Morituri te salutant: War in a Fantasy Realm

Embarking on the creation of a fantasy world involves not only building rich characters and immersive landscapes but also unravelling the complexities of warfare. If you are struggling to write war in a fantasy realm, have a read and comment any questions below. I'm Ryan from the Red Quills, a fervent worldbuilder and writer.

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The Pivotal Choice of Warfare

In the vast world of conflict, the choices of war in a fantasy realm are as diverse as the worlds we create. Move beyond the conventional imagery of soldiers clashing on the battlefield and explore alternative forms of warfare:

Wars of Attrition

• Deliberate Destruction: Dive into the realm of attrition wars, where the strategy is to intentionally destroy the enemy's resources, be it crops, livestock, or trade routes. This form of warfare seeks to starve or bankrupt the adversary into surrender.

Unconventional Warfare

• Guerilla Tactics: Explore the nuances of unconventional warfare, characterized by guerilla tactics, traps, ambushes, and spies. This type of conflict thrives on surprise and irregular tactics, making it challenging for traditional armies to anticipate and counter.
• Political Warfare: Consider the power of words in political warfare. Wars fought not with weapons, but with rhetoric, diplomacy, and influence. Uncover how verbal sparring and strategic discourse become weapons in the battle for dominance.

Decoding the Dynamics of Expectations

• Survival Rate: Delve into the statistical expectations of war. In traditional battles, for an army to be decimated, one in ten soldiers would die. Explore the factors influencing survival rates and how these expectations shape military strategies.
• Soldier's Flight: Examine the psychological aspects of war. When does a soldier choose to flee from the battlefield, and what triggers a full-scale army rout? Understand the delicate balance between courage and the instinct for self-preservation.
• Generals' Criteria: Gain insight into the mindset of military leaders. What does a general look for in the moments of victory and defeat? Explore the strategic, tactical, and morale-based criteria that define the outcomes of battles.

Beyond Victory: The End Goals of War

• Land Expansion: Consider the territorial ambitions that fuel wars. Is the goal to expand borders, claiming new lands for cultivation, mining, or settlement? Uncover the strategic importance of geographical expansion in the aftermath of conflict.
• Economic Wealth: Delve into the quest for wealth that drives nations to war. Whether it's gold to settle debts, fund further expansion, or satisfy the economic needs of the populace, understand the multifaceted role of wealth in the aftermath of conflict.
• Satisfaction and Tradition: Explore the intangible rewards sought by warring factions. Is there a quest for satisfaction, be it in upholding tradition or appeasing the populace? Uncover the cultural and societal motivations that transcend material gains.
• Slave Acquisition: Contemplate the darker aspects of war, where victory may lead to the acquisition of slaves. Explore how conquered populations become a workforce to serve the victors' economic interests.

The Complexity of War Unveiled

Save this post for later, and share your insights in the comments below. How does your fantasy realm navigate the nuances of warfare? What unique forms of conflict and outcomes define your realm? Follow for a continuous flow of insights into the art of crafting immersive fantasy worlds.