Letter from Baator 21: Flankers

Department of Humanities

Psychology/Sociology Section

For: Chief Engineer

Subject: In the peripherals.

 En masse is not a tactics the Baatezu choose to use. Instead, they prefer concerted efforts. The en masse charge is an unpredictable gamble. You may be able to envelope your opponent, but at a high cost and leaving your flanks exposed. A division of fifty troops moving in on the sides of a bloodthirsty foe go unnoticed. That is, until the bodies begin to stack up.

 Fact is, the Baatezu use this tactic so much, it’s a wonder the Tanar’ri never truly catch on. I believe it’s the method of execution the Baatezu employ that gives the impression that flankers are just passing by. When they arrive to the battle, it’s always by a march. No magical means are employed.

 When the battle lines are drawn, the flankers set up well outside the battlefield’s location. Successive waves wait in the wings as the battle is waged. At timed intervals, flanking units move in from six flanking directions. None of which are placed behind enemy encampments.

 In theory, the flankers begin arriving shortly after the first Tanar’ri launch themselves at the main body of Baatezu formations. But, the Tanar’ri aren’t always willing to wait for their foes to get themselves situated. It’s a calculated risk, but the Baatezu have beat the odds more often than not. There have been a few occasions where the flanking parties have arrived to find the main body disarrayed or destroyed and the Tanar’ri celebrating their conquest.

 The flankers have one advantage going for them, they’re in small numbers and engage an enemy too hell bent on what’s before them to see the threat on their shanks. Flankers must meet high standards, even for the Baatezu. To be one is considered an honor and a mark of distinction for their superior abilities. Survivors of these units are on the fast track for promotion.