fandomhigh | Battle Tactics and Strategy; Thursday, Fourth Period [03/21],

Class that week was held again in a boring old classroom, because, quite frankly, the logistics of setting up elaborate sims when you couldn't even see how they turned out was a little bit exhausting and Ignis, personally, found these sort of mental theater of the mind exercises personally more enriching, anyway.

And so he was at the front of the classroom, leaning on the desk with his arms folded in front of him as the class come in, and, when the little alarm on phone chimed to let him know the top of the period, he began without much preamble or waiting to ensure everyone was present, especially not this late in the semester.

"So far in this class," he said, "we've gone over various aspects of warfare, everything from typical units and how they function, to various methods of combat, both physical as well as intellectual. Today's class will involve two aspects: one, for you to consider what we've covered thus far and see if you feel there are any inherent gaps in knowledge or approaches that have not been covered yet, and two, to consider a few scenarios and use the knowledge you've obtained so far to discuss with the class as a whole what strategies are best applied to those scenarios. I'd also like to encourage you all to submit your own scenarios, should you think of them, to add a little more challenge and perspective.

"Just that." He nodded. "Our last classes were a bit more directly engaging, but having the time to analyze and consider a situation with like-minded individuals is quite often a rare luxury in a war, and getting the chance to take advantage of it now is one that should not be ignored. And so, if anyone has any thoughts on combat or strategy we've not explored to the extent as you would like, we'll start with that, and then we'll get into a few scenarios."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Being thoughtful.

Liliana Vess

Nell Ingram

Well, more of an introduction than a lecture, really, but it is there to listen to before getting into the discussions.

Have you felt the lessons have been sufficient in getting an overall idea of solid battle tactics and/or strategy? Where do you find, if at all, that the information has been lacking? To put a finer, somewhat cheekier point on it: what have been some of the blindspots in Ignis' instructions so far, in your own personal experience and opinion? After all, considering a perspective other than one's own is a valuable tool in improving your overall strategy, and accepting those perspectives with grace and consideration is a useful skill.

"Magic," Liliana said, as Ignis was likely expecting, having met her a single time and all that. "We haven't delved particularly deeply into magic. Granted, magical combat is a topic that likely could take an entire semester by itself and it seems that no two magics work alike on this island, but does that not make it all the more valuable to examine? How to handle, understand, and possibly even counter unfamiliar magic. Ways to learn enemy capabilities if their magic differs from the kind you're used to - if you're used to any at all."

She drummed her nails on her desk, a sign that she was trying to organize her thoughts, rather than just throw them at him rapid-fire, the way she was wont to do with questions. "Nor have we really covered what to do when the enemy has the upper hand. What do we do if they've managed to invade and cut off communications, crippled infrastructure? How do we handle evacuations?" There was the smallest thread of amusement in her voice at that. "How do we know when to handle a civilian evacuation and when to focus on only evacuating a small percentage of the population - either military or government targets? How do you minimize your losses if you know you're going to lose, at least a particular battle or location? And then there's my personal favorite." Her smile thinned. "Warfare morality. How does that play into tactics and strategies? Can they be used to your advantage? Twisted? Ignored?"

Below are subtreads of various scenarios to consider. What tactics or strategies would you employ in these situations? Feel free work with your classmates to develop or debate various approaches, and feel free to add your own, should you think of one to present to the class.

Intelligence has revealed that the enemy has been keeping a stronghold of storage and weapons, many of which had been pilfered from your own resources, in the very thick, wild, somewhat dangerous wilds of a nearby forest. Your plan of attack is to locate the stronghold and recover the stolen supplies. What strategies, tactics, and approaches would you propose might work best in this scenario?

Why, yes, the enemy troops have gathered at the base of an active volcano. To what purpose and effect is unknown, but there are rumors that there might be some sort of power harnessed by the volcano itself, be it natural or supernatural, and that if these rumors are true, it could mean devastation for the surrounding area. How might one proceed from here to prevent or minimalize the damage, if at all?

Liliana skipped the first scenario, just because her answer would be 'magic' and that wouldn't be fun for anybody - except her. This one required a bit more consideration, however, and so here she was, considering it.

"One possibility we can't ignore is that they have already begun making changes to the volcano, which means additional care is required, lest our own actions trigger devastation," she noted.

A seaside city is not only in the middle of their grand annual festival that pulls in people from all over the world, but a very important public dignitary is making a very important and anticipated announcement at the end of it. Naturally, the enemy could very likely use this as an opportunity for a vicious attack, and, in fact, your intelligence suggests very stronger that they will be doing just that. Units have been on the move, and will likely arrive at the city within the hour. The city's government appears to be either ignorant of this knowledge, or actively ignoring it, as the festivities continue on as though no imminent threat exists. What are the steps you feel must be taken in this scenario, or what approach to you feel might work best?

He's wondering if he should have made the festival one more accurate to experience by adding gods into the mix, but, well, this is just a preliminary course...

Battle Tactics and Strategy; Thursday, Fourth Period [03/21],

Sign In - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Re: Sign In - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Re: Sign In - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Listen to the Lecture - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Class Activity: Mind the Gaps (in Knowledge) - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Re: Class Activity: Mind the Gaps (in Knowledge) - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Class Activity: Scenarios - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Scenario One: Forest - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Scenario Two: Volcano - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Re: Scenario Two: Volcano - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Scenario Three: Festival - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

Talk to the Teacher - Battle Tactics, 03/21.

OOC - Battle Tactics, 03/21.