Post by Katherine on Jan 15, 2015 21:59:59 GMT
[The following is an archival post from the old forums. Plot believed the content useful/relevant/entertaining. If you are the original poster and would like me to take it down contact me at this account. ]
While out training I have begun to read about battle tactics. Though I am certainly not skilled or trained, I am interested. I would like to share some of the tactics that I have learned about and discuss them with you.
[Lord Michael said that this tactic is actually THE LIGHTNING STRIKE and not the Hammer and Anvil--be advised. ~Aasha]
Hammer and Anvil: (Lightning Strike)
This tactic is best suited to the objective of a speedy recovery of a person, item, etc.
First goes those with range, casters, alchemists, archers. It is their responsibility to cause confusion and to break apart the grouping of enemies. They need to be quick and cunning. Their priority is not healing, but drawing as much attention to themselves and being as much of a nuisance as possible. They are to make a hole, or to be the striking hammer for the anvil to temper the enemies on them. Because directly behind them comes a small group of fighters.
Second, the fighters (which is a relative term for certain) charge through the hole and the confusion created by the front line skirmishers. They break through, their priority is to move and make way. They do not stop and fight, they take the battle with them. They stay light of foot and focused. They do not stop to pick up any fallen from the front line. They step over them with trust and confidence and continue with their objective.
Directly behind the fighters comes the support. In this group you have your healers, and those that can bandage wounds. It is their responsibility to stand up the front line again so that they can scatter and emerge again at the front to repeat the process, creating a break hole for the fighters.
Behind them you have a small group of defenders that can watch the flank and help to protect the support. This group should also be ready to charge forth again with the front line if the original Anvil has gotten too far ahead.
Once the objective is collected, the tactic is to turn and make a quick retreat from the area, much in the way that they entered.
Survival is preferable. But the Objective is paramount. Trust, confidence and carefully planning are essential. Is it difficult to step over a fallen comrade when you believe you could help? Of course it is. Which is why dedication and focus is needed. Because behind you is a support team that is dedicated to picking up the fallen and they are trusting you to achieve your goal. Each part of the plan is integral and would fall without the rest.
Once battle begins, each group or cell must act almost as their own unit, focused on a group goal. In this type of plan there is not time to re-evaluate. There is only time to succeed.
~~
I am interested in your thoughts on this idea, Dragon's Hearth? If we are to do battle...we should do so with style and preparation.
Aasha Cathmoore
---
It has been pointed out to me that this is not an effective tactic.
I will attempt to find another tactic that is better suited to the speedy retrieval of an object or person.
---
However, Panther daDanaan did teach me about a tactic he called the "Flying Wall". I will endeavor to describe it as he described it to me.
In the Flying Wall is best suited for an open field skirmish where you are outnumbered no more than double. It is at least a five man operation and at most a seven or eight man. Several walls can be employed in combat at the same time.
The Flying Wall consists of one point man (the most aggressive fighter that can fearlessly deal the most damage) and two post men who (preferably have shields) are the toughest, who have the ability to defend the longest and to soak up as much damage as possible. Next to the post men are those with range (the ability to use long weapons) or battlemages. Behind the front wall, here is a required healer and an option elemental caster.
As the Flying Wall comes close to contact with the enemy, they form a wedge, with the point man making contact first. Then the wall straightens out to meet the enemy and the far edges, the post men, take root. Next the point man and the two inside collapse backwards, to create an inverted chevron or an inverted wedge. Doing so draws the enemy back in behind the line where they are surrounded on three sides and eliminated. Once that portion is neutralized, the line will straighten, the post men will pick up and the line will move to the next location.
I will ask him to read this and give his feedback, but I welcome your thoughts as well.
~Aasha
---
I thought I felt my ears burnin!
Aye, you have the gist of the strategy Lady Aasha. The trick is to set up a hard wall anywhere on the field. And pick it up entirely and move to where it needs ta be. The center is your biggest hitter melee wise. A Two hand weapon user, or a long-swordsman with good reach that forces everyone in front of him to pay attention to HIM. The posts are your hardest boys on the field. Spirit Battlemages in solid armor are very handy for this in my experience. To the right and left of center are your standard sword swingers. Normal length weaponry works well here to aid in gettin the bad guys to move in when the wall flexes inwards. Upside down V formation to make contact, flex backwards into a normal V allowing the sidemen free reign to beat on whoever follows your center back, crushing them betwen. Once their center is gone you flex back out tearing into the broken assault and then decide if you need to move the wall again. The trick to remember, you have to have a healer backpacking the line, and you really should have a ranged caster beside him to soften up hard targets or break a hard line with shields.
This same tactic works up to 7 in front and 3-4 in the back as long as the backfield is ranged and healers. More than 7 it's a real wall an not mobile enough. Two walls at once moving through a largish fight, say 25 bad guys per wave to your two sets of 6 or 7 lets you crowd them in and attack from two sides.
I checked over the Hammer an Anvil tactic ya got, and I'm pretty sure it works just fine for what it's meant to do. Been in that formation a few times in fact as the rear guard in the "Anvil" and the edges on the "Hammer" part. Not sure what's wrong about it. The range soften a hole, the hard boy melee group smashes in making the hole wide and moving through as fast as they can get away with together, the healers with the defenders runs up the backside of the ones makin the hole an picks up the fallen adding em to the defensive "Anvil" until they can catch up to the forward crew and smash those that crowd in behind them with the casters and defenders and the stood up "hammer" folks. Gets you in to where ya need to be, grab your prize an get the hell out the way ya came. Works amazingly well on undead hordes, gnoll armies, and wave upon wave of elementals when all ya need to do is kill the leader, capture/destroy the bit of terrifying evil creating them, or what have ya. Needs a lot of warriors ta pull it off, but I bet you could do it with 5+ in the Hammer backed by 3-4 ranged, 3-4 healers in the 2nd crew watched over by 4-5 defenders guarding the rear. Everyone doin what they supposed to I don't see a problem with it.
Got a few more I'll put to paper in a bit, soons I have a meal. Thanks fer an opportunity ta blather.
_Panther daDanaan
---
Ok here's my tactic. We're gonna get a whole clan of dwarves in some armor with spears, hammers, and axes. Then they're gonna start off with defending some palisade walls, then push the enemy back until we crush them, much like the gnoll child that I curbstomped!
---
Cloch,
That is a wonderful idea. However, what are the walls made of, flamable wood? Reinforced with stone? Let's build on this.
Aasha
---
Psssssh *drinks from bottle...hic* AYE!!! The flames won't be touching me anytime soon hehehehe.
---
Lad, keep tha extremely flamable booze away from tha fire... I dont wanna be outta booze when tha fights over like after we fought those metal lads in Rubicon! An pass the bottle, i'm a bit parched.
---
Creating a flame resistant formula for intoxicants would be fabulous...perhaps we should look into this more seriously. Perhaps a sort of iced brew.
---
Hehehe *hic* ya see I've kinda already done that laddies! Like I said ain't no flames gunna touch me anytime soon. *takes a drink and passes it to Clue* See lad?
---
I believe Aasha is underestimating the brewing capabilities of a dwarf...
---
Wreh heh!
---
In the crypt the “rush and retreat” tactic that we tried worked moderately effectively until we could draw the horde of undead out into the field. It would have taken hours to widdle them down just from the doorway. Coordinating our move and rushing in to create short bursts then retreating to regroup was at the time the best option. Well done.
---
What tactics have you encountered that were effective or not effective?
~Aasha Cathmoore
Scribe of House Cathmoore
---
A line of shields and blades kept the frailer zombies at bay while a good dwarven crossbow was able ta put bolts inta their rotten skulls. It worked fairly well until tha ones strong ebough ta smash up our shields started showin up.
For those we tried to stick with the hit and circle technique Panther showed us when the ice wall fell. It worked well even with our inexperiance. Eventually tha sheer numbers became too much.
Had some trouble with those blasted skeletons, magic and bolts slippin right through their boney ribs, leavin um unharmed and chasing after um just broke our line so the zombies could get us. Anyone have any good tactics for those? Weasle did a good job of runnin um down while we held ranks, but it left him exhausted and exposed.
Clue
---
Ignore em.
You did the right thing with your crossbows. Making the enemy unable to hold a defensive position is the best way to deal with a defensive position, not trying to overrun it.
How would you've handled it if there were a bunch of casters chuckin spells atcha?
Michael
---
Cloch is making me a crossbow. I am very excited. I also noticed that the wraiths could only be affected by silver weapons. I do believe, lads, that we need to fire up the forges.
If they were casters, I would surmise that we keep a loose formation for easy mobility and to decrease their chances of lobbing spells into a closely packed group. Then we would, in small groups rush up on the casters and quickly explode their disgusting and disorderly undead caster "bodies" from all sides before moving in a systematic fashion on to the next target. Having an anchor in combat would be helpful, and I believe that the "town healer" generally plays that role as a bit of a "base" that the loose group operates around?
If there was a single caster, we would do as Quick Wit did and land a precise Silence on them to take them out of the equation.
That is my guess. I enjoy this discussion.
A
---
Would that work if they were holed up in a defensive position as he says they were?
Michael
---
No, it would indeed not. If they were pressing an offensive, I believe it would. I am uncertain how to proceed if they were in a defensive position. I believe that not presenting one huge solid target is still a valid tactic, however. Uncertain of the rest. Will have to continue to ponder.
A
---
There's a few nifty tactics can be used on casters. Distraction and misdirection, especially with ranged, being more important for droppin them than for the rank and file. Since we're lookin at hordes of whatever nasties are comin, I'll stick to tactics used for larger groups against smaller groups.
First off, I showed the Kinallen boys a trick or two on dealin with greater numbers of slower undead. Don't back up unless it's just a step er two ta reset yer line. Instead wheel around an away from whatever casters they have which gets your line to face a smaller edge of the incomin force and puts the bad guys as a spell break between you and the caster. If there's only one you break ranks, circle and beat it down quick. Best for slow nasties.
Second, when there's too many to single out and smoosh one or so at a time, you're rogues step back away from the fight and swing wide around the opposite direction your main force is wheelin. You'll eventually get the nasties to turn enough so your rogues can get some backs to perforate. Even better if they turn enough they can't protect their hopefully arrow/spell distracted caster from the Rogues and he gets popped.
You gents all remember the crazed open skirmish of a "field battle" we had this last Saturday night? Well that's exactly what the not-all-mindless undead did to our boys. They turned our line again and again while their rogues went wide and got our backs. A few quick nausea an assassinations and suddenly I'm playin gimp healer in the end times.
Now defendin against this trick? Not so easy heh. Ranged have to keep on the casters and rogues well enough to keep em busy so our own backstabbers get their shot. Backs against somethin protective, a buildin works well, and you can eliminate their quick takeouts from behind. Not so mobile anymore but if ya got the healin to live through standin hard for a bit, this is your best chance.
Like a street magician you can't help give yer gold to, misdirection, false information, and sneaky thinkin will win out an awful lot more'n raw power when it's you against the world.
-Panther daDanaan
---
Also, I noticed that it is a natural inclination to follow the bait. I was with a pair of Kinallens and we were perusing a zombie before our two groups broke off and Cloch’s group and I went to the crypt. We were getting very strung out from the main group, but it was very tempting, because the zombie was alone and we were attempting to circle it to take it down. However, in the process, before we realized it we were 20 to 30 yards out from the main group. I advised to not get too strung out and to back up towards our group, because the zombie would either pursue us or move targets, but if someone happened, we were too far away to get to quickly at that point.
It is strange that it is such a natural inclination to follow bait and that it takes real concentration and realization to discontinue the instinct. We might have to use that to our advantage in the future.
Panther, I believe we might need to call that tactic of yours "Wheel and Deal". I believe I understand it, but I might need to have you explain it in person with some hand gestures and visual aids. Perhaps a flow chart.
A
---
Lord Michael,
I would appreciate, when you have a spare moment, if you could explain to me why the version of the Hammer and Anvil would not work. Also, if you could then detail your version of the Hammer and Anvil that -does- work, that I believe I have been a part of, I would enjoy that and find it helpful.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter,
Aasha Cathmoore
---
It's more a misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of the Hammer and Anvil. The tactic you're laying out is the Lightning Strike, and it can work well if everyone is fast and coordinated. More likely, though, people get left behind or worse.
---
I see, very well. I have changed the original to include that it should be called the "Lightning Strike", thank you for that information.
A
---
Hah
Ravage
---
Wreh Wre wre heh wreh heh heh Wreh he heh Wreh WREEEEEEEEEEEHHHH HEEEEEEEEEH!!!!!!!!!!
----
Here's another good tactic for facing casters. There's not many tactics you can really use mind ya, but every little bit helps I say. Scrawled in red: I just read back a ways an it seems Aasha put a bit on this as well. Great minds an all that!
If you've got too many casters, or big Elemental types with frozen or flaming death chuckin powers, and not too many fighter types in your face, you're gonna wanna spread out a bit to avoid getting hit. Don't make holes, but stay a bit more than an arms length away from your friends. Don't make your line very deep either cause any spell you dodge is gonna hit your friend/healer/backpack.
Now look for cover. I prefer trees, especially with hanging branches or shrubs an such near them. They're spell catchers and a lot more effective at it than you.
You're gonna need to close with them at some point. The best chance to do so is immediately after a volley of spells. It takes a full second, more if you're really lucky, to finish a spell and sling it your way. In that time, throw a dagger, shoot an arrow, or have your friend do it so you can get right up on your target and start wailin on him. Most mages can't cast while getting beat, though Undead an some magical creatures don't feel pain so pick your shots. If you can't drop him, or interrupt him, get back in cover asap.
These tactics are made easier with long weapons like spears, polearms, and greatswords cause you can hit them at the same range as they can hit you, and their fighters can't easily close without getting a face full a stabby things while you're safe from their claws. Makes it easier to land quick hits on the caster and get back into cover, as well as providing a ranged distraction for your rogues to get a back or two.
Next up, Rogue basics, or how to stab people and win friends!
-Panther daDanaan
While out training I have begun to read about battle tactics. Though I am certainly not skilled or trained, I am interested. I would like to share some of the tactics that I have learned about and discuss them with you.
[Lord Michael said that this tactic is actually THE LIGHTNING STRIKE and not the Hammer and Anvil--be advised. ~Aasha]
Hammer and Anvil: (Lightning Strike)
This tactic is best suited to the objective of a speedy recovery of a person, item, etc.
First goes those with range, casters, alchemists, archers. It is their responsibility to cause confusion and to break apart the grouping of enemies. They need to be quick and cunning. Their priority is not healing, but drawing as much attention to themselves and being as much of a nuisance as possible. They are to make a hole, or to be the striking hammer for the anvil to temper the enemies on them. Because directly behind them comes a small group of fighters.
Second, the fighters (which is a relative term for certain) charge through the hole and the confusion created by the front line skirmishers. They break through, their priority is to move and make way. They do not stop and fight, they take the battle with them. They stay light of foot and focused. They do not stop to pick up any fallen from the front line. They step over them with trust and confidence and continue with their objective.
Directly behind the fighters comes the support. In this group you have your healers, and those that can bandage wounds. It is their responsibility to stand up the front line again so that they can scatter and emerge again at the front to repeat the process, creating a break hole for the fighters.
Behind them you have a small group of defenders that can watch the flank and help to protect the support. This group should also be ready to charge forth again with the front line if the original Anvil has gotten too far ahead.
Once the objective is collected, the tactic is to turn and make a quick retreat from the area, much in the way that they entered.
Survival is preferable. But the Objective is paramount. Trust, confidence and carefully planning are essential. Is it difficult to step over a fallen comrade when you believe you could help? Of course it is. Which is why dedication and focus is needed. Because behind you is a support team that is dedicated to picking up the fallen and they are trusting you to achieve your goal. Each part of the plan is integral and would fall without the rest.
Once battle begins, each group or cell must act almost as their own unit, focused on a group goal. In this type of plan there is not time to re-evaluate. There is only time to succeed.
~~
I am interested in your thoughts on this idea, Dragon's Hearth? If we are to do battle...we should do so with style and preparation.
Aasha Cathmoore
---
It has been pointed out to me that this is not an effective tactic.
I will attempt to find another tactic that is better suited to the speedy retrieval of an object or person.
---
However, Panther daDanaan did teach me about a tactic he called the "Flying Wall". I will endeavor to describe it as he described it to me.
In the Flying Wall is best suited for an open field skirmish where you are outnumbered no more than double. It is at least a five man operation and at most a seven or eight man. Several walls can be employed in combat at the same time.
The Flying Wall consists of one point man (the most aggressive fighter that can fearlessly deal the most damage) and two post men who (preferably have shields) are the toughest, who have the ability to defend the longest and to soak up as much damage as possible. Next to the post men are those with range (the ability to use long weapons) or battlemages. Behind the front wall, here is a required healer and an option elemental caster.
As the Flying Wall comes close to contact with the enemy, they form a wedge, with the point man making contact first. Then the wall straightens out to meet the enemy and the far edges, the post men, take root. Next the point man and the two inside collapse backwards, to create an inverted chevron or an inverted wedge. Doing so draws the enemy back in behind the line where they are surrounded on three sides and eliminated. Once that portion is neutralized, the line will straighten, the post men will pick up and the line will move to the next location.
I will ask him to read this and give his feedback, but I welcome your thoughts as well.
~Aasha
---
I thought I felt my ears burnin!
Aye, you have the gist of the strategy Lady Aasha. The trick is to set up a hard wall anywhere on the field. And pick it up entirely and move to where it needs ta be. The center is your biggest hitter melee wise. A Two hand weapon user, or a long-swordsman with good reach that forces everyone in front of him to pay attention to HIM. The posts are your hardest boys on the field. Spirit Battlemages in solid armor are very handy for this in my experience. To the right and left of center are your standard sword swingers. Normal length weaponry works well here to aid in gettin the bad guys to move in when the wall flexes inwards. Upside down V formation to make contact, flex backwards into a normal V allowing the sidemen free reign to beat on whoever follows your center back, crushing them betwen. Once their center is gone you flex back out tearing into the broken assault and then decide if you need to move the wall again. The trick to remember, you have to have a healer backpacking the line, and you really should have a ranged caster beside him to soften up hard targets or break a hard line with shields.
This same tactic works up to 7 in front and 3-4 in the back as long as the backfield is ranged and healers. More than 7 it's a real wall an not mobile enough. Two walls at once moving through a largish fight, say 25 bad guys per wave to your two sets of 6 or 7 lets you crowd them in and attack from two sides.
I checked over the Hammer an Anvil tactic ya got, and I'm pretty sure it works just fine for what it's meant to do. Been in that formation a few times in fact as the rear guard in the "Anvil" and the edges on the "Hammer" part. Not sure what's wrong about it. The range soften a hole, the hard boy melee group smashes in making the hole wide and moving through as fast as they can get away with together, the healers with the defenders runs up the backside of the ones makin the hole an picks up the fallen adding em to the defensive "Anvil" until they can catch up to the forward crew and smash those that crowd in behind them with the casters and defenders and the stood up "hammer" folks. Gets you in to where ya need to be, grab your prize an get the hell out the way ya came. Works amazingly well on undead hordes, gnoll armies, and wave upon wave of elementals when all ya need to do is kill the leader, capture/destroy the bit of terrifying evil creating them, or what have ya. Needs a lot of warriors ta pull it off, but I bet you could do it with 5+ in the Hammer backed by 3-4 ranged, 3-4 healers in the 2nd crew watched over by 4-5 defenders guarding the rear. Everyone doin what they supposed to I don't see a problem with it.
Got a few more I'll put to paper in a bit, soons I have a meal. Thanks fer an opportunity ta blather.
_Panther daDanaan
---
Ok here's my tactic. We're gonna get a whole clan of dwarves in some armor with spears, hammers, and axes. Then they're gonna start off with defending some palisade walls, then push the enemy back until we crush them, much like the gnoll child that I curbstomped!
---
Cloch,
That is a wonderful idea. However, what are the walls made of, flamable wood? Reinforced with stone? Let's build on this.
Aasha
---
Psssssh *drinks from bottle...hic* AYE!!! The flames won't be touching me anytime soon hehehehe.
---
Lad, keep tha extremely flamable booze away from tha fire... I dont wanna be outta booze when tha fights over like after we fought those metal lads in Rubicon! An pass the bottle, i'm a bit parched.
---
Creating a flame resistant formula for intoxicants would be fabulous...perhaps we should look into this more seriously. Perhaps a sort of iced brew.
---
Hehehe *hic* ya see I've kinda already done that laddies! Like I said ain't no flames gunna touch me anytime soon. *takes a drink and passes it to Clue* See lad?
---
I believe Aasha is underestimating the brewing capabilities of a dwarf...
---
Wreh heh!
---
In the crypt the “rush and retreat” tactic that we tried worked moderately effectively until we could draw the horde of undead out into the field. It would have taken hours to widdle them down just from the doorway. Coordinating our move and rushing in to create short bursts then retreating to regroup was at the time the best option. Well done.
---
What tactics have you encountered that were effective or not effective?
~Aasha Cathmoore
Scribe of House Cathmoore
---
A line of shields and blades kept the frailer zombies at bay while a good dwarven crossbow was able ta put bolts inta their rotten skulls. It worked fairly well until tha ones strong ebough ta smash up our shields started showin up.
For those we tried to stick with the hit and circle technique Panther showed us when the ice wall fell. It worked well even with our inexperiance. Eventually tha sheer numbers became too much.
Had some trouble with those blasted skeletons, magic and bolts slippin right through their boney ribs, leavin um unharmed and chasing after um just broke our line so the zombies could get us. Anyone have any good tactics for those? Weasle did a good job of runnin um down while we held ranks, but it left him exhausted and exposed.
Clue
---
Ignore em.
You did the right thing with your crossbows. Making the enemy unable to hold a defensive position is the best way to deal with a defensive position, not trying to overrun it.
How would you've handled it if there were a bunch of casters chuckin spells atcha?
Michael
---
Cloch is making me a crossbow. I am very excited. I also noticed that the wraiths could only be affected by silver weapons. I do believe, lads, that we need to fire up the forges.
If they were casters, I would surmise that we keep a loose formation for easy mobility and to decrease their chances of lobbing spells into a closely packed group. Then we would, in small groups rush up on the casters and quickly explode their disgusting and disorderly undead caster "bodies" from all sides before moving in a systematic fashion on to the next target. Having an anchor in combat would be helpful, and I believe that the "town healer" generally plays that role as a bit of a "base" that the loose group operates around?
If there was a single caster, we would do as Quick Wit did and land a precise Silence on them to take them out of the equation.
That is my guess. I enjoy this discussion.
A
---
Would that work if they were holed up in a defensive position as he says they were?
Michael
---
No, it would indeed not. If they were pressing an offensive, I believe it would. I am uncertain how to proceed if they were in a defensive position. I believe that not presenting one huge solid target is still a valid tactic, however. Uncertain of the rest. Will have to continue to ponder.
A
---
There's a few nifty tactics can be used on casters. Distraction and misdirection, especially with ranged, being more important for droppin them than for the rank and file. Since we're lookin at hordes of whatever nasties are comin, I'll stick to tactics used for larger groups against smaller groups.
First off, I showed the Kinallen boys a trick or two on dealin with greater numbers of slower undead. Don't back up unless it's just a step er two ta reset yer line. Instead wheel around an away from whatever casters they have which gets your line to face a smaller edge of the incomin force and puts the bad guys as a spell break between you and the caster. If there's only one you break ranks, circle and beat it down quick. Best for slow nasties.
Second, when there's too many to single out and smoosh one or so at a time, you're rogues step back away from the fight and swing wide around the opposite direction your main force is wheelin. You'll eventually get the nasties to turn enough so your rogues can get some backs to perforate. Even better if they turn enough they can't protect their hopefully arrow/spell distracted caster from the Rogues and he gets popped.
You gents all remember the crazed open skirmish of a "field battle" we had this last Saturday night? Well that's exactly what the not-all-mindless undead did to our boys. They turned our line again and again while their rogues went wide and got our backs. A few quick nausea an assassinations and suddenly I'm playin gimp healer in the end times.
Now defendin against this trick? Not so easy heh. Ranged have to keep on the casters and rogues well enough to keep em busy so our own backstabbers get their shot. Backs against somethin protective, a buildin works well, and you can eliminate their quick takeouts from behind. Not so mobile anymore but if ya got the healin to live through standin hard for a bit, this is your best chance.
Like a street magician you can't help give yer gold to, misdirection, false information, and sneaky thinkin will win out an awful lot more'n raw power when it's you against the world.
-Panther daDanaan
---
Also, I noticed that it is a natural inclination to follow the bait. I was with a pair of Kinallens and we were perusing a zombie before our two groups broke off and Cloch’s group and I went to the crypt. We were getting very strung out from the main group, but it was very tempting, because the zombie was alone and we were attempting to circle it to take it down. However, in the process, before we realized it we were 20 to 30 yards out from the main group. I advised to not get too strung out and to back up towards our group, because the zombie would either pursue us or move targets, but if someone happened, we were too far away to get to quickly at that point.
It is strange that it is such a natural inclination to follow bait and that it takes real concentration and realization to discontinue the instinct. We might have to use that to our advantage in the future.
Panther, I believe we might need to call that tactic of yours "Wheel and Deal". I believe I understand it, but I might need to have you explain it in person with some hand gestures and visual aids. Perhaps a flow chart.
A
---
Lord Michael,
I would appreciate, when you have a spare moment, if you could explain to me why the version of the Hammer and Anvil would not work. Also, if you could then detail your version of the Hammer and Anvil that -does- work, that I believe I have been a part of, I would enjoy that and find it helpful.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter,
Aasha Cathmoore
---
It's more a misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of the Hammer and Anvil. The tactic you're laying out is the Lightning Strike, and it can work well if everyone is fast and coordinated. More likely, though, people get left behind or worse.
---
I see, very well. I have changed the original to include that it should be called the "Lightning Strike", thank you for that information.
A
---
Hah
Ravage
---
Wreh Wre wre heh wreh heh heh Wreh he heh Wreh WREEEEEEEEEEEHHHH HEEEEEEEEEH!!!!!!!!!!
----
Here's another good tactic for facing casters. There's not many tactics you can really use mind ya, but every little bit helps I say. Scrawled in red: I just read back a ways an it seems Aasha put a bit on this as well. Great minds an all that!
If you've got too many casters, or big Elemental types with frozen or flaming death chuckin powers, and not too many fighter types in your face, you're gonna wanna spread out a bit to avoid getting hit. Don't make holes, but stay a bit more than an arms length away from your friends. Don't make your line very deep either cause any spell you dodge is gonna hit your friend/healer/backpack.
Now look for cover. I prefer trees, especially with hanging branches or shrubs an such near them. They're spell catchers and a lot more effective at it than you.
You're gonna need to close with them at some point. The best chance to do so is immediately after a volley of spells. It takes a full second, more if you're really lucky, to finish a spell and sling it your way. In that time, throw a dagger, shoot an arrow, or have your friend do it so you can get right up on your target and start wailin on him. Most mages can't cast while getting beat, though Undead an some magical creatures don't feel pain so pick your shots. If you can't drop him, or interrupt him, get back in cover asap.
These tactics are made easier with long weapons like spears, polearms, and greatswords cause you can hit them at the same range as they can hit you, and their fighters can't easily close without getting a face full a stabby things while you're safe from their claws. Makes it easier to land quick hits on the caster and get back into cover, as well as providing a ranged distraction for your rogues to get a back or two.
Next up, Rogue basics, or how to stab people and win friends!
-Panther daDanaan