Chénier Family/Machiavel/Libris Tyrannis

(Work in Progress)

A book which is being written by Machiavel Chénier, a compilation about power, how to acquire it, conserve it, and augment it. It has not yet been published.

Introduction

While despotism accomplishes great things illegally, liberty doesn't even go to the trouble of accomplishing small things legally. [Balzac]

So, you are interested in tyranny? You lust for power? Order? Think the world is way too liberal, giving away too many rights, being to permissive? Well, odds are, you are right, but you don't know what to do about it, or how to do it. The tyranny, the blessed rule from above, as manifested by our feudal rights. These are my reflections about power: how to acquire it, conserve it, and augment it. After all, power is a goal in itself, and many are those who seek power for the sake of power.

There are a few things one should keep in mind when reading this work. The first is that the term "tyranny" is used to describe any authoritarian government, no matter how it operates or calls itself. The second is that this work is mostly addressed to rulers, or aspirant rulers, though there is doubt interesting insights for judges especially, and perhaps a few others. Finally, just a general tip: it's easier to oppress people when you convince them you aren't doing any oppression at all, citing this book probably won't get you far in your realm.

Repartition of Power

Who wields the power in your realm? The ruler, of course, but who else? The council members doesn't even need to have any power at all, there has been examples in the past where they would all simply relay their Emperor's orders. There are also realms in which power is divided into a few trusted hands, or as many hands as possible, and this can be just as authoritarian.

Autocratic

Everyone's dream, a total power trip. Or is it? This has as many disadvantages as advantages. So let's start with the positive sides, shall we?

• Pros:
  • Fun: Seriously, it is fun to rule with an iron fist. And really, this is more important than it sounds for the stability of a government. If the ruler bores himself, he won't be bothered to do a really good job now, will he?
  • Security: This is also particularly useful for small or "politically incorrect" realms, such as those who consort with daimons. Why? Secrecy, really. If you're the only one in charge, you don't need to share your dealings, and so leaks and espionage are reduced. In small realms, its also harder to start spreading the power, as it tends to put people on a more egalitarian footing, which most likely wasn't your goal, as well as the added chance of giving out too much power to a mole.
• Cons:
  • Work: Let's be honest with ourselves here, if you're going to monopolize power, it better be because you are ready to do everyone's work, otherwise you'll make a poor leader and have a rebellion on your hand before long.
  • Envy: Ever heard of the roman emperors? They were powerful, weren't they? Didn't live all too long, though... one of these years, four of them were killed or ended their lives themselves, not quite a model now, are they?
  • Restlessness: Along the same lines as envy, this type of rule makes your nobles restless. Why? Because they've got nothing to do, and odds are you can't give away enough illusionary titles to keep them all satisfied. There are multiple ways to combat this, though, such as with a strong culture, organized activities, or war (which has its own problems, and which of course, you must win, otherwise you are worst off than you started).
  • Vulnerability: There is another additional problem: centralized power means that the order is easier to disrupt. After all, if you get captured or wounded, the realm is paralysed.
  • Succession: And should you lose your titles at the same time, who knows what your successor will do?