On Mon, 16 Jun 2003, Ryan B. Caveney wrote:
> Oh, and discussion of something other than mechanics. For the love of
> God, could we please someday talk about something other than mechanics?

Ask, and ye shall receive.

The time detailed in the Ruins of Empire book was 551 MR, apparently
during a lull in conflict among Anuirean states, as evidenced by the low
general population levels, few good roads, minimal remaining
fortifications, and, ahem, rediculous numbers of relatively new regents.
The states of Anuire had beaten each other bloody, and were exhausted.

Suppose that, relatively soon after this, the concept of the pike square
was introduced to Anuirean military thought. This formation of
highly-trained, professional soldiers dominated European warfare for quite
some time, only to be later eclipsed by firearms and cannon. But there
aren`t any firearms in BR (yet). So a relatively cheap formation of
soldiers can stand up to the armored tanks of the day, heavy cavalry and
knights. Combined with crossbowmen, another highly effective military
usage which can be rapidly raised and easily trained (much easier than
longbowmen), and there may be a sea change coming in anuirean warfare.
Those that don`t adapt quickly enough will be crushed, as the French
chivalry were at Courtrai

Suppose that, at the same time, the Mhor`s heir, Michael Mhoried, weds by
arrangement Aubrae Avan, uniting two of the oldest houses of Anuire.

What happens next?
--
Daniel McSorley

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