Tactical discussion: Countering Mumakil

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Lindolirian

Other than shouting, "Ware! Ware!" and appealing to the Valar for help, you mean? According to the History Channel, Hannibal's elephants took fright at the Romans' horses and were much less aggressive in their presence. EDIT: After further research I found that it was actually the other way around, but horses could be trained to withstand elephants in which case the elephants were repelled by the smell of horses. And Wikipedia.com

That reminds me: In their conquest of China, the Mongols would sometimes set elephants on fire and send them towards the Chinese lines.

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

I think I'll stick to my caltrops and trumpets. They smell much nicer and don't require food.

Caltrops. Hmm. Yeah. Big caltrops.

[Kuruharan]

It would work...

[Lindolirian]

Yes, but how many resources would be required to build these huge things in bulk (since you must scatter them densely to insure that they are stepped on)? Sounds like a pretty expensive endeavor, so you're welcome to bring it up with Denethor at the next national defense spending committee meeting.

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Lindolirian

Yes, but how many resources would be required to build these huge things in bulk (since you must scatter them densely to insure that they are stepped on)? Sounds like a pretty expensive endeavor, so you're welcome to bring it up with Denethor at the next national defense spending committee meeting.

As lord of the elven realm of Harlindon, I pledge the aid of the smiths and weapon-wrights of my folk in this worthy endeavour.

[Lindolirian]

As lord of the elven realm of Harlindon, I pledge the aid of the smiths and weapon-wrights of my folk in this worthy endeavour.

Very diplomatic of you, to be sure, but why do you need to be concerned with the defense of Gondor? The last time Sauron worsted the "last bastion of defense" he never reached your land. Not to mention as Elves, you can always hop on your ships and run off to Valinor. Of course, I'm being facetious, but still just pointing out the impracticalty.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Lindol

Yes, but how many resources would be required to build these huge things in bulk (since you must scatter them densely to insure that they are stepped on)? Sounds like a pretty expensive endeavor ...

Whereas big mice are very low maintenance. All they would need to start them off would be a mating pair and they would have an army of the critters in no time. Now surely that would present a very appealing proposition to Gondor's Treasury.

And the numbers could be kept in check by introducing a regiment of big cats. Oh, and a few big dogs to make sure the big cats didn't get out off hand (Wargs would probably suffice). And maybe some big elephants to keep the big dogs in check.

Hang on ...

[Kuruharan]

Yes, but how many resources would be required to build these huge things in bulk

Simple, loot the corpses for the armor of the mountains of dead orcs the wars are continually generating. Melt down the armor, bang them into big caltrops and *presto* there you are.

In fact, the expense would not be so great as you suppose. After the mumak goes bonkers the handler would have to kill it. After your glorious victory you can just pull the caltrop out of the foot, give it a good cleaning, it is ready to be used again.

And the numbers could be kept in check by introducing a regiment of big cats. Oh, and a few big dogs to make sure the big cats didn't get out off hand (Wargs would probably suffice). And maybe some big elephants to keep the big dogs in check.

I hereby submit a memorandum to the Lord Steward of Gondor suggesting this plan be adopted immediately. It would eliminate the need for a human army. All you'd have to do is get the giant mice to charge the enemy. That would get the enemy all scared. The cats would naturally chase the mice. However, once they got in among the enemy they would naturally cause all sorts of chaos, and probably eat large number of them. Same thing with the Wargs. The mamuks would go charging in and flatten anything that is left.

However, this might only work once...

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Lindolirian

Very diplomatic of you, to be sure, but why do you need to be concerned with the defense of Gondor? The last time Sauron worsted the "last bastion of defense" he never reached your land. Not to mention as Elves, you can always hop on your ships and run off to Valinor.

ah yes, but I am doomed to be a hopeless altruist.

[Kuruharan]

Isn't that precisely what we're trying to avoid?!

Well, I suppose from a certain point of view they are all ready bonkers, or all liquored up, when they go into battle.

By going bonkers I meant start stomping their own side to pieces.

This actually happened a fair amount. I personally consider the use of elephants to be of dubious value.