The Path to Power 1
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: The Path to Power I
Author: -Isk-
Contents:
-Introduction
-Getting power in a democracy
-Holding power in a Democracy
-If one seeks to become a despot The world is divided into two classes, leader and follower.
Within these writings I will discuss the means by which one can claim power for oneself and the ways in which to keep that power.
Using various examples recorded in human memory as well as some of the ideas on culture and society derived from enlightened individuals I will paint the road from servant to master. Firstly one must understand that there are two types of orders in this realm.
Those run by a single leader and those run by a collection of figureheads. The first style of rule is usually passed on through hereditary lines which rule by their right of blood and the second style is mostly comprised of democratic politicians that rule by being elected.
The first step to gaining power always comes in a realization, the world is filled with darkness. One can not always be good and at times brutality is justified. The swift cut of the blade removes an enemy faster than praying for him to change his ways.
When reading these words one must understand that this is not a text to make friends with, this is a guide that will teach how to destroy all opposition to ones motives. One will learn trickery, how to lie and get away with murder. Do not be shocked, it takes a great step to succeed, this is why there are few leaders and many followers.
Before the servant moves up in power he must first set his goal. All the champions of our time have achieved their goals through a combination of military feats, charisma and cunning.
At first one must surround oneself with competent allies. The goal is to gather loyal followers, be they long friends or other guild-mates. On average one should at least have five men capable of fighting should one wish to show anyone he means business. Threats made without force to back them up will come back to haunt you. Once the starting force is gathered it is best to use them immediately as unused soldiers tend to desert to larger orders. The formation of a base should be the next priority, this would be the centre of operations for the new cause and will attract recruits to it. Take the example of Stormhaven, once their fortress was well known all the king and queen had to do was wait for the recruits to find the city itself rather than actively seek soldiers.
Getting power in a democracy:
It is important to not be seen as an invading force. If the city is under rule already one should make friends with certain members of the government and the leaders of the ruling guild. Upon establishing friends one should take steps to be let into the city as allies. Democracies are flawed as one must wait sometimes up to a couple of years before there is an election. This is why it is important to use subterfuge. By having one of your men (not of your guild) oppose the current mayor and having another (of your guild) support him in public one will see the reactions of the crowd. Begin by casting doubt on the mayor's skills and abilities. Then lead your own guild in wars against enemies of the city, war is the best tool one could use to gather members from the mayor's guild to your own.
After you have achieved a desired conversion rate which would place you above your competition in those eligible to vote pull for an election and declare yourself a candidate.
The easiest way to gather land is to make a move for an unclaimed city, a free city. Before one moves into the land one must first study the history of said land.
For instance with Magincia the Humanis forces knew that the citizens had been brutalized under the Ne'Sveti regime.
Once the regime left and the land moved to the Regency who did nothing to repair the damage caused by the Ne'Sveti it was easy to push the Humanis views on the citizens.
Thus it was easy to gather support for a revolution and election especially after the Regency tried to give the land to another minority, the elves.
Holding power in a Democracy:
The goal is to get elected, not just once but at every election. If the city has laws that limit the number of terms one can be in office it is absolutely necessary to remove any laws that bind you as soon as possible. A mayor holds power because the people think he is the best suited to rule them. You must make yourself a permanent fixture to the city, a good way to do this is to be the strongest military in the area.
Secondly you must create an event for which you will be known, something that quickly becomes a tradition like the Day of Finneas in Moonglow. Everything major to happen to your city must have your name on it. In time you will have allies flock to you. The leaders of guilds located in your city are your biggest enemies because they can gather votes just as easily as you can.
This is why you do not at any time give positions of power to men outside your own guild if you are the mayor. You must have a good relationship with the guilds that make up your town council no one wants a revolt. Give gifts and invite them to parties, but never give them titles.
If you seek power to become a despot:
One can gather absolute power through hereditary means or through military means.
If you are part of a ruling family and are lucky enough to be first born you will inherit your father's lands and titles. This is the easiest way to gather power as it relies not on your skills but the background of your family. Unfortunately it is not until late in the monarch's life that the crown is passed on so it is best to wish a quick death to your father and your elder brothers should you lag a few years to them.
Various untraceable poisons exist throughout this land and there are countless ways in which you could get people assassinated. Clan Iga specializes in the art of assassination and the Black Dogs can be called in for a more head on attack against your father. When dealing with hired help it is always best to work through an agent you can trust rather then getting your own hands dirty in things that could easily be brought into the open. Thus depending on your desire for power you could wait till your father dies or speed up the process yourself.