and strike power.
Rain Formation:
When within a unit there are more mages and long range warriors than heavy infantry, or even infantry at all, this formation can be used to cause devastating damage to an enemy. Similar to hit-and-run tactics, this formation uses the combined might of magicks and projectiles to cause massive damage to an enemy while at a distance. When the enemy has reached a certain line, the mages and archers will rain down death on the opponents for a very brief period before retreating part way. Invisibility potions or spells can increase the effectiveness of this maneuver, as can hasting abilities, even for a small amount of time. This formation relies on numerous targets to split the enemy groups to a one on one if possible in a game of cat and mouse. This is considered a slightly desperate tactic, and should not be used if there are any other available options, other formations nonwithstanding.
Tactical retreat is also a viable stratagem, one in which causes no shame if no other option presents itself without causing the needless death of soldiers. However, if there is no way to retreat, there is one formation available the,
Orb Formation:
Designed for a last resort for a squad separated from its legion, this requires the utmost discipline in a squad to pull off successfully. By placing your most defensive units facing outward, it is possible to beat off a surrounding group of enemies by aiding the attack or defense of your ally at any given moment. For instance, if a small goblin was attacking you while the man to your left was fighting an orc, by distracting the larger threat (Diversion) and aiding the attack of your comrade (Aid Attack), you can bring it down quicker instead of focusing entirely on the goblin battering away at your defenses. While still a threat, it is a far less threat than the orc, which if it defeats your comrade will be able to pierce the center.
Scholii and Clinicus stand within the circle, aiding as much as they can with magicks to help the line hold, as well as any weak persons traveling with the squad.
These formations and tactics I hope will be spread to others and used, for in the defense of our beloved valley no stratagem can be enough, no tactic can satisfy. These are simply designed to spur new ideas and to help younger, less experienced soldiers learn what it means to be Legion.
We are the defenders, we are the sentinels, we are the guardians.
"Nos Plant Bellum Ut Nos May Ago In Pacis"
We Make War, So That We May Live In Peace.
Peridan finishes the small book and sends it to Jones to have copies made, able to be found at the Sundren Library.
((OOC note: If you haven't figured it out already, the italicized parentheses are the new combat skills))