Code Of Silence
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To provide flavor for Site-wide RP by adding a classic historical text
- Image Credit: green-coursehub.com; Bamboo Scroll
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Inspired By: “The Art Of War”
- Media Name: The Art Of Conflict
- Format: Ancient Scroll, Holobook, Audio Recording, Book
- Distribution: Unique - The original text, closely guarded by the Atrisian Empire; Rare - Book Form; Common - Holobook & Audio
- Length: Long - Total of 13 chapters
- Description: The Art Of Conflict is an ancient treatise on the universal rules & doctrines behind all forms of warfare & military strategy.
- Author: An ancient Atrisian Warlord known as "Tsun Lu"
- Publisher: Novacron Press, numerous other companies
- Reception: Hailed throughout the ages as The Textbook on Military Strategy, the lessons taught in The Art Of Conflict are applicable in any situation where a sentient may find themselves engaged in combat; from the boardroom to the battlefield. The lessons taught therein have formed the basis for advanced military strategy & psychology over centuries, and (as the Author himself states in the closing chapter) one who ignores the words within “does so at their own peril”.
Ancient Scroll: A coveted treasure by the Atrisian Empire; dated as more than 5,000 Years Old. Only members of the Ruling Class are rumored to have ever physically seen it.
Book Form: Exceedingly rare; only 5 copies known to exist in the entire Galaxy. Leather-bound with printed words; all in original Atrisian. Rumored to have been direct copies, all printed sometime shortly after the composition of the original work.
Known Possessers: Grand Admiral
Isla Draellix-Kobitana
is known to possess one of these rare works, and another is rumored to exist (under high security) within the Library of The Federal Assembly on CoruscantHolobook: By far, the most common format. Numerous additions exist; illustrated versions, multilingual versions, versions which offer historical analysis compared to the material discussed, and even versions tailored to specific industries such as “The Art Of Conflict in Business”, or “The Art Of Conflict In Romance.”
Audio Recording: Valued as a useful tool for the Galaxy’s “Corporate Warriors on-the-move”, these editions are often found in spaceport gift stores to travelers, spacers, and other sentients who prefer to listen rather than read material. “The Art Of Conflict” is available in almost every language spoken in the Galaxy.
CONTENT INFORMATION
Chapter 1: “The Calculations” - Describes the factors which may determine the outcome of an engagement. The chapter also warns that deviating or failing to consider these factors ensures defeat.
“All warfare is deception. When we choose to attack, we must appear unable; when in motion, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far; when far, we must make him believe we are near.”
“The art of war is of the highest importance. It is a matter of life and death - a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”
“If your enemy is secure, be prepared for him. If he is of great strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking rest, harass him. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .”
Chapter 2: “The Challenge” - Deals with the means to decisively initiate & subdue opponents in battle. Also explains the “economy of warfare”.
“In War, let your objective be victory - and not lengthy campaigns.”
"There are no examples of any people benefitting from unceasing warfare.”
“It is only one who thoroughly understands the cost of waging war who will understand how to profit by doing so.”
Chapter 3: “Planning The Offensive” - Describes Strength in terms of “Unity”, not the size of one’s army. Also lists the five most important concepts in any offensive action.
"To Divide & Conquer is not the height of skill - Excellence in warfare is achieved by defeating your opponent without a fight."
“If you know your enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the test of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not your enemy, for each victory you will also suffer a loss. If you know nothing of your enemy or yourself, you will fail at every turn.”
“The Rule is this: if we are ten to the enemy's one, surround him; if five to one, attack him; if twice as numerous, divide our forces in two.”
Chapter 4: “Positioning” - Instructs in the importance of recognizing strategic opportunities, and capitalizing upon them. Also explains how to protect oneself from a similar fate.
“What the Ancients called a Clever Warrior was one who not only wins, but is a master of winning with ease. Hence, the skillful warrior places himself in a way that makes defeat impossible - but does not miss an opportunity to swiftly end his opponent.”
“The crashing force of a conquering army is like a bursting-forth of water into a chasm.”
“Making no mistakes is the only way to be certain of victory.”
Chapter 5: “Directing Force” - Instructs in the use of timing & momentum
“Waging war with a larger force is no different than fighting with a small force - it is merely a matter of signs and signals.”
“In all warfare, the direct attack is needed to begin the battle - but indirect methods are necessary to secure victory. There are no more than these two; but together, their combination is infinite.”
“One who is skilled in the art of warfare keeps his enemy on the move by maintaining clever illusions - to which one’s opponent must respond.”
Chapter 6: “Illusion versus Reality” - Instructs how to respond to the fluidity of battle.
“The clever warrior inflicts his will upon his enemy, but never suffers the affliction of his enemy’s will.”
“When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.”
“O’ Divine Art of Subtlety & Secrecy! Through you, we learn to be invisible; inaudible. Hence, we hold our enemy’s fate in our hands!”
“In War, the art is to avoid what is strongest, and strike what is weakest.”
Chapter 7: “Engagement” - Instructs in how to win direct engagements
“The difficulty in maneuvering one’s forces lies in turning the clever into the direct; in turning misfortune into gain.”
“We cannot join alliances without first understanding the plans of our neighbors.”
“Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
Chapter 8: “Variations” - Explains how to remain adaptable
“In the wise leader’s counsel, considerations of advantage and of disadvantage will be simultaneous.”
“This art teaches us not to rely on the likelihood of our enemies arrival, but instead on our own readiness; not on the probability of battle, but rather that we have made our position secure.”
Chapter 9: “Movement & Development” - Instructs in reading the intentions of one’s adversary
“Humble words & increasing preparations are signs your enemy will advance; violent words & driving forth into battle are signs he will retreat.”
“One may know the condition of an army by the disposition of a single man.”
“When officers are too strong and common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.”
“When common soldiers are strong and their officers weak, the result is insubordination.”
Chapter 10: “Properties of Terrain” - Provides an analysis of different types of terrain & obstacles
“If battle is sure to end in victory, then you must fight - even if the Lord forbids it. If battle will not result in victory, then you must not fight - even if the Lord orders it.”
“Ground which may be abandoned but not easy to re-occupy is known as Entangling Ground.”
“Regarding High Ground, you should take the high & sunny places then await your enemy. If your enemy has taken it first; attempt to lead him away.”
“Regarding Narrow Passes, strongly hold them & await your enemy - if your enemy occupies it, do not attack unless it is weakly guarded.”
Chapter 11: “The Nine Stages” - Describes the nine phases of battle, and how to navigate each.
“On Dispersive Ground, Fight Not. On Facile Ground, Hold Not. On Contentious Ground, Attack Not. On Open Ground, do not block the enemy. On Intersecting Ground, join with your allies. On Serious Ground, plunder. In Difficult Ground, steadily march. On Hemmed-In Ground, resort to Strategy. On Desperate Ground, fight.”
“Begin Battle by seizing something valuable to your enemy - you will then find him willing to bargain.”
“Speed is the Essence of War; take advantage of their unreadiness - move by unexpected routes - attack unguarded places.”
Chapter 12: “Attack By Fire” - Instructs in the use of weapons, and the use of the environment.
“Unhappy is the state of one who abandons the Spirit of Enterprise to attempt to win the battle.”
“Move not unless there is an advantage; fight not unless the position is critical.”
Chapter 13: “On the use of Spies” - Explains the necessity of Espionage & Intelligence Services.
“True knowledge of your enemy’s disposition may only be gained through the use of spies.”
“Be Subtle! Be Subtle! Make use of spies for every type of business!”
“There are five types of spies which may be employed: The Local Spy, The Inward Spy, The Doomed Spy, The Converted Spy, and the Surviving Spy. Of each of these five, The Converted Spy is of greatest importance - treat the captured spies of your enemy graciously, and turn them to your cause.”
“Spies are of the greatest importance because it is upon them that your Force relies to move.”
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
"The Art Of Conflict" is an ancient text, originally authored by a long-dead Atrisian General known as "Tsun Lu" or "Master Tsun". The document is known Galaxy-wide and considered to be one of the most influential historical texts on the application of tactics & strategy in warfare. The teachings offered therein are (at times) either philosophical musings or succinct statements of "Fact"; regardless of one's personal opinion, however, the veracity of the work is lauded in countless boardrooms, Military Acadamies, and by anyone with an interest in the Combative Arts. Most beings have at least heard of the work - it can be found in many spaceports, on the Holonet, or in bookshelves owned by anyone from the Common Being to decorated Combat Veterans.
Little is known of the rumored Author, though Atrisian Nobility is said to honor the man as a great "Ancestor"; where he was born or died is unknown, but his existence has been verified by countless scholars and his teachings discussed, reiterated, reproduced, and re-ordered in countless Holonet podcasts, shows, historical documents, and Universities. Each chapter of the work consists of 5 - 15 pages, each filled with various musings pertaining to the individual subject being discussed. An average reader is able to finish the book in a single day, but true understanding of the information presented is said to take a lifetime of study (as well as practical application).
In the final pages of the book, "Master Tsun" ends his thesis by explaining to the reader that the lessons presented therein will prepare them for any sort of conflict which may arise in their lives - the work is not meant strictly for Military Application, but is also known to provide understanding in the Legal fields, in Romance, and in the forming of friendships. The final sentence of the final page goes on to state that "To follow these concepts is of The Highest Order, but ignore them at your own peril."
It is a fitting ending for such a mysterious, unique, and illuminating text.
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