Myth conceptions by Robert Asprin

“Oh,” I said, hoping he wasn’t expecting me to remember all this.

“Now, using that framework,” Aahz continued, “let’s summarize what we’ve seen so far. Size: there are lots of them, enough so it’s kind of pointless to try for an exact count. Movement: currently, they’re just sitting there.”

“I got that far all by myself,” I pointed out sarcastically.

“The big key, however,” Aahz continued, ignoring me, “is in their Armament and Equipment. When you look at this, consider both what is there and what isn’t.”

“How’s that again?” I asked.

“What there is a lot of foot-schloggers, infantry, a little artillery in the form of catapults and archers, but nothing even vaguely resembling cavalry. That means they’re going to go slow when they move, particularly in battle. We don’t have to worry about any fast, flanking moves; it’ll be a toe-to-toe slugfest.”

“But, Aahz-“ I began.

“As to the Deployment and Organization,” he pushed on undaunted, “they’re strung out all over the place, probably because it’s easier to forage for food that way. Then again, it displays a certain confidence on their part that they don’t feel it’s necessary to mass their forces. I think we’re looking at their Organization, a collection of companies or battalions each under the leadership of two or three officers, all under the guidance of a super-leader or general.”

“Aahz-“ I tried again.

“Communications seems to be their most vulnerable point,” Aahz pushed on doggedly. “If an army this size doesn’t coordinate its movements, it’s in big trouble. If they’re really using signal towers and runners to pass messages, we might be able to jinx the works for them.”