Diplomacy, Relationships & Tactics: the Art of War [Monday, Period 1]

[atreideslioness]

 As the students entered today, they would see the following text scrawled on the chalkboard in Ghanima's neat handwriting: 

 

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics--that is what the multitude cannot comprehend.

 

All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

 

"While the joys and effectiveness of a direct attack should never be underestimated, it is important that you do not forget the importance of being devious," Ghanima began briskly. "Tzu often admonishes us to make ourselves unassailable, to maintain a secure position if at all possible. However, even the most secure location can be overcome. "

 

"'If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch,'" she recited. "'All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.'"

 

"So, what ways can you think of to conceal you motives? When is it to your advantage to do so, and when is it a disadvantage?" Ghanima grinned and gestured to the boxes set on tables around the room. "I want to see how well you've been paying attention."

Comments

Sign In

[atreideslioness]

With a diversion!

Re: Sign In

[era_two_triangle]

Peridot

Re: Sign In

[thatsweirdright]

Jason Lee Scott

Re: Sign In

[justice_undone]

Breq

Re: Sign In

[junebug1500]

June Iparis

Re: Sign In

[in_sidon_we_trust]

Prince Sidon

During the Lecture

[atreideslioness]

Take notes, pass notes... Hope you don't need to recover from Homecoming! It's time to interact with your peers!

Class Discussion: Subtlety and Secrecy

[atreideslioness]

- What are some good methods you can think of to obscure a plan of attack?
- What if you are from a culture where such actions are considered 'dishonorable'?
- If you are pursuing a relationship with someone, be it romantic, platonic, or business, is it morally acceptable to conceal your true ambitions? If so, when and why?
- Do you feel Tzu's mandate not to repeat successful tactics is overly paranoid or accurate?

Re: Class Discussion: Subtlety and Secrecy

[justice_undone]

"Repeating successful tactics can even be an advantage," Breq said. "If the attack was so forceful that the thought of it being repeated the enemy will be victims of their own fear, and they might make rash decisions."

That was usually the case when the Radchaai forces began an annexation.

Group Activity: RISK!

[atreideslioness]

Get in groups and wage war! If you feel up for an added challenge, get a group of four, and play two-on-two. Manage your alliances carefully, least they shift without warning.

Re: Group Activity: RISK!

[era_two_triangle]

Peridot was staring at the game in front of her, yes. Staring a lot.

There was no way this wasn't going to end with her attempting to make off with the game board.

Talk to Ghanima

[atreideslioness]

She's around, before and after class.

OOC

[atreideslioness]

No world-ending right after a dance.