Orc Tactics
So having seen the new Two Towers Tolkien movie, I have to sympathise with the Orcs. They have all the coolest technology: crossbows, gunpowder, siege engines, metallurgy, remote surveillance, and airborne units. They use all the best tactics: defensive formations, scouts, flanking, diversions. And above all else they have a huge advantage in numbers. Against this Tolkien’s Whitefolk of the West seem to possess only badly made longbows and swords, virtually no military discipline, zero intelligence of their enemy’s numbers or deployment, and incredibly bad perms. And yet the Orcs keep losing. If I was them I’d get new leaders.
But it’s all down to motivation – what does Joe Orc have to gain by flinging himself towards certain death? Nothing. The only thing driving him is fear of the consequences if he turns tail… So your average Orc won’t retreat, but he (she?) will hang back, hesitate, act alone, and look for some way to save his leathery skin. Not a recipe for Team Orc success.