Sauron Wins...Then What?

[Zigûr]

Originally Posted by denethorthefirst

However, that only applies if Sauron can maintain loyalty, discipline and unit cohesion, and I don't think that's very likely. His orcs will scatter and be hunted down and his human forces will probably mass surrender.

I still think if Sauron was wielding the One Ring he'd be able to keep his Orcs and Men in the fight. We know from Morgoth's Ring for instance regarding Sauron's Orcs that "the Orcs of his own trained armies were so completely under his will that they would sacrifice themselves without hesitation at his command." I think what this means is that they fought like this not out of loyalty or devotion but rather almost under mind-control, and I imagine the Ring would enable Sauron to extend such an effect even further among his servants. So I still think it's possible that an invasion from Aman could result in a forced massacre. This is all just speculation on my part though.

Originally Posted by Inziladun

In the First Age War of Wrath, Orcs were nearly exterminated seemingly, and that is not shown in anything but a positive light.

It's interesting that it's also stated in Morgoth's Ring that the law in the Elder Days at least was that Orcs were to be properly treated if they surrendered and sued for mercy, but that they never did (or at least "Few Orcs ever did so [...] and at no time would any Orc treat with any Elf").

It states: "though of necessity, being the fingers of the hand of Morgoth, they must be fought with the utmost severity, they must not be dealt with in their own terms of cruelty and treachery. Captives must not be tormented, not even to discover information for the defence of the homes of Elves and Men. If any Orc surrendered and asked for mercy, they must be granted it, even at cost."
Hmm.
Of course "in the horror of the War it was not always heeded."