Armies - large unit tactics on the Pelennor Fields

War is raging on the Pelennor Fields, outside of the great city of Minas Tirith. If you are strong enough, the commanders of the Armies are looking for new commanders to lead their troops into battle... do you have what it takes?


First, you must find the headquarters of the Army in question. If you are good, seek the forces of Gondor. Evil players should command the armies of Mordor.

Once you are enlisted in the Army, you will be given rank and troops to command into battle. The ranks and the commandable troop sizes can be found in "help army_ranks". Combat between armies is entirely simulated, and is not lethal (you do not die when your army loses).

Commands which you can do with your army:
> lead <army> - take command of an army
> engage <army id or leader> - start combat with another army
> order <command> - order your army to execute a maneuver (see below)
> status - display that status of your troops







ARMY COMBAT


There are 6 basic maneuvers:
regroup, flank, charge, encircle, retreat, and defend in place

Each move requires a certain amount of 'organization' to perform. For example, to set up a good defense you must be highly organized. Each move also causes you to become less organized, affecting the moves you can do later. Only the regroup command differs - it actually increases your level of organization. However, while regrouping you are vulnerable to attack.

Manuever  Description
--------  -----------
regroup   Become more organized.  Vulnerable to attack, though.
flank     Flank your enemy.  Inflicts most casualties against a charge.
charge    Charge into the enemy.  Is suicide against a defense.
encircle  Trap the enemy, they cannot retreat while encircled.
retreat   Run away. You must face one last attack, however.
defend    Set up a defense in place.  Minimize casualties.

Much of combat effectiveness comes only through use and tactics which you build over time. Commanders who win enough battles are then candidate for promotion. To achieve the highest rank, you must not only have enough wins, but a favorable win/loss ratio.






CASUALTIES


Part of war is death. Each combat round, you will be told how many of your troops are wounded and killed. Wounded troops can be healed at your army HQ, but do not help you during battle. Dead troops can only be buried - again, this is done at your Army's HQ. An Army which drops below 7 troops is considered defeated.



See also:    army_ranks,  orders