To Defend
By: Regina Sable
Union Major, Righteous Crusader, Akram Ranger Director
All defenders are expected to reach certain heights before they can officially be branded amongst the greats of the craft. Or as you’ll come to refer to it, being referred to as an advanced job class, or even a Master. As such, there are constant actions taken to ensure that defenders reach these heights. One of which is observation and analysis of a Defenders actions and combat behaviors. These of which are carried out by officials in the Union, and observers that aid in combat operations, field reports, and reputation of a defender that has left an impression amidst the towns. But one of the most crucial and most powerful actions taken is the understanding of the Defender Handbook. Most important is this section of the Handbook. I ,Regina Sable, as War Trainer, have made it my sworn duty to evaluate, prepare and enhance defenders to their highest potential should they be fit to reach it. Thus, this entire section is written to prepare you for the coming storm that you will face, and to guide you to becoming more than just a badge, more than just a name. So, if you wish to be a legend, a leader with no match. Memorize and take this key’s to the heart. As they will be your sword, where all shields shall fall.
Selection.
Not every defender is always prepared to carry out particular tasks that they are seeing amidst their reach. Many times, a defender helps a citizen, or partakes in a mission by voluntary means, and isn’t prepared to handle what is coming. Do not be like other defenders who heed no mind to the dangers that are out here. Follow coordinated instructions, and heed the dangers that are presented amidst an objective or request. Make careful study of the objective, and be prepared to face what you know you can. Do not jump the gun and fight without regard for your health, or experience of combat. Learn what you can, and always be prepared for what’s next. Never be afraid to live to fight another day.
Evaluation.
If you find yourself evaluating an objective and not being sure of whether it should be pursued or not. Take a second opinion from other defenders who are willing to aid you in such a pursuit. Not every task is meant to be handled alone, and two heads will ALWAYS be better than one. Evaluate accordingly as to how a team will be different, and prepare for whatever twists and turns may come.
Preparation.
When preparing, never hesitate to take double of what you require, if not triple of essentials. During our objectives, we’ve no assurance that things will go according to plan, nor than things will even require an extra aid. Never hesitate to calculate and bring more than what you need, or alternate methods to get past something that stops you. It is always important to be prepared for whatever may come, and using alternate methods can sometimes benefit and save much more trouble than one comes to think.
Implementation.
Always carry out your mission with a properly coordinated plan of action. Never hesitate your orders as a leader, and show confidence in the ability of your team, or fellow fighters. Do not ever expect your fellow man to leave you behind, or to leave you in the dust. Implementing yourselves as units is one of the most important assets. You are defenders, not natives, nor slags. You have the brains to unify, and the power to do more than just speak out loud. Use it.
Upon finishing your defender training, you will find yourself facing many enemies whom you cannot overcome with sheer fighting determination alone. When chasing down enemy leaders, you will find it isn’t a simple game of cat and mouse. This is why defenders are trained and provided these details. In many situations, running across a region, or planet chasing an enemy will get you nowhere quick without the proper intel. So, i have taken my time to write this down, and provide it to those who wish to be leaders. During times of war, you will find that both you, and your enemies will be displaying tactics, and more of the contents you find in this handbook. So, if you’re truly baring with me, and willing to prove to our kingdom that you were born to be a great leader. Then read on, otherwise, feel free to skip this entirely, as it won’t bear any fruit upon you.
The Roles of War
Upon every single squad, party, or clan there are 5 basic roles which you must always take into consideration. These roles are defined as “Frontline, Support, Combatant, Assault, and Patrol”. These basic roles are what are defined as a simple standpoint. Keeping in mind, that a single defender can fulfill one, but doesn’t only serve one purpose on a battlefield. The teachings of defenders are vast, and advanced allowing them to do many things. In rare cases, you may find yourself with a defender capable of fulfilling one or even three of these roles. But; let us begin by breaking them down.
Frontline Role.
Despite all mediums of ill-informed defender communications. Frontline classes are not just defenders whose purpose is to stand there and take a hit for you as you channel your energy into an attack. Though, not entirely a lie, there are specifications of what is considered a frontline role that defenders do not realize has become their purpose. Not all of the frontline defenders, would be able to truly stand there and prevent you from experiencing a simple numbing pain. Knowing this now, you can rationalize that a Frontline’s role is to maintain and defend a point. Whether it be together, or as several small groups. Among these are the disciplines and classes known as: “Soldier, Knight, Paladin, Crusader, Hawker, Scout, Hunter, Muse, Cleric, and Sabio.”
Support Role.
Most mediums of defender communication refer to these kind of warriors as simple standby healers. But, that’s far from the case. Support role defenders, are warriors whose job is to allow frontline warriors to continue their job without hesitation or loss of ground. These warriors can also be the main binding glue that holds the frontline together in moments of dire need. Among these are the classes and disciplines known as: “Muse, Cleric, Priest, Conjurer, Artisan, Sniper, Tycoon, Tamer, Vanguard, and Paladin.”
Combatant Role.
There is no information that defenders have said that says the opposite of what a combatant defender really is. Yes, combatant’s job is to stand by the frontline and beat the ever living crap out of enemies harassing the frontline. But no, by no means does this mean that they can run and accelerate past their allies, and bring the whole operation crashing down. Combatants must be precise on their actions, and measure when and when not to do certain actions. Among these are the disciplines and classes known as: “Champion, Enforcer, Gallant, Sabre, Mage, Warlock, Raider, Marauder, and Brawler.”
Assault Role.
Defenders have the notion to believe that an assault role is fulfilled by anyone willing to run into the enemy and just attempt to dish out damage. This simple misconception, is the result of a defenders absolute stupidity. An assault defender’s role is to aid, relieve, and in many cases push the frontline forward. These same defenders are the ones required to deal out the damage to allow the frontline free movement when engaged in combat. Among these are the disciplines and classes known as: “Dealer, Bourgeoise, Triggerman, Grenadier, Musketeer, Conscript, Mage, Pyroclast, Acolyte, and Scout.”
Patrol Role.
Defenders have taken the notion to refer to patrol roles only during the need for stealth or reconnaissance missions. But this isn’t the only use for these types of defenders. A patrol defender has the capacity to route, bypass or even ambush enemy forces in the midst of an attack, or even to surprise the enemy during a defense. Patrol role defenders are also mistaken for combatants in some cases, allowing them to use that to their advantage. Among these are the disciplines and classes known as: “Hawker, Raider, Interceptor, Scout, Ranger, Sniper.”
War Operation Profiles
There are several profiles that defenders must be ready to carry out amidst their campaigns. As leaders preparing to embark for war, these and their basic reasons must always be kept in mind. Provided in order of operational importance, from least to most, they are the base upon which wars will be won.
Reconnaissance (1)
All defenders require information for when they are preparing for battle. Recon expands from simply knowing your own armies strength, weaknesses, patrol routes and supply caches to even; pursuing a leader, knowing of his skills, or what he intends to do. Recon missions can make use of many assets from just speaking to locals, all the way to capturing enemy grunts for information, taking control of communication messengers, and even correspondence or traders. Many diverse methods of attainment of information can be put to play here against your enemies. It is important to know what can be done properly, and what cannot. Even the control, and reactions of your men must be accounted for during these missions. Regardless of the method however, there is no greater proof than you own units personal assessments.
Ambushes (2)
Recon operations can often lead to attainment of valuable information of enough use for defenders to plan ambushes against enemy patrols, supply wagons, or attack forces. These along with the use of the battlefield and proper resources allocation, can win large scale conquests by themselves.
Raiding (3)
In many cases, the information brought in by defenders will open way to knowledge of things that could prove useful to either side. In the simplest of operations, it entails a simple jump in, deal damage, and get out. But the objectives of raid’s can vary from the simplest, to attacking to collect resources in enemy territory, or even collection of information or equipment amidst their encampments. All of it, done at speeds to then evacuate and get out as fast as possible. Normally, the objectives are provided by those who see the values of the targets.
Assaults (4)
An assault and raid may seem like similar objective; however, they are far from it. Where a raids objective may have room for flexibility, an assaults target is crucial and defining. An assault must be more carefully planned than a raid, and most definitely will involve the use of multiple parties or squads during execution. All of which, must be working in unison. Very rarely, will an assault lead into conquest of territory, but more often than not has it made way for such.
Demoralization (5)
Demoralization operations are usually seen as large displays of force performed against enemies to prevent enemy advancements or to drop enemy morale or leaders. But these aren’t the only methods to perform such operations. Destruction of foods, supplies, armories. Drops in population, and even cut off from territory all serve as the same means. But, poorly conceived operations, can cause more harm than good.
Assassinations (6)
Just as ambushes, information of high value targets, such as leaders can come up during recon. These forms of operations usually entail small teams that are sent in to enemy territory, or sent through the ongoing routes to intercept, and put to an end the work of an identified enemy leader.
Infiltration (7)
In many situations defenders will find themselves requiring a more dynamic means of fighting their enemies. For these particular reasons, infiltration missions are performed. As a means to sabotage, surprise, or even open doors, quite literally, for our defender comrades to take action. Infiltrators are more often than not sent on these kinds of missions to minimize losses and casualties, as well as reduce the time of battles, or increase the inflicted damage.
Conquest (8)
Common final movement operations are commonly referred to as conquests. Completely unreserved conquests normally run as large scale attacks on enemy territories. Enemies often see conquest attacks as large scale battles, these of which can result in large spikes of morale for either side. Conquests can be lead as one of two means, seizing of a territory, or absolute destruction.
These forms of operations are the methods carried out during war. These of which, are documented and preserved by acting kingdom representatives for war. During major campaigns, Generals, more often than not will find themselves informing these representatives of their means during said operations.
Tactical Principles
In war and conflict, operations vary, our units vary, but one thing always remains the same. Those, my defenders, are the principles of tactical warfare. These principles are the reason why war never changes. Because if any leader as much as dares to ignore neglect these, they are assured defeat, failure, and a high possibility of death.
Redundancy
In war, things will go wrong, plans will go wrong, and armor will break. A wise leader will plan for failures, and be prepared for retreat should matters come to it.
Economy
Committing all your units to one goal in a mission is dangerous. Defenders are notorious for getting in each other’s way, and one trap can be ever devastating for an army, if all it takes is one step. Learn to optimize units, have numbers sufficient for a task and keep their roles in mind. Always have someone or something on standby in case situations worsen. Not all battles can be victories, but the more that survive, the stronger the comeback.
Clarity
Defenders must always have a clear understanding of their objectives, their ally positions, their fall back points, the strategy, and their chains of command. Training is performed until their responses are as close to automatic as possible. A well trained defender can see through his allies eyes, and be ever vigilant against the fogs of war. In extreme cases, it’ll seem like a precognition.
Focus
A defender must never lose sight of his objectives. Time and resources are precious in battle and must not be wasted.
Flexibility
A missions objective is of high importance, but there can be many ways to achieve it. Do not commit your forces to a suicide mission without searching or analyzing alternatives. A good leader will ALWAYS be aware of unexpected opportunities.
Initiative
Great opportunities come to those who seize them. Defenders are known for acting where many other enemies are known for simply reacting. Do not sit back and dawdle in war and do not lose momentum. Take pride and never show enemies an opportunity.
Mobility
Always maintain a sense of mobility when fighting in smaller forces, you’ll need surprise speed and skill to prevent being utterly destroyed by a much larger enemy. Getting pinned or stranded will immediately turn into a major disadvantage.
Security
Defenders who talk too much or put personal gain ahead endanger missions and campaigns. A careful leader can identify sympathisers and know when and when not to use all elements to their advantage. If you feel danger in your tactics, consider using a second resource, preferably one out for personal gain to prove how loyal other resources are. Leaks must be dealt with, for they may endanger the lives of those around us.
Purpose
You are the defenders. The ones who stand proud at the top of humanities forces. For like you, there are few. So hold steady to those who come to attack you, and stay true to what your heart has enlisted you for. This alone does not grant us victory. But a resolute heart, and a driven soul is one that no enemy can take hold.
These, are all the principles of tactical command, operational strategy, and the roles of the defender armies. Keeping these in mind is of the utmost important. For no defender is fit to be a leader without these principles.