Small Unit Tactics by Starikova - A refugee mercenary's primer to jobs

[Woofersnoofer]

Small Unit Tactics by Starikova
Revised edition


Abstract
Since many refugees are not given to lengthy ruminations and reading, a brief guide is provided below.

This is a summary of a much longer primer on Small Unit Tactics by Starikova. Its purpose is to guide refugees in forming small units of five in order to take mercenary work.

Each group of five consists of the following roles, which are to be seen as broad categories of oft-required ability and not an exhaustive list. The roles are described so you can understand what you can bring to a mercenary group and what a leader should seek in the people they recruit.

Each unit should start by naming a leader and then discussing responsibilities of each member in detail so that there is no confusion or surprises later along the line. Preparation is half the battle. Indeed, every mercenary should come prepared with curatives, vials of blurring and vials of invisibility. Anything else they may bring is up to their own discretion, but the above three things are in constant demand. More important than your individual strengths is your ability to communicate your needs and expectations clearly so that the group as a whole may prosper.

A shieldbearer: holds the line and is the first to secure choke points for the small unit. They are the first to enter battle and the last to retreat, or else the formation will fall.

A spearman: uses the opportunities created by the shieldbearer to deal grievous harm to the enemy, whether by large ax or carefully placed strikes.

An archer: a ranged spearman variant who depends on the front line to hold so that they may address high priority enemy targets.

A mender: every group should name someone who is responsible for dispensing curatives in the battle. Magi are ideal for the role, but others may perform it as well.

A magus: magi can offer bolstering and defensive wards, control the battlefield with debilitating incantations and conjurations, and rain havoc upon the enemy. Most groups need at least one magus to cover most sought after enchantments, but it is possible to do with supplies prepared in advance.

A specialist: exists to cover many other niches that a group needs. For instance, skilled scouts and loremasters both have their place in some jobs.  There is demand for talented scavengers and trapfinders as well.

A balanced formation includes two shieldbearers, one spearman, one archer and two magi. This formation can hold down choke points, address enemy threats at range and rain destruction on their enemies and boons on their allies. In the balanced formation, the mender is usually the magus who has fewest spells left after preparation.

Positioning
The shieldbearer anchors the formation at defensible positions. Do not advance past the shieldbearer unless you have agreed otherwise before doing so. Use choke points and walls to your advantage, and avoid exposure to enemy archers as best as you can.  This tactic also protects you from enemy magi who often rely on their sight to direct hostile invocations at you.

Supplies and wards
Every mercenary in the unit should at least have vials of blurring, vials of invisibility and water for the journey. In addition, everyone should bring camping supplies consisting of rations, oil and  a bedroll.  A shovel, a grappling gun and some rope are usual supplies if one combatant can carry them for the unit.

Commonly requested wards include weapon sharpening in the form of a lesser weapon ward, a lesser mind ward or a circle ward and elemental coating for the weapons.

Most frontline combatants will need vials of strength, grace, endurance, barkskin and shorter term boons such as vials of divine favor and blessing.  Many of these can be provided as wards by the magi, but combatants should always carry their own supply.

According to Snorri, shields should carry at least two vials of blurring for easy work and five or more for more demanding expeditions. It is recommended to carry vials of other boons in amounts that allow the combatant to recover if their wards are stripped by enemy magi.

Tactics, in brief
The shieldbearers choose the choke points and similar defensive points and anchor the frontline there. The spearman falls in and flanks the enemy. The archer picks out high priority targets from the backline, whereas one of the magi is prepared to unleash disruptive or devastating invocations as required. If incantations not required, they shall use offensive cantrips while the other magi acts as the named mender of the group and works to keep everyone well-supplied and healthy. It is vital that the shieldbearers control where the formation moves and that their security is ensured by the backline, especially the named mender. Clear communication should be valued and the tactics issued by the leader should always take precedence over others.

[Woofersnoofer]

Small Unit Tactics by Starikova

Introduction
Many of us refugees end up banding together in order to take on paying work offered at Krak des Roses or other similar establishments. However, not all of us are seasoned mercenaries. In fact, it is likely many of us have no significant expertise with the kind of danger we are in once we leave the safety of the Well and enter the dunes. This paper shall prepare refugees for working together on board assignments and other work that calls for individuals to band together in the name of a common goal. The paper starts with notes on individual preparation, after which group preparation is examined. Afterwards, the paper shifts focus on five man unit compositions. The number is chosen due to its suitability for most tasks while allowing for some flexibility in composition. Smaller or larger units may work depending on the nature of the assignment for which they are formed. While the paper examines common compositions, it shall also categorize some roles that are often needed in a small unit. In addition, there will be examination of common challenges and how to best address them on the battlefield. In fact, one such challenge begins the moment a group is being assembled.

For the purposes of this paper, the terms unit and group shall both refer to a cell consisting of five individuals, with the understanding that the size of the group or unit might change depending on circumstances and goals set by the people forming the group. Due to its size, the unit is categorized as a 'small unit', hence the title of the paper. However, the denominator is not repeated in the paper as it does not examine the workings of larger units, divisions, brigades, regiments (also sometimes known as battle groups, hence the distinction) or battalions.

In short, for it is known mercenaries are not always given to reading, the most crucial aspects of small unit tactics include: knowing yourself and your group composition, having adequate supply, naming your leader and mender and always communicating your goals and tactics clearly.

Individual preparation
Knowing yourself is half the battle in small unit engagements. Or perhaps a quarter of the battle, as it is also important to know your companions - a notion which shall be examined under 'group preparation' below. The other half, naturally, is knowing your enemy. When you know the challenge for which you prepare, it is easier to survey your stock of supplies and see what needs replenishing.

Before worrying about supply, however, one should first and foremost worry about what one can offer to a band of mercenaries setting out in the dunes. In small units, the contribution of all its members is vital. Note, however, that equal contribution is not required. In fact, it is likely that a five man unit will include several uneven specialties. Thus one need not be a peerless warrior in order to be valuable to one's unit. If one is lacking in understanding one's strengths, it is likely best to refer to the roles and responsibilities section of this primer so that one may see the suggested roles under which one might be able to perform.

After one knows the role with which one is comfortable in a unit, it becomes essential to take a look at one's equipment and supplies for the task. Most common requirements for all small unit mercenaries include at least: curatives, vials of blurring and vials of invisibility, a vial of seeing the unseen, vials of insulation and other boons required by your role in the battlefield.

Even the most meek pacifist may be beset upon by a group of flanking goblins or be shot at by enemy archers when the group's positioning is unfortunate. In such situations, a vial of blurring may be the difference between life and death. Invisibility, on the other hand, is a dangerous crutch that should only be used with caution. If you catch a wound from which you cannot recover, the others will have a much harder time finding you when you lay unconscious and invisible. That said, coordinated and wise use of invisibility can allow a group to escape an approaching and much more numerous enemy unit. Likewise, invisibility can help one blend into the chaos of a surprise encounter, hopefully avoiding the worst of blows while focusing on their task - though if the whole group is to run, it is best that its most vulnerable members are ready to run first.  Vials of insulation, on the other hand, usually last for the whole day and act as a powerful contingency against enemy evokers.

According to Atif ibn Al'Qazar, other helpful supplies include bombs with which to deal with large groupings of enemies and dispelling trinkets that can be used to strip the wards employed by enemy magi. Furthermore, everyone should have some oil, rations, a bedroll and other equipment needed for sleeping on the road. It is good if you can bring a shovel and a grapple gun with rope, but it is usually enough that one person brings the necessary equipment.

Snorri further stresses the importance of knowing what other boons you require and bringing plentiful vials to address your needs when your wards run their course or are otherwise stripped bare. Commonly requested wards and vials involve physical transmutations such as strength, grace and endurance. Even short term boons like vials of blessing and divine favor are valuable in combat situations where the enemy is proving both powerful and resilient. Additional weapon sharpening may be useful in an emergency when the lesser weapon wards run out.

In conclusion, individual preparation comes down to understanding what you bring to a group and what kind of support you need from other members of the unit. In addition, it is vital to have at least the core supplies of curatives, blurring and invisibility in preparation for the sudden changes in tactics that are often required in the field. Other supplies should be chosen based on one's own specialty and understanding, which will surely grow with the accumulation of mercenary expertise. Camping equipment will be used often.

To reiterate the above, you should know well your role in a group and discuss it before engaging in mercenary work. The supplies you need include:

• Vials of blurring, of which you should have at least two for short term work and many more for demanding engagements.


• Vials of invisibility, of which usually one or two are enough and they should be used with care.


• A vial of seeing the unseen to rescue people who use vials of invisibility carelessly. Also useful against enemy magi who use the veil in order to prepare.


• Plentiful vials of insulation, one of which should always be quaffed when engaging in mercenary work.


• Water for all your needs during the exhausting journey. Especially the mender and the shieldbearers require access to powerful curatives.


• Camping supplies that include at least rations, oil and a bedroll.


• Other vials of boons you require. Even if you have a capable transmuter with you, vials of strength, grace and endurance are often required. Vials of speed can make the difference between life and death. Bombs, dispelling trinkets and other magical fetishes can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Short term boons such as vials of blessing and divine favor are valuable at times.

Group preparation
As insinuated above, the first challenge of any group begins the moment the group is formed. Namely, every group should defer to one (1) and only one (1) battlefield leader who is in charge of making calls regarding the unit's tactics. Often this responsibility is implicitly assumed by the person calling the group together, but it is good to make explicit this assumption and the duties according to which the other members of the unit are supposed to perform. After all, not all available people have read  this primer and even fewer will have notable expertise in the roles for which the leader hopes to recruit them.

The battlefield leader, henceforth referred to as the leader, has the important duty of directing the unit in the clamor of battle and also making sure the unit is suited for the work at hand. It is common that small units contain conflicting personalities and insights into strategy. While two different tactical decisions might be sound in a vacuum, having them both shouted out and carried out at once in a demanding situation will surely spell doom for the group. In such situations, it is vital that all members of the group know whose direction takes precedence.

That being the case, any new group forming to perform a task should always take the time to both choose a leader and to go over each member's strengths and responsibilities so that the group may function at its best. It is easy to assume the quiet Nadiri in the back will take care of handing supplies and curatives to those who need them the most, but if such expectation is not made explicit the group might realize that the said Nadiri has no supply to offer only when it is direly needed. Indeed, smart mercenaries always carry some excess supply that can be shared with the less responsible members of the unit. While such annoyances are inevitable, it is even worse to compromise the unit's chances of success with avarice or miserly behavior. Excess supply is wasted on corpses.

In summary, each newly formed group should at least seek to establish a mutual understanding regarding each member's responsibilities within the group. This includes choosing a battlefield leader so that the unit may react to sudden changes on the battlefield. It cannot be stressed enough that such expectations should be made explicit and then also repeated as the composition of the group changes.

[Woofersnoofer]

Roles and responsibilities
Having examined the bare bones of individual and group preparation, it is time to categorize a few broad roles available within mercenary units. Note that each individual is prone to having their own strengths and imperfections, and as such these roles should not be seen as strict guidelines. Instead, they exist to inform the reader about the strengths needed for succeeding as a group. Some of the roles may in fact overlap. The following section shall detail six broad categories into which individuals may be allocated: the shieldbearer, the spearman, the archer, the mender, the magus and the specialist. Each role is examined further below.

"If men depend only on the rustied steel in their hands to wage war, they can only do so much. The strongest weapon of them all is the mind."
- Atif ibn Al'Qazar, faithful sword to Agaslakku

Shieldbearer
The most commonly asked for and cited strength must be the ability to work as a shieldbearer. The term is a metaphor for a stalwart person who is able to both lead the charge and dig into defensive positions as the situation requires. Therefore, an actual shield is not always important to one's success as a shieldbearer. Some people carry a shield with little ability to withstand receiving a charge or being surrounded, after all - do not, thus, rely on the simple visual cue for your choice of shieldbearer.

"It bears repeating that he can only perform well when constantly healed. If there is more harm coming in than niggardly or inexperienced healers can cover, there is often no choice but to abandon position and reposition."
- Snorri, the Stalwart

Whoever one chooses to act as a shieldbearer must be able to face more than their number of foes while acting as a reliable bastion around whom the unit's entire formation is built. If the shieldbearer crumbles, so will the rest of the group. If the shieldbearer retreats, the more vulnerable members of the unit will surely be overrun. Therefore, the role of the shieldbearer is to act as an anchor for the whole unit. They should be the first to enter battle and the last to leave it, unless the group is certain about their ability to exercise flexibility in the situation. Atif ibn Al'Qazar echoes a similar notion, stating that the shieldbearer should be liberal with blurring and stalwart in the defense of the line. If they break the formation to heal themselves, the likelihood of everyone dying is great.

In the metaphor of the anvil and the hammer, the shieldbearer acts as the anvil upon which the enemy shatters.

Spearman
Again, the spearman need not be armed with a spear. Instead, it is their role in a group to take advantage of the shieldbearer's stalwart defense so that they may be the second in line to inflict grievous harm upon the enemy. The spearman might as well be called a flanker or a bruiser. Tactics of successful spearmen vary wildly - some may prefer large axes and swords while others rely on surgically measured strikes against the opponent's weak points. What remains a constant is the ability to inflict serious harm and the reliance on a shieldbearer to take on the brunt of the assault while they work to end it from a safer position.

"Something I like when you just have a single wall is the line. You make a line out from the corner of the cliff (or a wall). The strongest shield on the outside, the best killer on the inside. Ideally, the shield can take the most enemies at once, and the killer can kill one thing at a time and let a new enemy fill the gap."
- Kara Fields

While a magus is able to inflict grievous harm with their invocations, they are not to be considered a spearman or an archer. These roles entail the ability to constantly pressure the enemy with offense, which is often the shortcoming of many magi. Magi skilled in martial combat, however, can still function as effective spearmen or even shieldbearers. Spearmen can be seen as flankers, bruisers or disruptors, depending on the strengths and tactics employed by the unit.

A good spearman is able to do more than thrust their weapon, however. A mind for the changing tactical landscape of the battlefield is crucial so that one may employ disruptive devices and bombs alike in order to further decimate the enemy. The spearman is often in the best position to break away from the formation if the enemy threatens to flank the backline. Therefore, their mobility should be protected and they should ensure that they do not get trapped between a rock and a hard place.

In the metaphor of the anvil and the hammer, the spearman is the hammer that shatters the enemy upon the anvil.

Archer
"An archer who knows how to pick out leaders, shamans and specialists, and dispose of them is valued indeed, but rare."
- Atreus Loukanis

Often, the archer fills a role similar to the spearman. They depend on the shieldbearer to control the flow of the battle while they focus on killing from a safe position. The reason archers are afforded a special mention is because the enemy is likely to be using similar tactics, and it is often a skilled archer that will have an easier time disabling the enemy's backline when the front line fighters are occupied with the enemy's shieldbearers and spearmen.

Atif ibn Al'Qazar goes as far as to say that he considers the archer an essential piece of a successful formation. While such skilled marksmen are not always easily found, they are worth their weight in dinari in a balanced formation.  Snorri further emphasizes that their value is found in eliminating enemy magi whose invocations can do grievous harm to the entire unit.

It bears repeating that the archer need not be a traditional bowman, however. The Astronomers practiced in the art of drawing upon Incarnae, for instance, can perform in auxiliary archer role with continuous use of their Starblight invocation. Leiah Avryana notes that Starblight is useful for dealing with evasive and heavily armored targets, but warns that it is difficult to go back to curatives when focused on invoking magic. Therefore, an Astrologian expected to perform as an auxiliry archer should not be made the primary mender of the group. Avryana goes on to note that for the mender it is sometimes better not to do anything at all so that they may react when their skill is needed. Not all Astronomers are also practiced Astrologians, however. Similarly, a person with a bow might not be an effective archer if they do not have what it takes to shoot dead the enemy magus cloaked in a veil of blurring, or at least disrupt their invocations. Know yourself and know your unit.

Mender
The task of a mender involves controlling the unit's curative supplies and administering them to the needy. Often, menders bring their own curatives, yet it is always worth stating explicitly who is supposed to take the role of standing behind the frontline and attending to their needs. When such curatives run out, any group willing to chase success will understand that they must share what they have in order for the mender to be efficient at their role.

Aspiring menders should understand that a group expects them to spare no expense in order to ensure that the frontline holds. A skilled shieldbearer who is not shy about quaffing vials of blur is therefore vital to preserving a mender's diminishing supply. If a shieldbearer loses trust in their mender, they will usually attempt to retreat, which exposes the mender and other vulnerable members of the backline to great danger. Spearmen exhibit similar behavior and often require even more carefully timed support when they are miserly about using their own supplies.

Snorri's advice to all menders is to ensure that they have both the spells and the supplies to effectively protect themselves under unfavorable battlefield circumstances. He mentions invisibility as a valuable tool when one has to approach a combatant caught in a bad position or when threatened by oil, gases and similar harmful battlefield conditions. It is also very common for the backline to be ambushed or flanked, in addition to which enemy magi may sometimes disable the frontline combatants, which allows for the enemy frontline to advance. Every mender should make use of insulation at all times and be quick with other measures they deem appropriate. The battlefield is a harsh and unforgiving teacher.

Magi often make for effective menders, for their talent for solving battlefield situations is either spent in preparation or utilized only in select strategic circumstances. While every magus should have at least one offensive cantrip prepared, their time is much better spent ensuring the other fighters are healthy and have the supplies they need in order to press forward.

While one might think an archer might similarly make an effective mender, it is good to note that one does not shift from bow and arrow to curative supplies very easily. Indeed, archers who are either strong of arm or skilled at hitting the enemy's weak spots should instead be valued as potent slayers who should first and foremost concentrate on neutralizing dangerous enemies such as opposing magi. Therefore, it is worth the effort of a magus to empower such an archer to function at their best while the mending is left up to the magus. It is of course understandable that sometimes a group does not have a magus and has to rely on a mundane specialist for mending.

However, blind reliance on menders is not recommended. Every single member of the group should have access to serious curatives that are easily available at one's waist for quick access. Every moment not spent on eliminating the opposition is dangerous waste, but it is even more dangerous to let one's shieldbearers and spearmen perish when the named mender is not able to carry out the work alone. Indeed, groups rich in backline combatants should still name a primary mender and at the same time other backline combatants should be prepared to step in when aid is required.

Groups that do not name their mender will find their frontline skittish and unable to perform at desired efficacy. The order of mending should rely on the named mender first, after which a backline combatant takes priority. If the frontline combatants deem the situation suitably dangerous, they may also hold their blows for a moment in order to preserve their lives. A shieldbearer should always have the requisite supply to bolster their own chances of survival when others fail. If they fall, so will the others.

Magi
Invokers of the Weave come in many shapes. Astrologians, Priests, Sorcerers, Spellsingers, Warlocks and Wizards can all fit into this category, though it is not uncommon to see a martially inclined priest acting as the shieldbearer or spearman. However, for the purpose of this paper they are categorized into three valuable roles: support, havoc and control.

Support magi are the most efficient at enabling their group's success with an uplifting song, carefully curated transmutations and defensive wards suited for the group's needs. Common requirements from support magi involve at least weapon sharpening, weapon coating and warding from foul influence. Weapon sharpening is accomplished with the Magic Weapon invocation, which is often known as a simple weapon ward. A greater weapon ward may be called for in some select circumstances, but its short duration is best reserved for limited emergency use. While the weapon coating is not always necessary, it is a superior addition to the frontline fighters' ability to inflict harm. Such coating is accomplished with the Flame Weapon invocation. Finally, a circle ward known as Magic Circle against Alignment is often required to shield the minds and souls of the unit against magical assault. A similar effect may be achieved with the first circle protection invocation, but most magi cannot hope to cover everyone's weapons and minds alone. Other support offered by magi involve magic entwined in songs and chants, specialized invocations and other carefully curated skills that may see the group to victory.

Havoc magi specialize in a few powerful evocations or similarly inclined invocations that may decimate many enemies at once or bring ruin upon one high priority enemy. Aspiring leaders should know well that such power is often limited in scope and thus it should be utilized sparingly and with care regarding the positioning of the shieldbearer and the formation built around them. While more sustained ability to deal with foes as they appear is required, one should not underestimate the impact of a well-placed combination of grease and fireball invocations.

Control oriented magi include both charming sorcerers and specialists in conjuration who may either call upon disposable allies to control the flow of the battle or coat the advance of enemies in sticky webs or paralyzing invocations. As with havoc magi, their power is limited to select few uses and should be carefully curated. When it comes to large scale disruptive invocations, the magus should always and every time confirm with the group the tactics they intend to use before setting out for the job. The magus should prepare for the group's members being unable to process the information given to them and be ready to explain time and time again why running into their web invocation is dangerous and can potentially lead to the entire front line being slain if they are not careful about approaching it. Thus, even agreed upon tactics should be executed with caution, communication and a clear margin for error committed by both oneself and one's allies.

Atif ibn Al'Qazar recommends the use of conjured allies in order to meet large numbers of enemies on the field. According to him, it is wise to send the conjurations forth and away from the front line so that they may break the enemy formation.

Indeed, magi have many invocations and tactics to alter the flow of combat. One notable invocation Leiah Avryana calls the Celestial Mirror is worth mentioning separately. Atreus Loukanis assures that the spell was able to turn the tide of a battle in itself. The invocation is said to reflect "-- the cadence of the celestial heavens - the stars, the celestial disc and the sun". Despite its short duration, it invigorates and bolsters one's allies while hindering enemies who are caught in the pattern. Many magi have access to other similar tools when they are prepared and the tactics are carried out with the unit's full understanding. No one spell is above the rest, thus, and different invocations have uses and risks under different circumstances.

Another such tool employed by many magicians is the invocation of speed known as Haste. It deserves a special notion, for the third circle invocation is always going to be in short supply and the decision to hasten the right person carries great weight. The haste invocation should be given to the shieldbearer if they are engaged by several opponents who threaten to overwhelm them. If the shieldbearer holds, the haste invocation should be given to a spearman who can use the enhanced speed to slaughter the opposition in a frenzied burst of carnage. Even so, the invocation should not be wasted unless the combat situation demands that the enemies fall quickly. In rare instances, the magus might choose to hasten themselves so that they may employ destructive magic quickly to bring down an especially powerful enemy. Knowing the abilities you bring to the unit and when to use them is crucial in mercenary work.

What all magi have in common is the limited use of their invocations and therefore plentiful access to time during which their hands are idle. This makes them ideal as menders, though the value of well-placed combat cantrips is not to be understated. The named mender should exercise more care about when to invoke offensively, but other backline combatants may be more liberal with their use of cantrips and other offensive measures. In fact, the success of a group often depends on magi doing the little they can in order to ensure success.

Since magi are usually vulnerable, it is critical that they position themselves carefully. Ideally, a group will have a member who is able to break away from the combat in order to protect the vulnerable back line upon the event of being flanked. However, all magi should have at least a few defensive invocations so that their vulnerability does not compromise the entire formation. Sometimes it is better for a magus to quaff a vial of invisibility and allow the frontline to adapt to the flanking enemies than it is for a combatant to break away from a fight. As mentioned above, though, invisibility is a dangerous crutch and it should be used with caution. In addition to making one's wounded body harder to locate, some enemies are perfectly capable of seeing through an illusionist's veil and thus may catch a magus unprepared.

Finally, remember this wisdom: wards fade. Only after the whole threat is neutralized may you give yourselves to avarice. Do not, thus, squander your magi on looting corpses and checking piles of debris. Press on with determination, choose well when bolstering wards should be employed and utilize them to their full extent. Make sure the magus works as a mender or otherwise makes use of their offensive cantrips.

Specialists
Too numerous to count but vital to a unit's success are the specialists who bring useful skills to the group composition. Often required skills involve talent with both spotting and marking traps, disabling locks, coming equipped with a shovel and a grapple gun, knowing one's way around old languages in order to decipher warnings and more.

One such speciality that could be named separately is that of the scout. Whether by magic or skill, they can move unseen to gather information on enemy traps and formations. Similarly, they are often the one to spot hiding enemies. Usually groups lack the patience to send in a scout - and such waiting may not be wise when wards are actively fading. However, there are situations where simply getting to the site in which mercenary work is to be carried out is dangerous, and then it becomes eminently useful to have someone who can inform the group of danger before it is met head first. Similarly, one should always rely on a scout and scattered linear formation when traps are a possibility.

Specialists should be sought for the nature of the work in mind, but people capable of filling the role of scout are usually worth their rations and pay.  Likewise, should someone state that they are especially adept at scavenging debris and searching chests for hidden compartments, one should definitely leave the work up to a specialist instead of attempting to do the same with no training.

In summary, the common roles and responsibilities include the shieldbearer, the spearman, the archer, the mender, the magus and the specialist. The shieldbearers are the rock upon which the entire formation is built. Spearmen and archers disable the enemy while relying on the foundation provided by the shieldbearers. The mender is responsible for being the first to support the frontline combatants when they require anything, which usually means being quick with curatives. Magi may fill several roles, but they often act as a mender and then offer the most commonly requested wards or else fill the battlefield with havoc and confusion. Specialists provide various skills that are required before, during and after engagements. Scouts and people equipped with exploration equipment are often desired. The roles are not mutually exclusive and the people filling them will have their own imperfections. When each member of the unit knows what is expected of them, however, it will greatly enhance the group's chances of completing their objective successfully. While seasoned groups will come to understand each other's abilities well, it is worth noting that new members of the group will not have the same knowledge and thus explicit statement of intentions and expectations remains important throughout any unit's lifespan.

[Woofersnoofer]

Formations
This section of the paper examines common formations that are used to establish five person units. This list of formations is not meant to be exhaustive, nor will it adequately respond to all needs a unit will have in all of their engagements. However, these formations shall adequately prepare a leader for forming their own group based on their needs.

Balanced formation
A typically desired formation involves two shieldbearers, a spearman, a magus and either an archer or an auxiliary magus. In this kind of group, the two shieldbearers form a steady line that is joined or exploited by the spearman, which means that it will not always function ideally in tight quarters.

The rationale for two shieldbearers assumes that there is enough space for them to share the brunt of the enemy assault which then creates an opportunity for the spearman to exploit the enemy's flanks, thus bringing them down with relative safety. Ideally, these formations seek to control choke points where the two shieldbearers are able to stop a much more numerous foe without getting flanked, but they have to keep in mind the spearman's ability to attack as well. That is why the other members of the group should be backline combatants.

The magus in this group is often prepared with transmutations and defensive wards. Weapon sharpening is often critical to the group's ability to cut through enemy armor and wards. However, the magus and the group should coordinate carefully when it is the best time to engage these wards, as some work can take longer than the duration of an average magus' wards. If heavy resistance is expected, a group might prefer to use their own supply at first and then rely on the magus when the strength and depth of the enemy formation is known. Moreover, the magus with the least spells to offer during combat engagements should be designated as the primary mender, unless a more skilled healer like a specialized priest or a doctor is available.

The auxiliary magus will often support the group with either offensive or disruptive invocations. They might also be a capable performer whose songs uplift the group's spirits or a specialist that can use both bow and devices to disable the enemy combatants. While their role may also involve mending, they should be more liberal with their offensive incantations and ready to exploit weaknesses in the enemy formation with the invocations they have prepared in advance.

A visual representation of the above formation could be:

Shieldbearer, Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus, Archer

Back heavy formation
In usual circumstances, we refugees struggle to find two capable shieldbearers at the same time. Thus, many actual formations end up somewhat heavy with backline combatants. Usually, these formations consist of a shieldbearer, a spearman and a combination of magi, archers and specialists.

With a weak frontline, the group must be especially mindful of potential choke points to which they may retreat when the enemy grows too numerous to face on the field. It is also very likely that a formation like this will be especially vulnerable to enemy ambushes and ideally the backline will have combatants that can defend themselves when the enemy breaks free or flanks the formation. As with the balanced formation, the mender should be positioned near the frontline and with reasonable access to the other backline combatants in case of ambushes.

In the interest of maneuverability, the backline should try to keep tight corridors clear by sticking to the walls. This allows the mender and the frontline the ability to maneuver when it is required. If the passage back is blocked, there is a chance a panicked shieldbearer or spearman will back into a position where the backline becomes frontline, which often leads to many injuries and even deaths.

The strength of a back heavy formation is that it has potential for many specialties upon which it may call. It is also ideally suited for tight quarters like tunnels, where there frontline combatants might find it difficult to operate. Even when the backline consists of three magi with little offense to offer, at least two of them will be able to rely upon offensive cantrips and ideally they have also prepared defensive or offensive invocations in order to react to changing battlefield conditions. Under ideal circumstances, a back heavy formation consists of two shieldbearers or a shieldbearer, a spearman, an archer and then two magi or a magus and a specialist.

To present the above more clearly:

Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus, Archer, Magus

Shieldbearer, Shieldbearer
Magus, Archer, Specialist

Front heavy formation
This formation is both less and more common among mercenaries. Indeed, larger units often consist of many shieldbearers and spearmen entirely as entire battle groups of magi are eminently difficult to establish. However, in small unit tactics an overly heavy frontline may find it difficult to have enough space to both establish a choke point and to have every combatant meaningfully engaged.

Such formations are ideal when the leader expects to engage the enemy on many fronts or knows there will be enough space to deploy every combatant, or else is planning on keeping some combatants in reserve. A haphazard commander will find themselves outnumbered in a chokepoint where only the shieldbearer and perhaps one spearman is able to engage the enemy while the rest stand behind.

Common solutions include considering where the group can engage the enemy and employing inward-curving concave formations in order to lure some of the enemies past the choke point and chopping them down there. Ideally, some spearmen will also be able to employ the bow or other ranged measures to compensate for the group's shortcomings when it is time to silence enemy magi or adjust for tight quarters.

Of all the formations, the front heavy composition is the best able to charge through the enemy lines and engage the enemy magi directly. While such maneuver is always risky and should be deliberated and agreed upon before executing, the front heavy formation can defend themselves on three or four fronts simultaneously while leaving space in the middle for a magus to work as a mender or to offer other kinds of support. Successful groups usually negotiate this maneuver before fighting takes place.

A common front heavy composition could include two shieldbearers and two spearmen, of whom at least one is able to use a bow. The last position is usually filled by a magus skilled in weapon and mind wards. Since one magus can rarely support four people adequately, it becomes necessary to prioritize wards and also to use one's own supply of vials and other trinkets.

A visual representation could be as outlined below:

Spearman, Shieldbearer, Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus

Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus
Shieldbearer, Spearman

Since magi are not always available, these formations sometimes fill the position with a specialist. A formation consisting of five frontline combatants is not recommended, for it leaves the task of mending upon each individual member of the group. A fifth combatant could still act as the mender, of course, and they would be ideally suited for addressing enemy ambushes and flankers.

Unconventional formations
As mentioned above, a formation of five frontline combatants would find it difficult to allocate support tasks effectively unless agreed upon by everyone well before the unit is threatened. It is still possible for unconventional formations to be successful, but they should consider the following challenges:

The severity of the engagement is an important consideration when considering the composition of the unit. Perhaps a dedicated shieldbearer is not required if the resistance is expected to be weak or nonexistent. Similarly, a simple task of guarding goats or clearing a building of undesired tenants may not require a fully actualized formation to deter bandits or small animals.

If the threat is severe, the first consideration the group needs to address is the lack of a shieldbearer. A skilled spearman may be able to defend oneself in a melee, but they are usually not equally suited for punishment the same way a heavily armored and shield-bearing stalwart is. In such cases, spearmen might wish to adopt a shield and be more liberal with their vials of blurring and protective trinkets. It may, likewise, be necessary to assign two menders. If the group has no rock upon which to build their formation, they will be quickly overwhelmed by enemies and thus lose the little chance of success they had to begin with. It does not matter whether the rock crumbles due to the mender's supplies running dry, the spearman falling or simply retreating. The end result is that the formation is broken. The group is then swarmed and slaughtered.

The second concern is the lack of a designated mender. Formations that fail to address the lack of a mender will suffer from poor morale and inadequate resource management.

The third concern is the lack of offensive power. A group consisting of one shieldbearer and four magi, for instance, might be able to quickly evaporate a few groups of enemies. As the battle draws on, however, magi will be lacking in offensive power and much supply will be depleted and wards will run their course before the enemy is completely and totally defeated. The usual result is that the unit!0!s supply runs dry and the unit is defeated instead, or else achieves a pyrrhic victory where the spoils of the mission do not even begin to cover the costs.

Therefore, it may be stated that even unconventional formations must be able to hold their ground, have enough offensive power to silence the enemy and have a clear understanding of roles they are supposed to perform. Some causes are worth defending at any cost, but few mercenary tasks should be pursued with that kind of reckless abandon.

On the topic of unconventional Small Unit Formations, Snorri goes on to explain: "-- how to proceed in groups smaller than five. It will often be the case that not enough hands are free. I suggest these compositions, in the most general terms:

2: 1 Spearman or Shieldbearer & 1 Magus
3: 1 Shieldbearer, 1 Spearman, 1 Magus
4: 1 Shieldbearer, 1 Spearman, 2 Magi

Although there is no mention of archers here, that is because with smaller groups it becomes easier to maneuver around and towards dangerous mages. If an archer had to be fitted in, he should replace a magus or a shieldbearer or a spearman, depending on how much supplies are available and one is willing to spend."

In conclusion, smaller and more unconventional formations may be viable under many circumstances, but they require experience and consideration to execute successfully. For instance, small formations may be better suited for infiltration work and Snorri also mentions that a group of three warriors can succeed should they have plentiful supply and excellent grasp of their tactics.

[Woofersnoofer]

Reflection on past failures
This last segment of the paper will examine previous failures and problems encountered during the course of mercenary work. The purpose is to outline a small number of failures clearly and concisely. Following the explanation of each failure, solutions are presented.

"I have worked with some people on jobs who just have a well trained and almost flawless understanding of where they need to be, when they should pull back to a more advantageous position with cover, et cetera.."
- Leiah Avryana, scholar

Exposed to archers
Many a time, the writer has been party to a group whose shieldbearer takes the fight to the enemy and disregards their often formidable backline of slingers or worse. In such situations, the entire unit is exposed to the assault from the front and also pelted by stones or arrows. In the worst case, the enemy missiles find purchase in the vulnerable backline who are unable to perform their role adequately or at all.

The solution involves using walls and natural formations in order to block enemy archers from firing at the unit. If enemy fire is inevitable, it is crucial to be ready to employ vials of blurring.

Ignoring choke points, caught in the open
A similar mistake in tactics involves the unit's inability to recognize potential choke points. Otherwise, the unit might recognize the ideal position but be unable to reach it in time before the enemy swarms the formation. The result has been either a drawn-out battle on many fronts or the quick slaughtering of the unit.

Solution involves noting defensive formations and choke points beforehand, and making sure to utilize them to the fullest in combat. Sometimes it is necessary to fall back to a defensible position and then the leader should be clear to call for an organized retreat.

Ineffective use of a choke point
Often small units hold choke points such as doors or narrow tunnels that are so small that two combatants struggle to stand beside one another. Therefore, it is often the case that only one or two combatants are swinging at the enemy while the rest of the frontline stands idly.

The solution involves arranging the frontline in a concave formation that lures the enemy past the choke point in hopes of breaching through. Instead, they are cut by the combined might of the entire frontline. In addition, versatile combatants often carry a bow or a similar option with which they may engage at range when the front is too crowded. Brief intermissions in battle are also suitable for the use of disruptive devices, especially if the group is exposed to enemy archers or slingers. Otherwise, bombs are a sound option.

Conflicting orders
Many problems arise from the unit having different tactical solutions to threats that arise in combat. For instance, one combatant might call for a retreat while another presses for a charge. When the unit splits its attention and potential between two maneuvers, even brilliant stratagems fall apart and the group is exposed to the enemy.

The solution involves choosing a leader whose word takes precedence during the engagement.

Unattended enemy magus
Left to their own devices, enemy magi will often rain destructive and debilitating invocations on the unit. Therefore, recognizing and neutralizing the threat is of primary concern. There have been many times when groups have been unable to properly address the threat, which leads to the enemy magus dispelling their wards or perhaps blasting the group on their knees with a powerful gust of wind before raining acid and fire on them.

The solution involves having access to vials of insulation and blurring, and agreeing the manner in which the enemy magus is to be dealt with. Usually the safest way is to use the terrain to the group's advantage, thereby forcing the mage out in the open where they may be singled out by the archer. If that is not possible, whittling down the enemy numbers from a safe position before risking a charge is the second safest option. Skilled groups with confidence in their survivability may even choose to charge magi outright, though such strategy is always best negotiated in advance.

Atreus Loukanis has a warning for armsmen:
"When holding the battle lines, consider what is the true threat to your company. A shaman invoking endless stream of conjurations will demand a break in formation, but too often I have seen men break line to chase a mere evoker slinging cantrips."

Blinded by avarice, slow to advance
The most frustrating way for a group to squander any profit that might be had is by busying themselves with looting and treasure when there is still fighting to be had. Wards fade, and it is best to press on while time is of the essence. Many a time has a group run out of protective magic simply because it has been too slow to advance, and often rampant looting is the cause.

The solution involves marking sites of potential finds and coming back to them once the enemy has been silenced. The rest is a balance of caution and steady advance. Some groups may prefer to save wards for later and in that situation early avarice and slow advance are not problems of similar magnitude.

"I had accompanied a band of sluggish shield bearers flanked by a pair of wizards. Their approach was slow and steady, lacking much brute force.. But so heavily enspelled that the foe could do little harm to them. Like dragging their feet through quicksand, slowly, slowly they battled until their magicks ran out. And suddenly, the foe became overbearing."
- Atreus Loukanis

Snorri further recommends that the person gathering the spoils should be skilled and known to be of sound moral character.

Split formation, force divided
The unit should always stick together unless splitting up is part of a maneuver upon which the group has agreed in advance. Sometimes a group neglects the importance of sticking together, and broken formations caused by poorly communicated charges and retreats expose the unit to undue danger.

"Sometimes there comes a time for a charge. It is important that all fall in step, a force split is beset on too many sides, and twice as weakened -- those behind may be slain or wounded, or worse."
- Gustav Tattori

The solution involves loud, clear and concise communication when it comes to orchestrating maneuvers. Tactics like charging enemy magi should be agreed upon before attempting to use them. When maneuvers are called for, the call ideally comes from the leader. It is crucial to maintain unit coherence unless tactics demand otherwise. Some situations such as hostile large scale evocations or the presence traps may require a split formation.

Death by a thousand cuts
Many a time has a group been besieged by seemingly nonthreatening foes like goblin runts and slinger, only to find that their combined blows wear down even a mighty warrior. Enemy missiles, even sling projectiles, may have a similar effect. The enemy may also employ offensive cantrips and first circle magic.

The solution involves employing vials of blur and being mindful of the group's positioning so that the group does not get swarmed.

Excessive reliance on the mender
One such situation involved a frontline heavy formation where the composition included two shieldbearers and two spearmen in addition to a magus. One of the spearmen charged in to hold a choke point, but ended up locking themselves in a corner between a wall, a pile of rubble and the other frontline combatants. They were cut by a particularly mean-spirited foe and were in need of immediate healing. However, the mender was separated from the spearman by the pile of debris and the other combatants, and let others know they were not able to reach. However, the other frontline combatants were not able to address the need and the spearman fell.

The solution involves positioning the unit so that the mender's access is not blocked. Similarly, blocking a spearman's route to retreat leads to difficulties and should be avoided. An alternative solution would include the frontline fighters breaking away from fighting long enough to apply life-saving curatives on the wounded combatant.

A similar problem may arise even when maneuverability is not an issue. Sometimes the entire unit is beset by enemies on all fronts, and then auxiliary menders are required. It is best to abandon all notions of saving supplies when everyone's lives are collectively threatened. In this case, the solution involves making clear to both name the primary mender and to let others know their help will be needed situationally. Every member of the unit should have access to some potent curatives, vials of blurring and vials of invisibility for emergencies.

Infighting
While pleasantly uncommon, there have been groups torn apart by internal strife rather than the enemy's blows. The mild form of this problem includes mistrust and verbal barbs, whereas more serious problems involve paranoid ranting and even physical altercations between the unit's members. Even slight mistrust may hamper a group's efficacy, and full-blown armed conflict will surely be expensive on the field.

The solution involves maintaining a respectful and resilient attitude, and it is especially true in the face of adversity and failure. Additionally, one should take care to communicate before and during assignments as to avoid misunderstandings and hiring poor company. Even large disagreements that arise during the course of work should wait until it is safe to focus on debate.

References
[The list of references includes names of ringrunners and refugees, but some more recent names stand out]
Personal experience in the roles of shieldbearer, mender and magus.
Atif ibn Al'Qazar
Atreus Loukanis
Gustav Tattori
Kara Fields
Leiah Avryana
Snorri
Wanderer Lynneth

[Woofersnoofer]

[The papers in circulation are slowly replaced by a Revised Edition, which contains additional commentary and small corrections. Furthermore, a new appendix is added:]

Appendix I - The successful mercenary's primer
This pamphlet is intended to be distributed to those refugees who are unwilling or unable to read the whole work, but may still comprehend a concise list of requirements. It is stripped of extraneous commentary and the reader should refer to the full copy of Small Unit Tactics for further explanation.

In order to succeed as a mercenary, you must:
1) Communicate with your unit regarding your role and responsibilities. Always choose one (1) leader and explicitly name your mender who is in charge of support and curatives. Build trust and a good reputation with your fellow mercenaries.

2) Prepare and use supplies: vials of blurring, invisibility, seeing the unseen and insulation. Have supply to cover for any lost wards that you require. Have oil for making a fire, dry rations for meals and a bedroll for sleeping. A shovel, a grappling gun and rope with a hook can be useful to have. Everyone should bring at least some curatives and water. Bombs, dispelling trinkets and disabling devices can be very useful.

3) Understand your enemy and negotiate your tactics beforehand. Have a balanced formation capable of responding to different threats in front of you, behind you and above all behind the enemy lines.

4) Make use of choke points and avoid being exposed to enemy archers. Allow your shieldbearer to lead the way. Walls are your friend. To reiterate, the shieldbearer should always lead the way. Especially when you think it is safe. Talented scouts are an exception. Otherwise, always stick together.

5) Position yourselves in a way that allows your whole formation to engage the enemy meaningfully. Keep to the sides of narrow corridors and leave room for the frontline to maneuver as needed. Use the environment to your advantage.

6) Name one skilled and trusted person to scavenge and only plunder what you may after the threat has been completely neutralized. Do not tarry.

7) Know your limits. Fall back when needed and do so in an orderly fashion. Retreat is always an option.

Learn well from this text so that you do not have to pay your tuition in blood.

For more information, read Small Unit Tactics (revised edition) by Starikova.