CLASSIFICATION OF M.E
.TROOPS
CLASSIFICATION OF M.E
.TROOPS
1. Orcs
The majority of Orcs were weaker than their mannish or Elven opponents but present in far greater numbers at major battles. Where they won it was usually due to wearing down the enemy or outflanking them. Orcs suffered from inter-tribal rivalries which were only overcome by fear of powerful commanders or the will of sauron.
Orcs were generally well armoured and armed with a variety of swords, scimitars, axes and spears and supported at close range by archery. They operated effectively in rough terrain. Their attitude on the battlefield was a mixture of impetuous charges and retreats (see Battle of the Five Armies). It is easy to repulse their attack but difficult to break the whole army.
To reflect their abilities and attitude without adding any rules to standard-DBM I decided to treat them as follows:
Orcish Generals
should almost always be classified as Allied to reflect their rivalry and
occasional cowardice. Of course they will only change sides, if the enemy
is of the Forces of Darkness, too.
Tribal leaders normally got a bodyguard of picked orcs who were tough fighters,
so they should be classed as Irr Ax(S) or Irr Bd(F).
Orc Warriors
with supporting archers are best classified as Irr Hd(S). As Hd(S) they are
impetuous, not hindered by terrain and easy to repulse, but difficult to
beat (because of the superior rating and because they are only counting as
1/2 loss for the breakdown of the army). The main disadvantage of the
classification is the lack of speed of Hd(S), but this seems to be neglectable
compared to the otherwise difficult to simulate abilities (without changing
the DBM rules).
Less well equipped warriors are classified as Irr Hd(F).
Great Orcs, Uruk-hai and Half Orcs
are true elite warriors. They are well armoured and armed with large scimitars,
axes and spears. They are impetuous, swift and dangerous, so they are best
classified as Irr Bd(F) with supporting Ps(O).
Uruk-hai and Half Orcs were better disciplined than other Orcs and used for
positions in command or special missions, so they earn regular status.
Orc Archers
Although bows were widely used by orcs battle accounts all mentioned archery
fire as subsidiary to the close combat troops, so most archers are classed
as (supporting) Psiloi Irr Ps(O) or are integrated in the Hd(S) Warrior elements.
Other archers are Irr Bw(I).
Wolfs and Wolf Riders
Wargs were swift and able to defeat mounted troops. They are not hindered
by most terrain.
For Wolf Riders see Special Rules.
2. Ents and Huorns
see Special Rules.