Good Books

[Diana L. Paxson]

Something I'd like to recomend everyone check out is Machiavelli's "The
Prince", a book actualy written for Nobles such as those found in the
Birthright settling. As a handbook of Medieval politics it's truely
impressive.
As an example: At one point it looked like an upstart vassal was going
to rebel by hireing large numbers of Mercinary troops, so the PC
supported regent performed an espionage action and bribed the Merc
commanders to desert if the rogue vassal declaired war (worked too!)
Has anyone else come across helpful books such as this?

Grendel Todd

[Caitlanagh@aol.co]

In a message dated 97-05-07 07:06:12 EDT, you write:

>Something I'd like to recomend everyone check out is Machiavelli's "The
>Prince", a book actualy written for Nobles such as those found in the
>Birthright settling. As a handbook of Medieval politics it's truely
>impressive.
> As an example: At one point it looked like an upstart vassal was going
>to rebel by hireing large numbers of Mercinary troops, so the PC
>supported regent performed an espionage action and bribed the Merc
>commanders to desert if the rogue vassal declaired war (worked too!)
> Has anyone else come across helpful books such as this?
>
>Grendel Todd

I believe, even though it's been 2 or 3 years since I've read Machiavelli,
that "The Prince" is more of an example of what *NOT* to do!! (This is
personal opinion, BTW)

Richard Macri

[johnpost@umich.ed]

Machiavelli is a good refernece for DM's. I would hope that most
players, being of generally good alignments, would not wish to
follow the examples which he gives for securing your rulership.
Guilders and other neutral types might find it interesting, but
the evil empires of Anuire could definitely benefit from the
instruction of Machiavelli.

"It is better to be feared, than to be loved."
Machiavelli

Fear is controlled by the ruler. The ruler may enhance his
fearfulness by crushing his enemies and persecuting the
opposition. Love rests in the hands of the rule. The king
is dependent on their individual preference, if he wishes
to rule using love. Fear is the superior choice. Subordinates
that fear you will be less likely to challenge you than ones
that are loyal only out of love. Love is easily overcome or
warped fear is much more powerful.

Opinions presented are the exclusive property of Machiavelli.


John Post
Graduate Student
University of Michigan


On Wed, 7 May 1997 10:49:53 -0400 (EDT) Caitlanagh@aol.com wrote:

>In a message dated 97-05-07 07:06:12 EDT, you write:
>
>>Something I'd like to recomend everyone check out is Machiavelli's
>"The
>>Prince", a book actualy written for Nobles such as those found in the
>>Birthright settling. As a handbook of Medieval politics it's truely
>>impressive.
>> As an example: At one point it looked like an upstart vassal was
>going
>>to rebel by hireing large numbers of Mercinary troops, so the PC
>>supported regent performed an espionage action and bribed the Merc
>>commanders to desert if the rogue vassal declaired war (worked too!)
>> Has anyone else come across helpful books such as this?
>>
>>Grendel Todd
>
>I believe, even though it's been 2 or 3 years since I've read
>Machiavelli,
>that "The Prince" is more of an example of what *NOT* to do!! (This is
>personal opinion, BTW)
>
>Richard Macri
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