War strategy (no posts before saturday pls)

[Scatha]

Farathorn sat in a chair at the head of a circle, directly facing the door, the wall behind him bearing a shield with the numenorean crest, the banner beneath it had the symbol of the Grey Havens. In the center of the circle stood a model of Helms Deep and the figurines of the hordes of orcs, depicting the famous battle.

The room itself was brightly lit, giving all the ability to see well, with the chairs situated on an elevated platform. This was done on purpose, so all students had a good overview of the model.

The white color of the walls contrasted with the dark colored oaken beams that held up the ceiling, the windows were blinded by thick curtains, that seemed to reflect the light emanating from the torches on the walls. Slightly off to the right of Farathorn's chair, was a large wooden door, that led to a storage chamber. The scrolls and models within that room are what provided the half-elf with the materials for his class, besides what he had prepared from his own experience.

The half-elf greeted every student that came through the doors and asked them to be seated. Once all were seated, he made a short intoduction.

"Quel re everyone. Some of you have met me already during the archery classes or at the dorms, where I currently still reside. For those that haven't, my name is Farathorn, born in Grey Havens and a half elf. I am here to teach at this academy, in the fields that I am experienced in, which are archery, war strategy and another trade I shall not mention right now. Before you is the model of the battle of Helms Deep. I'd like all of you to take a very close look at it, before I will ask each of you a question regarding the strategy of laying siege to a stronghold."

[The_Swordmaster]

Grandlyon eyes gleamed like newly cutted diamond while he studied the model of the battle. For this was by far Gandlyon's best subject and he was looking forward to it for sometime. The dwarf leaned so much forward in his chair that he fell with a loud thump.

[Scatha]

Farathorn grinned at the drawf and helped him back up. Part of him was glad the dwarf didn't fall on top of the model.

"Eager to dig into this, aren't you?"

Once Grandlyon is on his feet again, the half-elf gently leads him closer.

"What is the biggest mistake the orcs made, and how could they have taken the fortress with more ease?"

[The_Swordmaster]

Grandlyon thought about that queston for a while. He has some knowledge of the battle but not much.

"This might not be the main resason. But I have always thought of the lack of seige weopons the urk-hai brought to the battle. I don't recall any trebucets,(sp.) scorpions or ongers. They seemed to rely way to much on infantry and not much of the big seige weapons"

The dwarf said confedently. Even when he thought this was a bad answer.

OOC: I don't know if tolkien made any of these weopons in ME but they were used in Medevil times and that seems to be the warfare level for technology.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie walked into class, wiping sweat from her brow and carrying her bow. Smiling confidently at the instructor, she bowed, "I am Goldberry, the granddaughter of Tom Bombadil. It is an honor to be taking your class, Master...." Goldie straightened her body, raising an eyebrow questioningly at her teacher, wondering his name.

[Angoreth]

Fair haven came into the room with loud foot step's as if she just got through running. She smiled at her teacher then goldberry" oh where are my manner's" she said as she bow'd her head, she leaned over to goldie"um... Am I late" she said in a whisper.

[Legolaschick]

LC came running in. Her bow and arrows strapped to her back and her sword bouncing at her side. "Oh, my lord, I am sorry. For being so late." And with that she gave a low bow. And with that she went to the diagram.

[Angoreth]

"hey LC" she said as she walked over to the Diagram as well" just coming from archery ai?" she said with a smile.

[Luthien_7]

Elleth entered the class. Many students were already there.
"Suilaid hir nin, i'm sorry for being late." And after that she took a seat.

[Phenix]

Phenix sat and tryed too come up with an answer on Farathorn question, although Grandlyon already had given an answer he didn't think that was the one the teacher wanted.

[Angoreth]

"I think I have an answer" she said as her mouth bacame as cotton" I think that uh... they did not hold back enough battalion's as renforcement?" she said as she doubted her answer with each second that passed.

[Phenix]

then Phenx came up with another answer " they inderestimated the men of rohan" he said a little unsecure.

[Scatha]

Farathorn grinned and pointed the students to their seats.
"Have a seat everyone. The best and easiest way to succesfully siege a castle is very simple, which is also the mistake made by the orcs."

He slowly started to walk around the model, until he took a stance behind the large mountain, against which Helms Deep was built.

"The mistake the orcs made, was to attack the fortress. The easiest way to successfully lay a siege to a fortress, is by cutting off it's lines of supplies, then you starve them out. All this is a very basic tactic, which has been the best way since ages. All you need to do is keep the defenders inside, while your archers kill everyone that sets foot outside the gates."

Whilst he spoke he pointed at various places on the model, to emphasize the tactic. "Any questions?"

[The_Swordmaster]

Grandlyon raised his hand up high.

" My memory is a little hazy on this battle but how would the orcs knew where all of the secret passages in the mountins were. I do recall many passage ways in the mountins. So would it not be impossible for the army to surround the mountins."

The dwarf said aloud.

[Scatha]

Farathorn pointed at Grandlyon, then proceeded with his answer.
" The inner core of Helms Deep, had no passageways to escape through. Should the orcs have stopped their attack there and strengthened their positions, the outcome would have been in their favor. Fortunately, they were not that smart."

The half-elf walked towards his chair and took a seat, then addressed the present students.
"I want you all to think of an alternate, but succesful way to siege a castle, with as little loss of lives as possible. Write it down and be as detailed as possible, before you turn in the paper."

OOC: I'd like the papers by PM or mail and no later then Friday.
I will give you until then, because the class started later.

You can use the following details: A simple castle, square or rectangular on the top of a hill, surrounded by a moat.

[Angoreth]

OOC: I have no way of pm'ing you farathorn, or mailing you for that matter. I still cannot find out how to empty my thing in the usercp.

IC: I never was any good at home work" she thought to herself as she looked at the model.

[CelebrianTiwele]

Friday HI day, or Friday the 4th of april.

[Scatha]

OOC: Celebrian, I know you missed the class, but I am willing to give you a week. If that is not manageable for you, then please let me know.