Dwilight University/History/Astromancy at War!/The Finest Men, the Best Contest
The Astromancy at War! series is not just about chronicling the great battles, the defining politics, or the significant events, it is about capturing the spirit of the times, the mentality of the nobility and the relevance of these moments for future generations. Pivoting from the previous article on the first great battle, this article will be about the two most promising generals of the war. Promising in their positions as leaders of the strongest realms involved in the conflict and in their quality as nobles. As the war tests their wits and skills, they will surely grow and change from eager resolute men to somber seasoned veterans. The war between rivals may solve the domination of the north question, but the best war of all is the contest between two determined nobles. This is a purer struggle than one for mere land or wealth. In these early stages of the war, both men are fully prepared and wanting of combat. While neither of them has faced a human foe, this war offers the opportunity to truly put their qualities to the test.
From my gathering of facts through personal interviews with both men, I find the contrast quite sensational. After reading deeper into their personalities, I have realized that this war posits the classic match up of theory versus practice. Follow the sketch I have written on them and you may sense the same aura.
The Finest Men
Royal Marshal Sejieda Vita
“I expect all to do their duty, foe and friend alike…”
- Royal Marshal Sejieda Vita
The Royal Marshal of the Libero Empire has been a military leader for some time. His early experiences involve expanding the Empire of Springdale and coordinating armies against monsters during the Greater Morek days. He is a scholar on the subject and has produced letters on marshalling leadership and tactics. He is analytical of his experiences and has developed theories on how best to perform his role. Though he has never fought a hard campaign, and as history often pushed his military opportunities to the sideline, he believes in deductive military training. His impression on me is that he is administrative, idealistic, intellectual and confident in his military education.
This war will be the first real test of all his theories and studies on warfare. I suspect he will use the lessons he learned prior to this conflict and then develop more. The Xinhai forces should expect a variety of approaches to the battlefield from him and must never attempt to predict his strategy. Being a man of thought means he will try many different avenues to defeat his opponent.
Lord Polemarch Bustoarsenzio Peristaltico
“…Nobles at war cannot afford to possess doubts about their leaders, and blind trust is as necessary as good soldiers for victory.”
- Lord Polemarch Bustoarsenzio Peristaltico
The Lord Polemarch of Xinhai has risen from the ranks to be the realm’s top warrior. A favourite of the late Grandmaster Deverka, he is an example of achievement through persistence. I nick name him the “Frontline General” because of his constant occupation with battle. He spent his early days fighting in the thick against monsters. He spent his mid career fighting in the thick against monsters, and now that he is at the top he will no doubt revel fighting in the thick against humans. He leads from the front of the army with purpose driven, battle tested experience. Since he has survived countless campaigns against the Monster Scourge, he is confident in his military experience. He shares faith in the bloodstars, is moderate and reasonable in his politics, and has an earned clarity on how best to conduct his armies. His ground level experience and ability to overcome difficult scenarios will likely lead to success. I admire the man’s noble courage and wish he was on our side.
The Lord Polemarch’s celebrated military career makes him a dangerous opponent. The Libero Empire should not expect an easy time dealing with him, and would do well preparing for the worst every time.
The Best Contest
“I do believe I am ready for this war; though not necessarily out of experience, but out of education in military strategy.” Royal Marshal Sejieda Vita
“Soldiers and nobles follow me not because of what I know, but because of my results, and nothing else.” Lord Polemarch Bustoarsenzio Peristaltico
As the rivalry between the Libero Empire and Xinhai will be decided through the war, the better contest will be which General will outfox the other first? What the Royal Marshal has learned through books and pondering, the Lord Polemarch has learned through experience. They are both approaching the war from opposite positions and the application of their mindsets will finally be realized on the battlefield. Will Royal Marshal Sejieda’s theories stand up against Lord Polemarch Bustoarsenzio’s practice? Will the Lord Polemarch be able to use his battle knowledge against a dynamic Royal Marshal? Will the policy of their peers allow them to let loose the dogs of war unrestrained?
I believe all of Dwilight hopes so.
Spring of 8 YD (or the 26th of November, 2009)
