Letters from Baator 13: Battle Tactics

Department of Humanities

Psychology/Sociology Section

For: Chief Engineer

Subject: Paths to victory

 The Baatezu are not accustomed to loosing. However, they have learned to accept that even with their superior tactics and well-disciplined troops, the Tanar'ri have the overwhelming advantage of numbers. For this reason, the Baatezu have had to adjust their strategies time and again to correct these flaws brought on by clashing with the forces of chaos. The Baatezu have divided their forces to use following six methods of attack:

Blitzkrieg

Phalanx

Siege

Legion

Aerial

Raid

 Blitzkrieg forces are trained to target specific points. These units bounce back and forth in a seemingly erratic pattern. The attacks are planned and timed for the greatest effect possible. The methods of the blitzkrieg rely on speed and accuracy. By doing so, the unit can divide the elements of forces that are up to five times their size without any serious problems. Divided units suffer from communication breakdowns, lack of supplies and any other similar problems that can destroy the force without the blitzkrieg unit endangering itself more than necessary.

 Phalanx units are used by the Baatezu in all frontal assaults with the Tanar'ri. These units benefit from the tight-knit protection offered by shields borne by each member of the phalanx. The phalanx starts from a distance and rushes towards its enemy. The momentum of the phalanx allows it to thrust itself into the heart of the opposing force. In the heat of battle, the phalanx offers stability in the churning sea of chaos.

 Siege units are somewhat rare. They are used by the Baatezu to break fortifications the Tanar'ri have erected. Being immortal, the Baatezu do not care about the length of the siege. If they have to wait to starve the Tanar'ri out of their strongholds, they'll do it.

 When the phalanx isn't practical, the legion is called upon. Legions offer the benefit that these Baatezu will conquer the immediate twelve feet (they're bigger than humans, after all) before moving forward. Legions do not normally run from the field of battle. They wreak a terrible toll on their enemy. Legions can mount a body count faster than most Acheronian armies can. Whole chapters can be written in the Dead Book by one Legion. Legions consist of 1,000 troops. Each legion is divided into 100 centuries. Each century consists of 100 troops.

 The aerial forces of the Baatezu are perhaps the rarest of them all. They were created to deal with the flying forces of the Tanar'ri. It has become quite clear to the Baatezu that in order to reasonably secure the field, they must win air superiority. However, given the natural advantages inherent in flying Tanar'ri, the Baatezu are still lacking in this area.

 Raids are undertaken on rare occasions. Baatezu raiders are bent on wreaking short-term havoc. They work to destroy supply trains, and cause general mayhem to the Tanar'ri. This may seem chaotic, but in the long-range planning the Dark Eight seem to thrive on, this tactic allows the Baatezu to delay the Tanar'ri response to any military action the Baatezu use to capture the Lower Planes.