A "what if" military scenario -LOTR - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

William Cloud Hicklin · 11-23-2024, 10:31 AM

An interesting wargame scenario. There are I think some logistical concerns; the idea of Sauron sending his main force to march along the coast and occupy all of Gondor but Anorien has a serious problem with supply, Minas Tirth being an unreduced fortress that constantly threatens the tenuous connection via Osgiliath and the Causeway. However, if the Corsairs could take Pelargir, then Sauron could use that as his main supply base.

Marching north on Lorien, presumably crossing at the Undeeps and attacking across the Field of Celebrandt, also has major supply issues given a very active cavalry army in Calenardhon. I think I prefer the southern strategy.

Note that Sauron was in no way equipped to supply the 100-150,000 troops he had to besiege Minas Tirith; that was a quick-strike force intended to live off its plunder (and probably the dead). The whole success of that campaign hinged on Grond and the Witch-King taking out the Gate, fast, not an extended siege (also, the blocking force at Amon Din).

bilbobaggins764 · 12-30-2024, 08:41 AM

All great thoughts to consider, I apologize for lack of time. Thanks for the responses.

11-23-2024, 10:31 AM	#1
William Cloud Hicklin Loremaster of Annúminas Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,330	An interesting wargame scenario. There are I think some logistical concerns; the idea of Sauron sending his main force to march along the coast and occupy all of Gondor but Anorien has a serious problem with supply, Minas Tirth being an unreduced fortress that constantly threatens the tenuous connection via Osgiliath and the Causeway. However, if the Corsairs could take Pelargir, then Sauron could use that as his main supply base. Marching north on Lorien, presumably crossing at the Undeeps and attacking across the Field of Celebrandt, also has major supply issues given a very active cavalry army in Calenardhon. I think I prefer the southern strategy. Note that Sauron was in no way equipped to supply the 100-150,000 troops he had to besiege Minas Tirith; that was a quick-strike force intended to live off its plunder (and probably the dead). The whole success of that campaign hinged on Grond and the Witch-King taking out the Gate, fast, not an extended siege (also, the blocking force at Amon Din). __________________ The entire plot of The Lord of the Rings could be said to turn on what Sauron didn’t know, and when he didn’t know it.

12-30-2024, 08:41 AM	#2
bilbobaggins764 Pile O'Bones Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 18	Great stuff All great thoughts to consider, I apologize for lack of time. Thanks for the responses.