RE: Naval Combat in Middle Earth
With enthusiasm I bring to the attention of the membership the book by
Gilmartin "Gunpowder and Galleys". The author discusses, compares and
contrasts two rival naval systems during the transitional 1500s. These
systems were the traditional ored galley (venice and the Ottomans) and
the sailing ship (Portugal and England).
Little known is that ored galleys frequently defeated sailing ships
during the transitional period. One of the more interesting sections
detailed the defeat of the Portugese East Indes fleet in the Red Sea by
Ottoman galleys.
As might be expected, the Ottoman naval service is covered in some depth.
Its strategy, tactics and operational capabilities. As I was reading
about Ottoman naval operations, I realized the Ottoman activity could be
replicated in a wargame. In fact, it had been simulated in Middle Earth!
Run to the rulebook and brush up on shiphandling. Hum, yes, right. Run
back to Gilmartin's book. Hum, yes right. Now there were two glaring
exceptions. It appeared that ME fleets could not siege pop centers or
(except for Noldo magic and the Corsairs) sail into blue sea hexes. The
Ottomans routinely did both with their galley fleets.
Now, this was over a decade ago. As it happened there was one heck of a
naval war going on in my current game. Both Elves and both Gondors
versus the QA, Harad and the Corsairs. So, I ordered a fleet to siege a
pop center. Presto! Pop center sieged. I ordered my fleets through 2 to
4 hexes of blue water. Presto! Corsairs outmanuvered and defeated.
Ha! I say to myself. Those sly devils Stassun and Feilds are separating
the sheep from the goats. The mentally flexible from the inflexible.
The trusting from the experimenter. That sorting process is still going
on.
Not a year and one-half ago, I was in a game with one of the top British
players. Scores high, he does, in the PRS. His SG fleet was coasting to
Corsair territory. Very predictable, with interception certain. I urged
him to "cut the angle" by sailing through two blue seas hexes. This
would avoid the blocking force. He absolutely refused to beieve me. He
said it was impossible and quoted chapter and verse out of the rulebook.
Sailed on to destiny and only a few hundred marines survived drowning.
So, Gentlemen, I urge you to consider the possibility the game's creators
are not "overarchingly stupid" but they are actually testing your mental
flexibility---and you might be found wanting.
Ed Mills
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