Killing vs. Capturing

[Heidrek]

so noone knows whether killing prisoners affects enemy morale?

[Roark]

I don't think so.

I tested this as the Picts, in battle with about 3500 Mercians.

I defeated the first two waves of crack troops, killing the general, and collecting about 800 prisoners. I then set up crossbows in two horribly destructive lines, and chased down all enemy units that routed as a result of morale-dampening missile fire. Total prisoners: 1900

The final wave consisted of depleted units of Fyrdmen and peasants. Not terribly brave souls. I turned off my crossbows' fire at will, and executed all of my prisoners.

Nothing.

It was only the live action on the battlefield which seemed to have an effect on the enemy's morale.

[macsen rufus]

Hah! Mercians are hard, you know

I wonder whether the effect might not be the other way round? If they see their fellows being executed they may fight all the harder to avoid their own capture and avenge the barbarous deaths of their compatriots?

Not strictly analogous, but think of Sun Tzu's concept of "death ground" - you are giving the enemy only two options - win or die.

It's also possible your own troops might be the ones demoralised - they now know what a mean their general is, it looks a bit like you might be losing control of the battle, and they lose their share of the ransom....

[Caerfanan]

Yes, you're probably right Macsen Rufus

(that's actually written in the art of war: always leave a visible exit door)