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| | I suppose someone would wish me to say a few words here to those who might be reading this. For some time now there have been those in the Relak family who have hounded me to compile these essays, and lectures. I have been delaying any such action for equally as long. In the end I merely handed them over to my protege [[House of Relak#Great Amoung the House#Boeth|Boeth Relak]]. Since he left Hasland, and has returned from Arcaea he has had little to do; so rather than letting his great intellect goto waste I left it up to him to create this compendium. | | I suppose someone would wish me to say a few words here to those who might be reading this. For some time now there have been those in the Relak family who have hounded me to compile these essays, and lectures. I have been delaying any such action for equally as long. In the end I merely handed them over to my protege [[House of Relak#Great Amoung the House#Boeth|Boeth Relak]]. Since he left Hasland, and has returned from Arcaea he has had little to do; so rather than letting his great intellect goto waste I left it up to him to create this compendium. |
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| − | I have not read this, I doubt I ever will for true knowledge is felt, and experienced. That was only possible for my many students by living with me for a time in whatever realm I happened to be in. A great number of them were in Fontan, though others were under my tuteldge in Falasan, and even Ibladesh before then. I suppose if I were to dedicate this massive tome it would be to them. They have all done me proud in their own way. There might be errors in this text, in fact I can think of a great number of things which might even be patently false, but do not let it deter you if you are ambitious. Some say I was the greatest there ever was, I personally find that to be rubbish. | + | I have not read this, I doubt I ever will for true knowledge is felt, and experienced. That was only possible for my many students by living with me for a time in whatever realm I happened to be in. A great number of them were in Fontan, though others were under my tutelage in Falasan, and even Ibladesh before then. I suppose if I were to dedicate this massive tome it would be to them. They have all done me proud in their own way. There might be errors in this text, in fact I can think of a great number of things which might even be patently false, but do not let it deter you if you are ambitious. Some say I was the greatest there ever was, I personally find that to be rubbish. |
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| | Take what I write with a grain of salt, and make sure to wash it down with a nice cool ale. Make that several ales, I want you all to be quite drunk before you begin this. Now, if you can still read these words have a few more then we'll see if any of this doesn't make sense. There, much better. I doubt I will still be alive before anyone manages to finish this, but learn this if you learn nothing else. Destiny exists only if you make it. Reach out and grab history, bend it to your will and nothing will ever stop you. Well, except for your enemies host of arms, and possibly a few rebellious nobles, or a poisoned dagger. Cheers to the generations yet born! | | Take what I write with a grain of salt, and make sure to wash it down with a nice cool ale. Make that several ales, I want you all to be quite drunk before you begin this. Now, if you can still read these words have a few more then we'll see if any of this doesn't make sense. There, much better. I doubt I will still be alive before anyone manages to finish this, but learn this if you learn nothing else. Destiny exists only if you make it. Reach out and grab history, bend it to your will and nothing will ever stop you. Well, except for your enemies host of arms, and possibly a few rebellious nobles, or a poisoned dagger. Cheers to the generations yet born! |
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| − | = '''The Basics''' = | + | = [[Gregor Relak's Collected Essays and Lectures on Leadership and Governance/The Basics|'''The Basics''']] = |
| | ===='''Introduction'''==== | | ===='''Introduction'''==== |
| | | | |
| | To begin every troop leader must first understand what their duty is. Their duty put simply is to their Chancellor/Prime Minister/King/etc. From here all things flow. Now this is not to say that one cannot disagree with their ruler, but that they must respect them. Having established this all else falls into place rather nicely. One must follow orders, one must take care of one's men, one must even risk ones own life in the defense of the realm. But this does not tell you how to be a good leader of men, merely the bare minimum which you must do. To start with many young nobles find themselves leading a group of arms-men around as if they owned the world. Quite simply this is not the case. There is an order to society which must strictly be adhered to. Nobility is no reason to shirk their duty. | | To begin every troop leader must first understand what their duty is. Their duty put simply is to their Chancellor/Prime Minister/King/etc. From here all things flow. Now this is not to say that one cannot disagree with their ruler, but that they must respect them. Having established this all else falls into place rather nicely. One must follow orders, one must take care of one's men, one must even risk ones own life in the defense of the realm. But this does not tell you how to be a good leader of men, merely the bare minimum which you must do. To start with many young nobles find themselves leading a group of arms-men around as if they owned the world. Quite simply this is not the case. There is an order to society which must strictly be adhered to. Nobility is no reason to shirk their duty. |
| | | | |
| − | ===='''Troop Unit: Basics'''==== | + | = [[Gregor Relak's Collected Essays and Lectures on Leadership and Governance/The Realm Hierarchy|'''The Realm Hierarchy''']] = |
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| − | A leader must understand what is available to them. All too often the common nobleman will simply select the biggest looking brutes and call them a unit. This quite simply is not a good way to go about leading men. When in the capital and recruiting it is wise to understand first what one is looking at. Every man available came from one of the regions in the realm. In these regions are recruitment centers. This is where they are initially trained, and equiped. All men come out roughly equal from these places so we will not quibble on the individual characteristics of men, but instead discuss the three main attributes they possess. Morale, Training, and Equipment.
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| − | Their morale is exactly identical to that of their home region. Their training is a measure of how well they fight as a unit, how good they are at using their weapon, and what it will take to make them break and run. Training in its course then effects how added numbers of men will decrease the overall increase in estimated combat strength of a unit. For example adding 10 men of a low training will increase combat strength by 100, whereas higher trained 120. If we added 20 men you might only get 180 from the lesser trained and 235 from the better trained unit. In essence you get more for your money with better training. Equipment is broken down into two values, offensive equipment, and defensive equipment. The better the offensive equipment the more hits they will do. The better the defensive equipment the more hits it takes to wound/kill a man. As a general rule the better trained, and better equiped men are more expensive. Only training can be increased, never equipment so keep this in mind later when we discuss unit maintinance.
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| − | All unit types have these values in common. However, there are differences between the many unit types. Infantry can engage in close combat exclusively. Mixed Infantry carry with them some slings or crossbows, and will attack their enemy at range before engaging in close combat. Archers are almost useless against infantry, but deadly at range; especially against massed troops (very large units). Calvary are unique in that their ability to charge and inflict more damage as a multiplier of their usual damage is dependent on their training and equipment. It is still believed that they can do up to two times their normal damage if training and equipment were close to 100%.
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| − | | |
| − | ===='''Troop Unit: Maintenance'''====
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| − | By now you should have a unit of some men, perhaps infantry or archers. With a fighting group following behind you there are several things one must consider. The most important of these is of course payment. Men fighting far afield will never accept bonds, only golds. Keep this in mind when setting off from a city. It is usually recommended that you keep enough golds to pay your men for a week or two; those who tell you otherwise are foolish, and are setting up your realm for disaster. Besides they can't really know how much gold you kept in reserve now can they? Units expect to be paid every five days, you can string them along for a while if they have good morale, or a high cohesion, but eventually their morale will fall to the point where they will simply rob you of what you have and walk off. Of course if your men love you and are wholely devoted to you it has not been unheard of that they will go for 10 days without being paid. Not that one should ever consider doing such for sport, for if they do walk off you will lose honor. Another thing to consider is that even dead men are paid, if they fall in battle their consorts or wives will collect the golds to feed their children till they can sell them off to a tradesmen. Bear this in mind if you think suiciding your men will do you financial situation any good, because it won't; honor demands that all debts be paid.
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| − | In a previous lecture I probably hinted that simply paying your men is not all that you must do. No, far from it, for equipment gets damaged, morale is hurt, and sometimes you are forced to recruit a unit that is less than desirable. There are ways to fix, combat, or generally negate all of these things. In no particular order they are visiting a blacksmith, a cheery pub, or even the excercise yard.
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| − | For every point of damage to a man's sword, or his armor, there is a blacksmith (generally only found in cities) who given enough time and golds will repair damage to your mens equipment. The number of men you have, the equipment quality, and the level of equipment all factors into how much time it will take, and how many golds he will charge to repair your equipment. As damage accumulates your men's effectiveness at fighting diminishes. So take every opportunity to repair. As a general rule do not let your damage get much over 35-40 as your men are probably fighting with long sticks of rust. Most generals will want to keep you in the field for much longer. Unless you can honestly see the reason why to stay don't, doctor a report and go back to the city. Now of course, after many a great battle some people will have died, leaving behind that beautiful sword you admired shortly before you chopped the unlucky sods arm off. You are capable of searching a battlefield (assuming you did not retreat or were defeated), for that beautiful sword, or any other equipment. This will generally lower your damage by a healty 4-5%, but as many other leaders do so, the pickings become slim and it isn't worth your time anymore. So if you have a habit of being late, don't bother searching.
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| − | | |
| − | Unit morale is a tricky buisness. It falls when nobody dies in battle, falls because they get homesick for their beds, or their wives, and is generally fairly fickle. The more you make men work the more it will fall. Now to refresh your men's spirits all you must do is visit a friendly bar, whore-house, or whatever passes for entertainment. It is a little known secret that some units prefer one type of entertainment over another. I myself have had a good hunch as to what determines it. When you first recruit a new unit see where they are coming from. Cities might prefer the drunken brawls, and whoring of a city, whereas a country boy might prefer the rough-quayside bar he grew up with. Ponder this over if you will. Keep a record of who likes what, and you'll have yourself saving a few golds and hours. Be wary of how far you journey from your own realm's boarders. For unless you are paying them a mercenaries wages they will grow angry and their morale will drop like an anvil on Doc's foot, though that story is for another time. If you were wondering, because I see you all furiously searching your notes, a mercenary is paid 1.5x as much as a normal unit.
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| − | I discussed briefly about training, and cohesion. There are two ways to raise this. The first is in battle, and the second is by paying time to rent a wide yard and doing it yourself. It is generally recommended to not bother. Unless there is peace, and you have been training as a leader (leadership skill) you will do little that most do not already know. However, if you are headstrong have golds to waste, and generally find it amusing to make men sweat; feel free to torment your men. Light training does little, unless what you have is barely above the rabble of the peasantry. Heavy training is often the best, as you will get generally both a small increase in training, and cohesion. Be wary of falling morale though, give them a break after you work them like dogs. They will come to appreciate you more if you are understanding of their needs. While this may also seem like instructions for treating ones mistress, it is not, so please young noblemen, act and think more as a noble should.
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| − | | |
| − | ===='''Troop Unit: Settings'''====
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| − | | |
| − | (Filler)
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| − | = '''The Realm Hierarchy''' =
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| | ===='''Introduction'''==== | | ===='''Introduction'''==== |
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| | The hierarchy of a realm maintains its social order. Without order, chaos and destruction reigns. While it is true that some besmirch their position within the hierarchy of a realm, the greatest students of governance know full well that this is both foolish, and dangerous. What I will describe to you is general, and should not be taken as the penultimate. Some societies have developed complex, and arcane inner-workings. They generally can be identified with what I show below. Rather than confound your sensibilities, I will use the most common titles, so that a greater understanding can be had. A final warning, social institutions are easily shattered. If you are raised to the highest echelons beware your own power, for it can lead to your downfall. | | The hierarchy of a realm maintains its social order. Without order, chaos and destruction reigns. While it is true that some besmirch their position within the hierarchy of a realm, the greatest students of governance know full well that this is both foolish, and dangerous. What I will describe to you is general, and should not be taken as the penultimate. Some societies have developed complex, and arcane inner-workings. They generally can be identified with what I show below. Rather than confound your sensibilities, I will use the most common titles, so that a greater understanding can be had. A final warning, social institutions are easily shattered. If you are raised to the highest echelons beware your own power, for it can lead to your downfall. |
| | | | |
| − | ===='''Structure'''==== | + | = [[Gregor Relak's Collected Essays and Lectures on Leadership and Governance/The Professions|'''The Professions''']] = |
| | + | ====Introduction==== |
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| − | The head of any realm is the Ruler. Underneath him are his Dukes, and Imperial Knights. They are beholden only to him, and hold much sway in the realm. Counts, Barons, and Marquis all swear to a Duke, and his Duchy. This is the basic unit of the hierarchy. Cities constitute a Duchy, and smaller regions swear fealty to them. Lords, and Knights are the rank and file of a realm, and control the vast majority of the armies. The pitiful noble finds no place in the hierarchy and is the lowest of the low. While claiming to be free, they are more trapped and powerless than they would ever care to admit. | + | The walk of life of a man is often one that is of his choosing. You can safely therefor judge him on his profession. The simple soldier is often an uncomplicated man, the hero even more so. It is important therefor that you consider first who you are; for by knowing that you can proceed upon life's journey into the unknown with a sure step, and either a mighty horde at your side, or perhaps a small retuine of devoted followers. Remember always that as the seasons change, so too do men. Fear not to be bold, and life will reward you. |
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| − | ===='''Military Hierachy'''==== | + | =[[Gregor Relak's Collected Essays and Lectures on Leadership and Governance/The Positions of Governance|'''The Positions of Governance''']]= |
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| − | With far less intrigue the Military Hierarchy of a realm is simple, and deadly. At the pinnicle is the High Marshall, the General, the Sword of the King. Under him are his sub-marshals who control the armies of the duchies, and are appointed by the Dukes. These two tiers are capable of taking control of entire armies and arranging units as they see fit. Their command staffs are vast, and without hesitation. Unless you are given special dispensation, orders are followed without question. Suggestions are rarely taken unless you come from a distinguished family of note. While you may have a better idea, you best shut your mouth and do as you are told. Orders are orders, and if you fail to follow them, a stiff penalty will surely be coming. Pay attention, for at times those who feel they can issue orders are mistaken. Read well what your General writes in his bulletin for it may save your entire realm from defeat, for the smallest slip of a unit can be disasterous in the end.
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| − | ===='''Ranks'''====
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| − | <u>'''Outlaw'''</u>
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| − | Little better than a common thief, an outlaw has been stripped of his nobility either through his deeds, or by word of mouth. A rogue beholden to a state, they can be captured and killed without any reprecussion. Should you ever sink to such a level, I will never claim to have mentored you in the first place for you have disgraced all which I teach.
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| − | <u>'''Noble'''</u>
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| − | Do not let the connotation fool you. A noble can be as discpicable as an outlaw. Merely they are sanctioned by the realm. Petty squabbling, and an irreverent attitude is common to these sort. Having not taken an oath of fealty they see themselves as 'freemen', and having certain rights. This is of course a contrived notion which is easily dispeled. Any common peasant does not hesitate to spit at them behind their back, and gossip runs rampant about their misdeeds. While nearly all young men start here, they quickly mature and grow into themselves as true men. They can thus be considered to be little more than boys pretending to have power.
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| − | <u>'''Knight'''</u>
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| − | A true and loyal friend of the realm. A knight has matured enough to recognize his place in the social order. Having sworn fealty certain privledges are available to him. Extra gold, prestige, and all that is right and good are bestowed upon him. The peasantry revere and respect him for his defense of their holdings. The lords value their advice, and their counsel is regarded as keen and insightful. Soldiers who follow his banner march forth with pride, and conviction for their liege is a tried and true veteran of battle.
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| − | <u>'''Lord'''</u>
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| − | Having performed duties as a knight, a lord is entrusted with the care of more than mere defense of the realm, and region. Justice, and virtue are his calling. Lords have been raised above the petty games which young men play and have been granted great power over the lives of men. Should a lord be truly great, he rewards his people, and his knights. The mainstay of both the core, and the fringe of the realm; Lords should never be discounted in matters of state. They wield the power of surrender, and betrayl. It is foolish to think that lords do not have ambitions, but the rewards often are enough to keep a man loyal. It is often a foolish ruler who ignores his lords in favor of the common man.
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| − | <u>'''Royal'''</u>
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| − | The Dictators, Kings, Prime Ministers, Chancellors, and Pontifexes of the world. The unseen power they control is enormous. Often times in control of a region as would be a lord, Royals are so revered by all that only civil punishments can ever be bestowed upon them. Here is found the hotbed of revolt, of rebellion, and betrayl. Aligning yourself with a royal can be either lucrative or disasterous. Be very wary of their words, for even a lord is expendable to this sort. With little to lose, they gamble with others lives to ill effect. Even in power, many royals are despotic and unflinchingly perverse. Do not fear their whip, but do be careful of it. Love them will all your hate, and one day you too shall become one.
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| − | = '''The Professions''' =
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| | ====Introduction==== | | ====Introduction==== |
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| − | The walk of life of a man is often one that is of his choosing. You can safely therefor judge him on his profession. The simple soldier is often an uncomplicated man, the hero even more so. It is important therefor that you consider first who you are; for by knowing that you can proceed upon lifes journey into the unknown with a sure step, and either a mighty horde at your side, or perhaps a small retuine of devoted followers. Remember always that as the seasons change, so too do men. Fear not to be bold, and life will reward you.
| + | To organize the masses, and to govern them the nobility comes together and selects among themselves leaders: men or in some justifiable, though stupid, cases women. These leaders are charged with various duties ranging from the most mundane of food distribution and banking, to the prosecution of war, and defense of the realm. When entrusted with such a position, it is important to understand the role that one takes in society. In fair Fontan, criticism of the council members is akin to civic duty. In the Ubent of old, the mere thought that the Dictator was as mad as a hatter could get one killed. Responsibility and the power to meet the charges one has are given, but easily taken away. As such it is important to recognize a system of governance for what it is, and understand that it is the positions within which matter most, not the individuals who fill them. |
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| − | ====Combat Professions====
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| − | <u>'''Soldier'''</u>
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| − | When the masses are called upon to fight, these are their commanders. Not above lowly tasks of policing, or even physical labor a soldier and his men are honorable in their own right. They fight to defend their lands, and form the backbone of any army. One should be wary of those who are soldiers and are risen to lofty heights of power, for unless they have been tempered by battle and hardened by age they can do quite foolish things. Inexperience is the mark of a soldier, though a true vetran can be found from time to time. More often than not it is a good example of a lack of motivation, and drive.
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| − | <u>'''Cavalier'''</u>
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| − | A man having proved himself as a capable leader, earning the esteem of his cohort finds himeslf with the unique opportunity of leading the life of the Cavalier. One might say that they take life in with a certain panache, and they would be correct. Earning more than a few scars these sort are the elite of the battle field. Their men train harder, are better disciplined, and fight with the gumption of the gods. Their leadership skills are well renowned, and this allows their unit size to grow due to their better organizational skills. They are never found without banners in battle, and healers often attend to their men. A true Cavalier tends to his men better than any. For the Knight this is often the best path to choose.
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| − | <u>'''Hero'''</u>
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| − | The warmonger, the wrath-bringer, permanent man at arms. The path of a hero leads to either legendary greatness, or legendary death. Heroes in times of war are a necessary evil, they are those who fight ferociously, and with the vigor of many men. If a Cavalier is a leader of men, the heroes are the leaders of armies. Though, the armies they lead are meant for one thing, and one thing only, all out war. In times of peace a Hero is a burden, he can do nothing but train his men for the next battle, and clamor for more war. It is good to have such firebrands, but the torrents of flame which they attempt to muster can be disasterous. There are those heroes who are thoughtful, and calculating, but more often than not that is because they were for a long time a servant of the realm, before they became a servant of their fame. My recommendation is to fill them with drink to keep them happy, ply them with beds warmed by many women, and call upon their services when absolutely necessary. Their life should be rewarding enough in this way that they can be managed, and controled by the more civilized.
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| − | <u>'''Legend'''</u>
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| − | Where the Hero is brash, and reckless; the Legend is calculating, and devious. Having survived for many years, winning countless battles which should have killed him, the Legend is fearsome. His foes quake at his comming, his men thunder as they charge daringly into battle. If this is what enchants you most, I would warn you that nearly all who attempt to become legends die long before their immortality is ever achieved. But if you are headstrong, and valiant, lucky, and above all intelligent enough; I will gladly help you on your way. Speak to me later, after I have taken dinner, there is much more for you to learn than what I show you here.
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| − | ====Service Professions====
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| − | <u>'''Mentor'''</u>
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| − | The wise and learned fellow. Mentors are those who would train the young noblemen. Charged most basically with teaching the most inane of things, a true mentor guides his students always. A man of true greatness often finds himself taken by the idea of mentoring some young wit, perhaps because he realizes that his immortality rests in the future generations. Mentors to properly do their job should have a wide breadth of experience to draw upon. It is not merely enough that they were once a common soldier and decide to pen a book. No, to be truly sucessful they must be the ones sought out by the mightiest Ruler, and the most ambitious men. To do this, they should have been all these things. What can anyone hope to learn from someone who has never themselves ruled the world, or conquered the largest of foes. I say this not because I myself have done these things, but because should I ever deign to listen to a so called 'mentor' younger even than my own sons give a speech on the importance of duty I cannot help but laugh in his face! Seek out always those who are the mentors, glean what knowledge you can from them. Vast stores of knowledge await you in their dusty tomes hidden away in the libraries of the world. There you shall ultimately find your path to greatness, there you will reach the loftiest of heights.
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| − | <u>'''Bureaucrat'''</u>
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| − | A properly functioning realm contains many men who consider it their goal in life to 'optimize' everything. They have been called, paper-pusher, administrator, governor, regent, and even devil. Yet, they are vitally important. The skill invovled is at best insane, and yet through a mere waving of hands people are more loyal, production increases, and morale improves. The most disasterous of tax policies, the most vile tortures inflicted by the enemy can all be erased from memory by this class of men. They might not appear valiant, or powerful, and yet all the clinking coins of the world can be traced back to these dedicated fellows. Often under-appreciated they are the ones who truly exemplify duty, and honor. Be wary however when they congregate, the amount of forms you will end up filling out wastes more time than they're worth.
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| − | <u>'''Trader'''</u>
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| − | I hesitate to say that the traders serve anyone, but their role is vitally important, though rarely. In times of war the trader smuggles food, disrupts and starves the enemy, and can be found trading his way to wealth beyond imagining. Unglamarous, and often times stagnent. Traders have never quite found a home in the world beyond a few wealthy factors. They must be quick, and mean-spirited to destroy their competition. Having friends in high places has never proved to be a bad thing, nor has greasing a few hands. The most sucessful of all traders are those with contracts from Bankers. They are often the most dangerous however, given that the golds they accumulate allow them to raise horrific armies should they ever choose to be a simple soldier again. When the former Kings begin to plot, watch these men most closely. It may be that they have been promised a better deal, and betrayl is simply another cost to many.
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| − | <u>'''Infiltraitor'''</u>
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| − | Smoke filled pubs, dark alleys, rough trips through the backwoods of the world. Many find this sort of life distasteful, and those who life it more so. A man of the shadows is not one to cross. If they are sponsored by their realm, their skills are likely to be amazingly well trained, and their instincts razor-sharp. They can often be bought and sold like promisary notes, though their loyalty is at times in question. Trusted by but a few, these dark and insidious sort have their own agenda no matter what they might say otherwise. When a child goes missing, or a cog suddenly breaks it isn't the witch of the forrest so much as these dastardly men and women who are to blame. I would generally recommend to any who believe themselves safe, to remember the old phrase, it takes a crook to know one. If this is fully understood, then perhaps your estimation is correct.
| + | =[[Gregor Relak's Collected Essays and Lectures on Leadership and Governance/The Triumph of Peace|'''The Triumph of Peace''']]= |
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| − | ====Specialty Professions====
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| − | <u>'''Priest'''</u>
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| − | Give them your gold, along with your soul. They'll claim to own both anyways.
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| − | <u>'''SpellCaster'''</u>
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| − | Avoid if at all possible.
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| − | <u>'''God-hood'''</u>
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| − | Beware the ides of March.
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| − | =The Positions of Governance=
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| | ====Introduction==== | | ====Introduction==== |
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| − | (filler)
| + | All men as they grow old dream of peace, and security for their people. They see a vision of pure light, establishing their reputation not as the terrible tyrant who slaughtered his foes mercilessly, but as the benevolent and wise ruler who saw his people to prosperity. Of course, this is not always possible, but to triumph in such a quixotic quest one must have friends, and allies, both within the realm and without. The most dangerous wars are those which are not fought with swords, and when this lesson is understood best, if it does come to blows he who knows it best will more often prevail than he who is the lesser. |
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| − | ====Ruler====
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| | | | |
| − | (filler)
| + | =[[Gregor Relak's Collected Essays and Lectures on Leadership and Governance/The Wars of Men|'''The Wars of Men''']]= |
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| − | ====General====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Judge====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Banker====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Duke====
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| − | | |
| − | (filler)
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| − | =The Triumph of Peace= | |
| | ====Introduction==== | | ====Introduction==== |
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| − | (filler)
| + | Blood running from gaping wounds, men screaming out in agony, a metallic stench from the rivers of lifeblood, this is true war. It is unglamorous, it is dangerous, it will end with one man dead, and the other standing. Sheer strength can carry the day, but it is unlikely to do so on its own accord. Only through a carefully planned, and plotted execution of deft strategic and tactical moves will a war be won. Battles can be lost, and peace a distant memory, but victory, true and ultimate victory, can be the most satisfying of all pleasures. Let it be that the bitterness of defeat be forever dead in you, for I shall ensure that you are equipped with the finest weapons and shields of all, your wits. |
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| − | ====Diplomacy====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Guilds====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Politiking====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | =The Wars of Men=
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| − | ====Introduction to Combat====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Inner Workings====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Tactics====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Strategic Thinking====
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| − | (filler)
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| − | ====Historical Studies====
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| − | (filler)
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| | [[Category:Manual]][[Category:Books]] | | [[Category:Manual]][[Category:Books]] |
Preface
I suppose someone would wish me to say a few words here to those who might be reading this. For some time now there have been those in the Relak family who have hounded me to compile these essays, and lectures. I have been delaying any such action for equally as long. In the end I merely handed them over to my protege Boeth Relak. Since he left Hasland, and has returned from Arcaea he has had little to do; so rather than letting his great intellect goto waste I left it up to him to create this compendium.
I have not read this, I doubt I ever will for true knowledge is felt, and experienced. That was only possible for my many students by living with me for a time in whatever realm I happened to be in. A great number of them were in Fontan, though others were under my tutelage in Falasan, and even Ibladesh before then. I suppose if I were to dedicate this massive tome it would be to them. They have all done me proud in their own way. There might be errors in this text, in fact I can think of a great number of things which might even be patently false, but do not let it deter you if you are ambitious. Some say I was the greatest there ever was, I personally find that to be rubbish.
Take what I write with a grain of salt, and make sure to wash it down with a nice cool ale. Make that several ales, I want you all to be quite drunk before you begin this. Now, if you can still read these words have a few more then we'll see if any of this doesn't make sense. There, much better. I doubt I will still be alive before anyone manages to finish this, but learn this if you learn nothing else. Destiny exists only if you make it. Reach out and grab history, bend it to your will and nothing will ever stop you. Well, except for your enemies host of arms, and possibly a few rebellious nobles, or a poisoned dagger. Cheers to the generations yet born!
~Signed, Gregor Relak, Guardian of the House of Relak
Introduction
To begin every troop leader must first understand what their duty is. Their duty put simply is to their Chancellor/Prime Minister/King/etc. From here all things flow. Now this is not to say that one cannot disagree with their ruler, but that they must respect them. Having established this all else falls into place rather nicely. One must follow orders, one must take care of one's men, one must even risk ones own life in the defense of the realm. But this does not tell you how to be a good leader of men, merely the bare minimum which you must do. To start with many young nobles find themselves leading a group of arms-men around as if they owned the world. Quite simply this is not the case. There is an order to society which must strictly be adhered to. Nobility is no reason to shirk their duty.
Introduction
The hierarchy of a realm maintains its social order. Without order, chaos and destruction reigns. While it is true that some besmirch their position within the hierarchy of a realm, the greatest students of governance know full well that this is both foolish, and dangerous. What I will describe to you is general, and should not be taken as the penultimate. Some societies have developed complex, and arcane inner-workings. They generally can be identified with what I show below. Rather than confound your sensibilities, I will use the most common titles, so that a greater understanding can be had. A final warning, social institutions are easily shattered. If you are raised to the highest echelons beware your own power, for it can lead to your downfall.
Introduction
The walk of life of a man is often one that is of his choosing. You can safely therefor judge him on his profession. The simple soldier is often an uncomplicated man, the hero even more so. It is important therefor that you consider first who you are; for by knowing that you can proceed upon life's journey into the unknown with a sure step, and either a mighty horde at your side, or perhaps a small retuine of devoted followers. Remember always that as the seasons change, so too do men. Fear not to be bold, and life will reward you.
Introduction
To organize the masses, and to govern them the nobility comes together and selects among themselves leaders: men or in some justifiable, though stupid, cases women. These leaders are charged with various duties ranging from the most mundane of food distribution and banking, to the prosecution of war, and defense of the realm. When entrusted with such a position, it is important to understand the role that one takes in society. In fair Fontan, criticism of the council members is akin to civic duty. In the Ubent of old, the mere thought that the Dictator was as mad as a hatter could get one killed. Responsibility and the power to meet the charges one has are given, but easily taken away. As such it is important to recognize a system of governance for what it is, and understand that it is the positions within which matter most, not the individuals who fill them.
Introduction
All men as they grow old dream of peace, and security for their people. They see a vision of pure light, establishing their reputation not as the terrible tyrant who slaughtered his foes mercilessly, but as the benevolent and wise ruler who saw his people to prosperity. Of course, this is not always possible, but to triumph in such a quixotic quest one must have friends, and allies, both within the realm and without. The most dangerous wars are those which are not fought with swords, and when this lesson is understood best, if it does come to blows he who knows it best will more often prevail than he who is the lesser.
Introduction
Blood running from gaping wounds, men screaming out in agony, a metallic stench from the rivers of lifeblood, this is true war. It is unglamorous, it is dangerous, it will end with one man dead, and the other standing. Sheer strength can carry the day, but it is unlikely to do so on its own accord. Only through a carefully planned, and plotted execution of deft strategic and tactical moves will a war be won. Battles can be lost, and peace a distant memory, but victory, true and ultimate victory, can be the most satisfying of all pleasures. Let it be that the bitterness of defeat be forever dead in you, for I shall ensure that you are equipped with the finest weapons and shields of all, your wits.
