Although the demons could not enter Harrogath, they were still able to encircle it. They were also able to seize and control the watchtowers and barricades on the slopes of Mt Arreat. In the early days of the siege, Quak-Khek's confidence bordered on arrogance. He tried, but failed to break Baal's siege lines, and lost a third of his warriors in the process. Others were wounded, others were captured. Under the command of Shenk the Overseer, Baal's legions dominated the battlefield, and were able to bombard the defenders with their catapults. While the Barbarians had to ration food and water, Baal's demons feasted on the flesh and blood of their dead foes.