Could I have a random Writing Tip? Thxxxxx
Hey! Ty for the ask, here ya go:
make characters skilled in the art of war_.
Just a suggestion to bring something new to the table and develop character and conflict around war and combat!
This point applies to both antagonists and protagonists, but I prefer giving this skill and knowledge to the opponent. As the name suggests, it’s not of much use if there isn’t any war or physical fighting involved in your story so this bit won't be useful to your writing so just skip ahead if you want, but fun to know anyway! (This part might develop not only the antagonist, but plot conflict)
I've read Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” and will definitely recommend that read for an in-depth understanding of what I'm going to explain (I’m just gonna loosely summarise the first three chapters because I'm lazy). Having the villain display this knowledge shows how intelligent and dangerous they are, especially if you have the typical underdog newbie protagonist - this leaves a lasting effect on the reader and other characters.
(Please don’t sue me for teaching you how to successfully wage war, thanks. For legal reasons this is for writing purposes only)
(Read the book for more detail, there are loads of great points I’m not including to stay concise)
Thoroughly studying the art of war could be the difference between death or survival. Keep the following 7 points in mind when developing a war plan. Consider not only about your own side but the enemy as well:
Which of the two sovereigns (or just which of the two sides, this works for missions too) is imbued with the moral law? (moral law: trust with their people, so they follow them even when their life is at stake)
Which of the two generals has most ability? (Which side’s leader is more skilled)
With whom lie the advantages of heaven (Season, weather, time) and earth (terrain)?
On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced? (This advocates for more compliance and therefore a higher success rate)
On which side are officers and men more highly trained?
In which army is there greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
With this in mind you can forecast both victory or defeat.
Remember: “All warfare is based on deception”
When able to attack, seem unable
When using your forces, seem inactive
When near, make the enemy think you are far
When far, make the enemy think you are near
Do not be hastily stupid and waste resources, strength, and manpower on unplanned urgency-based choices, but lack of decisive speed will give your opponents the upper hand. The following failures can be caused by that:
Attachment to accumulated loot
Human lives and money are at stake when waging war, and recklessness will cause more harm than good. Make use of all the resources you have. Don’t kill who can help, don’t burn what can be used. Victory cannot be achieved without preparation or organisation. Understand your troops and resources so you do not have to rely on second provisions. Keep track of your troops strengths and states of mind.
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
If the leader knows as much about the opposition’s troops as he knows about himself and his troops. This knowledge will allow the leader to know when to advance and when to retreat.
If the leader knows the correct use of both small and large forces.
If the leader knows how to forge ranks unified in purpose.
If the leader knows how to be patient when the opposition might struggle to be patient.
If the leader knows that his sovereignty should never interfere with the decisions he is making.
This quote also aligns with the 7 points to consider from before (1. Laying plans).
Mass destructive and prolonged warfare benefits no one, the goal should be to subdue and subsume the enemy. Try to attack the enemy’s strategy or plans or separate the enemy from its allies - attacking the army when there is no alternative. It’s better to catch something whole than destroy it.
The following tips should be kept in mind:
Surround the enemy if your forces significantly outnumber the enemy’s forces.
If you have five times more troops than your enemy, you should attack them. If you have two times more, then you should divide the enemy and fight them that way.
If your enemy outnumbers you, then you should hide. Plus, if they significantly outnumber you, then you should escape.
You need a general who can make his own decisions without people above them interfering.
Basing a characters personality around aspects that benefit them in violence and combat not only serves as an easy base for you to model your characters, this also helps you shape how battle and fight scenes can be carried out in your story
