A Treatise on Tactics by Keith Waxloor

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This text was not started, as the title would suggest, primarily as a didactic tool for other soldiers to learn on. It is merely an outpouring of my suggestions and advice for anyone who should find themselves traveling and doing battle throughout the world. Perhaps it is a bit vain of me to think anyone should later want to read this, but as my texts have taught me at the academy, often that which we would not want to read can be the most valuable.

I found myself years ago in the town of Hlint after a curious vision, which I at first discounted as the savage-like ravings of an ill mind. However, it appears that many others shared this vision upon their arrival, and as such, I am inclined to believe it was an act of the god Rofirein, as the phantasm was that of a great gold dragon, and his terrible presence caused me no fear.

There were a few jobs to be found, to keep my hands busy. I was first charged to find some ears of particular kind of goblin, so identifiable by the double earring they wore. I was also asked to find the local tax records of the town. These were mean tasks for a man of my schooling and tactical mind, but they taught me valuable things: namely, that an experienced paladin can be a mighty companion.

This paladin, however, was by no means the stereotype. He was called a lech by some, and a cad. In battle, where true mettle is tested, however, he proved a worthy companion. Many seemed convinced, though, that he would eventually be corrupted, and, as one said, I with him. The lesson to be learned is this: trust not the words of others, but their deeds. I was wary of this paladin, and promised that should he prove to be an ill follower of Rofirein, I would denounce and rebuke him.

It seems many of my fellow followers of Vorax have little on their mind but battle and action. I was always told that many of his teachings appealed to the reformed savages and dwarves of the hinterlands, but I had not experienced that in my lifetime. I don't understand how they can be at the same time vigilant, a vital tenet of Vorax's teachings, and ever itinerant. I suppose it is difficult to protect a land you don't view as your own.

The final lesson I will impart is one I revisited upon passing through the foul crypts of Hlint. Though I have studied my entire life to perfect my skill with the axe, a companion reminded me that it would have little effect on the skeletons there. Thus, I used a stout hammer, and felled the beasts like twigs in a wind. It was Paer Gerald Parvell who said it best: "Serve not the purpose. Serve the weapon. For in serving the weapon, all purposes will come." With all my conviction I oppose Corath, but not until utilizing the proper tool could I fulfill my charge.

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*The following are not excerpts from Paer Keith Waxloor's famous "A Treatise on Tactics." They were found in his personal effects following his recent death in the form of a dogeared journal:*

The past few weeks have been industrious, to say the least. Most notably I explored the wildernesses of this strange land, in search of battle. There were some brushes with death and glorious battles, but above all I learned the value of camaraderie in battle. Cronk is quite the fierce warrior, and I think his lack of grasp of the entirety of the Common tongue belies an ingenious mind. Celgar Magnus pleases me with his approach to battle. Though he is powerful with magic, he is never content to fling spells from a "safe distance." He tangles with the mightiest of beasts with little hesitation, and is the kind of magician of which I approve. Perhaps they shall make it into my book.
I am shocked to find so many swordsmen in the land. I understand Vorax does not discriminate against those who don't use the axe, but I should think there would be more wielders of it, with as many worshippers of him as I have met. This concerns me to a great extent, for if I am to be a great warrior, I have no one from whom to learn. I have learned much, though, and have little doubt that I'll become whatever Vorax wills me to be.

-A TREATISE ON TACTICS, CHAPTER 8: The Charge-

I once said to a friend, "A charge is seldom the best approach." I hope we can explore this sentiment to find out if it is in fact true. We shall first approach this from the Three Tenets of Battle, as described in Chapter 2.

From the standpoint of Attrition, charging is extremely straightforward. Whosoever has a more compelling offensive force will defeat whatever defensive positions the defending party can muster. This, of course, is entirely a matter of personnel.

When one looks at the Tenet of Tactical Superiority, one must weigh whether or not charging can be employed with a proper amount of stealth. Seldom can this be achieved with lumbering warriors clad in full mail and boots. However, the elves of Voltrex have often been known to employ charges that leave enemy forces decimated seemingly without disturbing the pillows on which they sleep.

The largest downfall of the charge, is in the third Tenet, Flexibility. This seems obvious. When one commits to a full charge, there is little turning back. However, there are more considerations to be made. Barring that you have omniscient understanding of the field of battle, it leaves your back line of archers and magicians hapless to the enemy who can fly, and the enemy who waits in the wings to split the field and flank both sides.

As such, I would propose a charge only under the following conditions:

1. You vastly overwhelm your enemy with sheer power or numbers. If you should have to ask yourself whether our not you would use the word "vastly," rethink your strategy.

2. The number of archers and magicians on the other side greatly outnumbers the number of duelists. In this case, you will want to crush the enemy ranged attackers for two reasons: To destroy the ability of the foe to enhance his abilities with magic, and also to keep your support alive amidst the ranged attacks of your foe.

3. Silently, you may apply a modified charge to sleeping, slow, or otherwise unsuspecting attackers.

4. We shall not dwell much upon the final purpose of a charge, for it is obvious to any nearing their final days. May Vorax guide your weapon in this instance.

When never to use a charge:

1. Against a force faster than yourself. A wise enemy will either move to flank you, or simply run away, stretching your forces out. In either case, enemy reinforcements would prove deadly.

2. Against a paralyzed force. This may sound paradoxical, but think on this a moment. If they are magically paralyzed, they are not going anywhere. Moving in too quickly will only result in hastiness, which allows unseen forces to wreak havoc. Take your time and slowly conquer your foes.

3. Against an unknown force. I shall never forget the first time I was overwhelmed in battle. A party of over twenty and I walked into a lair of earth elementals without knowing their true numbers. The blood spilled that day was incalculable, and I hoped never to return. I eventually did, however, and through prudence and scouting, we bested their force. More on such tactics in the next chapter.

"Many have, in the name of battle and gore, sought Vorax's favor. In acting hastily, they got his favor in equal haste, and in person." Paer Ashfamel Sandrurian, in his "Notes on the Battles of the Early 15th Century."