KNOW YOUR ENEMY

This is an entry dedicated to the MMORTS game called Illyriad. I played it with continuing interest for about 6 years. It is a fond memory now (though the curious can still play).

War is Hell and your enemy is the Devil. Here are some guidelines to help beat the Devil and save the day.

1. In war, one must always maintain control. When and where battles take place is paramount. Gauge your enemy successfully and you will be able to direct your forces to the places needed at the times required. Misjudge and die.
2. Undoubtedly, knowing your enemy's strengths is the key to judging his ability to win the day. In a subjective, head to head comparison, the most power wins every time.
3. Never take on more than you can handle. This lesson has been learned and forgotten countless times throughout history. Keeping this in mind will allow you to know when the time is right and when it is wrong.
4. One enemy is almost always preferred over two. Two enemies, in most circumstances means two battle fronts. Having two directions to fight in splits forces, weakening any single effort in favor of multiple fronts.
5. Learn everything you can about your enemy. Study his friends as well. Your enemy's friends will be your enemies too. From this knowledge comes the recognition of your enemies enemies. I do not have to tell you what they will become. Get to know these people. Learn their interests, their goals, why they are enemies of your enemy. Forging bonds with these people will ultimately lead to a stronger base from which you can eventually launch an attack. 

Remember this: Knowledge is power. Intelligence wins wars.

POLITICS IN ILLYRIAD

This is an entry dedicated to the MMORTS game called Illyriad. I played it with continuing interest for about 6 years. It is a fond memory now (though the curious can still play).

The community of Illyriad is unique. The regard with which many established players treat new players is one of a kind. There is a relaxed "vibe" in this game and that atmosphere is quite conducive of complex interactions among interested players.

This "wargame" simulates more than just combat. The interactions of the players over all sorts of "serious" and odd issues drive what many call the meta-game. It is a treacherous and fickle environment in which political skills alone can elevate one to greater levels of power than one might otherwise achieve. Playing the politician is no easy task but anyone can learn these skills and put them to good use. I will endeavor to explain.

I am new to MMORTS' but I am not new to life and in my experience, politics are the same everywhere. Playing one side against another, or several others has gone on in human society since the beginning of time. The ability to do it well is rare and succeeding in a big way is relatively impossible but there are ways to build on little successes until there comes a tipping point, a "critical mass" if you will.

Politics boils down to an accumulation of inter-personal connections and how those connections are cared for. Those initial connections will provide a path while the decisions along the way do the steering. It's a Long Road, with many dangerous obstacles. Below I attempt to describe several basic rules to help the politically minded navigate these obstacles and perhaps reach the "End Game."

Friends In Low Places

Clearly, allies are required for politically minded individuals to succeed. Powerful allies are always beneficial but don't dismiss the less powerful among your friends. Some bit of information coming from a minor member of a training alliance could very well turn out to be the key to deciphering a sticky situation. Cultivate every line of communication you can find. No matter where it starts, it may indeed lead somewhere.

Distraction

The adept politician always has something in the wings, something ready to draw attention off of himself. In a storm, a lightning rod saves the house when lightning strikes. A political lightning rod can be almost anything that distracts the focus of the masses. Once the flow of discourse is disrupted, damage control can be implemented.

Spin

No matter the circumstance, there is always a way to spin it to your advantage. Regardless of how dire a situation may seem do not give up looking for the spin. It often appears on its own and just needs a nudge to send it on its way. On some occasions, the spin is difficult to wrestle. It can get away from you if you aren't careful. To lessen the impact of these times, keep your mouth shut. The less you say yourself, the less you will have to back away from. These times are not going to be easy, patience will be required.

Stall

The Stall will work to a limited extent for all parties involved in negotiations but is most effective for the perceived winner of a conflict. Generally speaking the looser will want to settle as soon as possible to get on with rebuilding and growing. The winner, being the winner should be able to rebuild and grow while the process is ongoing.

Take A Breath

Always consider a decision in a logical frame of mind. Before sending a message to that player who just attacked you, take a breath. Emotion can blind. Take a breath and think. Do you need to use that word? Should you even mention this subject at all? How would you react to this message if you received it? Take a breath before you do anything.

Do Not Hesitate

While it seems this is a contradiction, it isn't. One must consider actions carefully. A logical frame of mind will always outperform an enraged one, however when the time comes to act, do not hesitate. Quick action wins battles. Unfortunately the time to act does not sound an alarm for you. You must remain vigilant, always. You must be aware of your environment. Doing that better than your enemy will be a decisive factor more often than not.

These are tried and true methods and practices. It is up to the reader to implement them in a realistic and beneficial way. Do remember that every situation is different but human nature is and will always remain the same. Find the key to an ego and unlock a treasure.

Good luck.